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Pereira PVDS, Di Azevedo MIN, Arashiro EKN, Watanabe YF, Correia LFL, Lilenbaum W, Souza-Fabjan JMG. The presence of Leptospira spp. in the follicular fluid of naturally infected cows affects the overall efficiency of the in vitro embryo production technique. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 266:107492. [PMID: 38749391 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107492] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The relationship between Leptospira infection and reproductive failures, as well as the mechanisms that lead to it, has not yet been fully established. It has been hypothesized that the presence of Leptospira spp. in the follicular fluid (FF) could impair the oocyte developmental competence. Thus, the impact of the presence of Leptospira spp. in the FF on in vitro embryo production (IVEP) outcomes was assessed. Dairy cows (n=244) from different farms were subjected to ovum pick-up for cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) collection. After PCR analysis of the FF, cows were retrospectively allocated into either: positive (POS-FF) or negative (NEG-FF) group. Statistical modeling was conducted using the farm, PCR result, and laboratory in which the IVEP was performed as effects. Noteworthy, 26.6% of the animals were positive for Leptospira spp., and 70% of farms had at least one POS-FF cow in the herd. POS-FF cows had a lower number of COCs recovered (22.6 ± 1.2 vs 15.0 ± 2.8, P=0.036), rate of viable COCs (85.6 ± 0.9% vs 78.1 ± 2.8%, P=0.015), number of good-quality COCs (16.0 ± 0.9 vs 9.8 ± 2.1, P=0.026), cleaved embryos (11.9 ± 0.7 vs 7.5 ± 1.5, P=0.032), and blastocysts (7.3 ± 0.4 vs 2.3 ± 0.7, P=0.044) yielded per cow. In conclusion, the presence of Leptospira spp. in the FF of naturally infected cows impaired the amount of COCs recovered, decreasing the overall IVEP efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Isabel Nogueira Di Azevedo
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Alameda Barros Terra, 57, Niterói, RJ CEP: 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Kenji Nunes Arashiro
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brasil Filho, 64, Niterói, RJ CEP: 24320-340, Brazil
| | - Yeda Fumie Watanabe
- Watanabe Tecnologia Aplicada, Avenida Coronel José Nogueira Terra, 233, Cravinhos, SP CEP: 14140-000, Brazil
| | | | - Walter Lilenbaum
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Alameda Barros Terra, 57, Niterói, RJ CEP: 24020-150, Brazil
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Clark HM, Stokes AE, Edwards JL, Payton RR, Schrick FN, Campagna SR, Sarumi Q, Hessock EA, Roberts SR, Azaridolatabad N, Moorey SE. Impact of preovulatory follicle maturity on oocyte metabolism and embryo development. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae181. [PMID: 38752021 PMCID: PMC11095542 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Improved oocyte competence for embryo development and pregnancy was observed following ovulation of preovulatory follicles with greater physiological maturity, as indicated by estradiol production, prior to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. It was hypothesized that follicular fluid from preovulatory follicles of greater maturity better supports the maturing oocyte's metabolic requirements and improves embryo development. The objective was to determine if differences in preovulatory follicular fluid due to follicle maturity influence oocyte metabolism during in vitro maturation (IVM) and affect embryo development. Bovine preovulatory follicular fluid was collected 18 h after a GnRH-induced LH surge. Serum estradiol concentration at GnRH administration categorized follicles as greater or lesser maturity. Immature bovine oocytes were submitted to 24 h IVM in medium supplemented with 20% follicular fluid from preovulatory follicles of greater or lesser maturity. Embryo development was recorded. Oocyte maturation media and media conditioned by developing embryos were submitted for metabolomics. A randomized block design was utilized to determine differences in embryo development and media metabolites (P ≤ 0.05). Blastocysts from oocytes matured in greater vs. lesser maturity follicular fluid had a more moderate rate of development (P = 0.01). At the conclusion of 24 h IVM, abundance of 66 metabolites differed between greater and lesser follicle maturity treatments. Nine metabolites differed in media conditioned by developing embryos. Metabolome results suggest improved amino acid, purine, and glucose metabolism, followed by a more efficient rate of embryo development, in oocytes matured in greater vs lesser maturity follicular fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Clark
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Allyson E Stokes
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - J Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Rebecca R Payton
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - F Neal Schrick
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Shawn R Campagna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, 1420 Circle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Qudus Sarumi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, 1420 Circle Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Emma A Hessock
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Samantha R Roberts
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Nima Azaridolatabad
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Sarah E Moorey
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and AgResearch, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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3
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Sales A, Cappellozza BI, Vilela E, Claro Júnior I, Sá Filho OG, Vasconcelos JLM. Effects of estradiol cypionate dosage and body condition on reproductive performance of Nellore cattle synchronized for timed-artificial insemination. Theriogenology 2023; 210:207-213. [PMID: 37527622 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of increasing doses of estradiol cypionate (ECP) and different body condition score (BCS) on reproductive performance of Bos indicus beef females assigned to a timed-artificial insemination (TAI) management. In this experiment, 1683 Bos indicus Nellore cows were blocked by parity and assigned to receive 1) an intravaginal P4 device (1.9 g of P4) and 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate on day -11, 12.5 mg (i.m.) of dinoprost tromethamine, 300 IU (i.m.) of equine chorionic gonadotrophin, 0.6 mg (i.m.) of estradiol cypionate and CIDR withdrawal on day -2, followed by TAI on day 0 (n = 849; 0.6ECP) or 2) the same synchronization protocol with 1.0 mg of ECP on day -2 (n = 834; 1.0ECP). In both treatments, estrus expression was measured between days -2 and 0. Body condition score (BCS) was evaluated on days -11, 31, and 71 of the experiment and the BCS variation (Δ) was also determined between these timepoints. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed on days 31, 71, and 111 for pregnancy rate determination. All binary data were analyzed using cow as the experimental unit with GLIMMIX, whereas continuous variables were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS. No treatment effects were observed on estrus expression rate. Treatment × BCS interactions were observed for pregnancy rates in all time points (days 31, 71, and 111), as 1.0ECP cows with a LOW BCS also had a greater P/AI than cows assigned to 0.6ECP. In summary, increasing the dose of ECP benefited the reproductive performance of Nellore beef cows with a reduced BCS (≤2.75), whereas no benefits were seen when the BCS was considered adequate (>2.75).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sales
- Lageado Biotecnologia e Pecuária, Mineiros, GO, 75830-000, Brazil
| | | | - E Vilela
- Lageado Biotecnologia e Pecuária, Mineiros, GO, 75830-000, Brazil
| | | | | | - J L M Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, 18168-000, Brazil.
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Silva SA, Mondadori RG, Noleto GS, Barbosa IP, Gonçalves RL, Gasperin BG, Rovani MT, Paz EF, Gomes LS, Pfeifer LFM. GnRH34 with or without estradiol cypionate in timed AI in Bos indicus beef cows. Theriogenology 2023; 209:134-140. [PMID: 37392531 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.026] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Two experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of GnRH treatment on the fertility of suckled Nelore beef cows treated with an estradiol/progesterone (E2/P4)-based protocol for timed artificial insemination (TAI). Experiment 1 focused on determining the effects of estradiol cypionate (EC) on ovulation in TAI cows treated with GnRH 34 h after removal of the intravaginal P4 device (IPD). Suckled cows (n = 26) were treated with 2 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) and IPD containing 1 g P4. After 8 days, IPDs were removed, and all cows were treated with 150 μg of d-cloprostenol (prostaglandin F2 alpha analog) and 300 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), then separated into two treatment groups consisting of cows who received 1) saline 0.9% i.m. (GnRH34 group) or 2) 0.6 mg i.m. of EC (EC-GnRH34 group). On day 9 (05:00 p.m.), all cows were given GnRH (10.5 μg of buserelin acetate) i.m. No differences were observed between the groups (P > 0.05) in the time of ovulation after IPD removal or in the proportion of cows ovulating. Experiment 2 focused on determining the effects of GnRH34 along with or in the absence of EC on day 8 on pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in postpartum beef cows. Cows (n = 981) were treated similarly to those in Experiment 1, but an additional group, the EC-GnRH48 group, was included, in which cows received EC on day 8 whereas those that did not show estrus received GnRH at TAI. Thus, in this experiment, groups consisted of GnRH34 (n = 322), EC-GnRH34 (n = 335), and EC-GnRH48 (n = 324). A higher rate of estrus expression was observed in cows treated with EC following IPD removal (EC-GnRH34: 69%, EC-GnRH48: 64.8%) than in cows in the GnRH34 group (45.6%). No difference in P/AI was observed between the treatment groups (P = 0.45), but P/AI in cows in the EC-GnRH34 group (64.2%) tended to be greater (P = 0.1) than in cows in the GnRH34 group (58%). In summary, although ovulation synchrony did not differ among the groups, P/AI in cows treated with EC and GnRH 34 h after IPD removal tended to be greater than in cows treated solely with GnRH; this was most likely due to a shorter proestrus/estrus period, considering the lower proportion of cows that displayed estrus in the GnRH34 group. Finally, given that P/AI did not differ between the EC-GnRH34 and EC-GnRH48 groups, our results suggest that, for cows not displaying estrus, administration of EC at the time of IPD removal followed by treatment with GnRH 48 h afterward represents the most cost-efficient TAI strategy for South American Zebu-based beef operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira A Silva
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPEL, PPG em Veterinária, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael G Mondadori
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPEL, PPG em Veterinária, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabrielly S Noleto
- Universidade Federal de Rondonia - UNIR, PPG em Desenvolvimento Regional e Meio Ambiente, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Ingrid P Barbosa
- Universidade Federal do Acre, UFAC, PPGESPA, Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil
| | | | - Bernardo G Gasperin
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPEL, PPG em Veterinária, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Monique T Rovani
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, PPG em Ciências Veterinárias, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Eanes F Paz
- Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Professional, Machadinho do Oeste, RO, Brazil
| | - Leonardo S Gomes
- Embrapa Rondonia, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Luiz F M Pfeifer
- Embrapa Rondonia, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil.
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Perry GA, Ketchum JN, Quail LK. Importance of preovulatory estradiol on uterine receptivity and luteal function. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230061. [PMID: 37720725 PMCID: PMC10503890 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0061] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals that exhibited estrus had greater pregnancy success compared to animals that did not exhibit estrus before fixed-time AI (FTAI). Estradiol is synthesized in bovine ovarian follicles under gonadotropin regulation and can directly and indirectly regulate the uterine receptivity and luteal function. Estradiol concentrations at FTAI impacted oviductal gene expression and has been reported to play an important role in establishing the timing of uterine receptivity. These changes have been reported to impact uterine pH and sperm transport to the site of fertilization. After fertilization, preovulatory estradiol has been reported to improve embryo survival likely by mediating changes in uterine blood flow, endometrial thickness and changes in histotroph. Cows with greater estradiol concentrations at the time of GnRH-induced ovulation also had a larger dominant follicle size and greater circulating progesterone concentrations on day 7. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately determine the individual benefit of greater estradiol concentrations prior to ovulation and greater progesterone concentrations following ovulation to pregnancy establishment, as these two measurements are confounded. Research has indicated an importance in the occurrence and timing of increasing preovulatory concentrations of estradiol, but increasing estradiol concentrations by supplementation may not be sufficient to increase fertility. Increased production of estradiol by the preovulatory follicle may be required to enhance fertility through the regulation of sperm transport, fertilization, oviductal secretions, the uterine environment, and embryo survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaclyn Nicole Ketchum
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lacey Kay Quail
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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6
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Ketchum JN, Perry GA, Quail LK, Epperson KM, Ogg MA, Zezeski AL, Rich JJJ, Zoca SM, Kline AC, Andrews TN, Ortega MS, Smith MF, Geary TW. Influence of preovulatory estradiol treatment on the maintenance of pregnancy in beef cattle receiving in vivo produced embryos. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 255:107274. [PMID: 37320862 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107274] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This experiment was designed to determine the role of preovulatory estradiol in pregnancy retention after embryo transfer (ET). Cows were synchronized with the 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR® protocol. On d0 (d-2 =CIDR® removal), cows were grouped by estrual status (estrual [Positive Control] and nonestrual), and nonestrual cows were administered Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and randomly assigned to either no treatment (Negative Control) or Estradiol (0.1 mg estradiol 17-β IM). All cows received an embryo on d7. Pregnancy status was retrospectively classified on d56, 30, 24, and 19 by either ultrasonography, plasma pregnancy-associated glycoproteins analysis (PAGs), expression of interferon-stimulated genes, plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations, or a combination of the factors. There was no difference in estradiol concentrations on day 0 h 0 (P > 0.16). At day 0 h 2, Estradiol cows (15.7 ± 0.25 pg/mL) had elevated (P < 0.001) estradiol compared with Positive Controls (3.4 ± 0.26 pg/mL) or Negative Controls (4.3 ± 0.25 pg/mL). On d19, pregnancy rates did not differ (P = 0.14) among treatments. On d24, Positive Controls (47%) had greater (P < 0.01) pregnancy rates than Negative Controls (32%); Estradiol cows were intermediate (40%). There was no difference (P = 0.38) in pregnancy rates between Positive Control (41%) and Estradiol (36%) cows on d30, but Negative Control (27%) cows had (P = 0.01) or tended (P = 0.08) to have decreased pregnancy rates, respectively. Thus, preovulatory estradiol may elicit an effect on early uterine attachment or alter histotroph components, consequently improving pregnancy maintenance through d30.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Ketchum
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX 75684, USA
| | - G A Perry
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX 75684, USA
| | - L K Quail
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX 75684, USA
| | - K M Epperson
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX 75684, USA; Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO 64468, USA
| | - M A Ogg
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - A L Zezeski
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301, USA
| | - J J J Rich
- College of Agriculture, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72467, USA
| | - S Menegatti Zoca
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37996, USA; Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - A C Kline
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - T N Andrews
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - M S Ortega
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Animal&Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - M F Smith
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - T W Geary
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301, USA.
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7
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Sartori R, Consentini CEC, Alves RLOR, Silva LO, Wiltbank MC. Review: Manipulation of follicle development to improve fertility of cattle in timed-artificial insemination programs. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100769. [PMID: 37567674 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of an ovulatory follicle is a fundamental premise for any reproductive management program that aims to optimize fertility in cattle. Controlling follicular development comprises the synchronized emergence of a new follicular wave, selection and growth of the dominant follicle, and synchronized ovulation of a high-quality oocyte. All these follicular events, primarily driven by gonadotropin secretion, occur under a very dynamic hormonal environment. In this sense, controlling follicular development demands essentially a precise manipulation of the hormonal environment to modulate gonadotropin secretion. Furthermore, the effectiveness of hormonal manipulation strategies in the management of follicular development depends on specific particularities of each situation, which can vary widely according to genetic groups (Bos taurus vs Bos indicus), nutritional, metabolic, and reproductive status. In this regard, the constant search for the refined synchrony between the hormonal treatments and reproductive events, considering these distinctions and particularities, have provided valuable information that contributed to the development of efficient reproductive programs. This manuscript discusses the physiological bases behind the development of fine-tuned timed-artificial insemination protocols for beef and dairy cattle that resulted in great improvements in reproductive efficiency of beef and dairy herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sartori
- Department of Animal Sciences, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture of University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil.
| | - C E C Consentini
- Department of Animal Sciences, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture of University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - R L O R Alves
- Department of Animal Sciences, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture of University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - L O Silva
- Department of Animal Sciences, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture of University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - M C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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8
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Costa CB, Fair T, Seneda MM. Review: Environment of the ovulatory follicle: modifications and use of biotechnologies to enhance oocyte competence and increase fertility in cattle. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100866. [PMID: 37567670 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100866] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The oocyte is the basis of life, supporting development from a fertilized cell to an independent multicellular organism. The oocyte's competence to drive the first cell cycles postfertilization are critical to embryonic survival and subsequent successful pregnancy. Coupled with the complex processes of follicle assembly, activation, differentiation, growth, and terminal maturation, oocyte developmental competence is gradually acquired during oocyte growth and meiotic maturation. Most reproduction management technologies and interventions are centered around these highly coordinated processes, targeting the ovarian follicle and the oocyte within. Thus, our objective was to highlight key aspects of oocyte and follicle development in cattle, and to discuss recent advances in oocyte and follicle-centered reproductive biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Bortoliero Costa
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Assis, São Paulo, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marcelo M Seneda
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
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9
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Consentini CEC, Alves RLOR, Silva MA, Galindez JPA, Madureira G, Lima LG, Gonçalves JRS, Wiltbank MC, Sartori R. What are the factors associated with pregnancy loss after timed-artificial insemination in Bos indicus cattle? Theriogenology 2023; 196:264-269. [PMID: 36436362 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.037] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy loss (PL) has important impacts on the profitability of livestock production systems, although it is not widely reported, particularly in Bos indicus cattle. The present study retrospectively evaluated PL after timed-artificial insemination (TAI) in Bos indicus (Nelore) beef cows corresponding to several factors, such as parity, body condition score (BCS), presence of corpus luteum (CL) at the beginning of TAI protocols, expression of estrus, and hormonal manipulations during the TAI protocol. Data from two experiments performed during three breeding seasons (BS) were reanalyzed. Both experiments evaluated adding GnRH treatment at TAI in a 7-d estradiol (E2) plus progesterone (P4)-based protocol, with intravaginal P4 implant removal on Day 7 combined with treatment with 0.5 or 1.0 mg E2 cypionate and 300 IU eCG, and TAI on Day 9. In addition, during BS 2 and 3 (Exp 2), cows were randomized to receive or not a PGF treatment on Day 0 (beginning of the TAI protocol). In all BS, presence of CL and BCS were evaluated at the beginning of TAI protocols, follicle size and expression of estrus were evaluated at TAI. The PL was assessed between the first pregnancy diagnosis (∼35d) and parturition. There were no effects of hormonal manipulations within TAI protocols of different BS on PL. There was no interaction between GnRH treatment at TAI and the other variables within BS, and there was no main effect of GnRH treatment on PL (without = 10.1% [102/1007] vs. with = 10.4% [114/1100]). The addition of PGF on Day 0 had no effect on PL (11.5% [102/886] vs. 10.5% [89/850]), as well as EC dose to induce final ovulation (10.8% [89/827] vs. 11.2% [102/909] for 0.5 and 1.0 mg, respectively). Primiparous had greater PL than multiparous cows (14.0% [77/550] vs. 8.9% [139/1557]), and cows not expressing estrus near TAI had greater PL than those expressing estrus (13.5% [57/422] vs. 9.7% [156/1617]). There was no interaction between follicle size at TAI and GnRH treatment on PL. However, probability of PL decreased linearly as follicle size at TAI increased. There were no effects of service number (first TAI or resynchronization), BCS, or presence of CL on D0 on PL. In addition, PL was not affected by sire within any of the BS. In conclusion, some factors that are known to impact pregnancy per AI also influenced PL, such as parity and expression of estrus, although, other aspects such as BCS, number of services, and presence of CL on D0 did not affect PL. Moreover, commonly implemented treatments to increase fertility (e.g., PGF on Day 0 and increasing EC dose to 1.0 mg) did not affect PL. Finally, the GnRH treatment at TAI had no effect on PL and did not interact with any of the variables, an important result, since GnRH at TAI also increases fertility in Bos indicus beef cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E C Consentini
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil; Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Rodrigo L O R Alves
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Mateus A Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Juan P A Galindez
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Madureira
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Laísse G Lima
- "Hildegard Georgina Von Pritzelwiltz" Experimental Station, Londrina, PR, 86010-990, Brazil
| | - José R S Gonçalves
- "Hildegard Georgina Von Pritzelwiltz" Experimental Station, Londrina, PR, 86010-990, Brazil
| | - Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Roberto Sartori
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil.
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10
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Poole RK, Pickett AT, Oliveira Filho RV, de Melo GD, Palanisamy V, Chitlapilly Dass S, Cooke RF, Pohler KG. Shifts in uterine bacterial communities associated with endogenous progesterone and 17β-estradiol concentrations in beef cattle. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2023; 82:106766. [PMID: 36182815 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The relation between circulating concentrations of progesterone and 17β-estradiol prior to insemination play a key role in optimizing fertility in cattle. This study aimed to determine the impact of endogenous progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentrations on uterine bacterial community abundance and diversity in beef cattle. Angus-influenced heifers were subjected to an industry standard estrous synchronization protocol. Uterine flushes were collected on d -2 (endogenous P4) and d 0 (endogenous E2) and used for targeting the V4 hypervariable region of 16S rRNA bacterial gene. Plasma was collected on d -2 and 0 for quantification of P4 and E2 concentrations by radioimmunoassay, respectively. Heifers were allotted to one of the following groups: High P4 + High E2 (H-H; n = 11), High P4 + Low E2 (H-L; n = 9), Low P4 + High E2 (L-H; n = 9), Low P4 + Low E2 (L-L; n = 11). Results indicated that Shannon's diversity index tended to be greater for H-L heifers compared to L-H heifers on d 0 (P = 0.10). For H-L heifers from d -2 to d 0, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria decreased and Tenericutes increased (P < 0.01). Within phylum Actinobacteria, the relative abundance of Corynebacterium decreased from d -2 to d 0 in treatment groups H-H, H-L, and L-L (P < 0.05); however, did not differ by d for L-H heifers. Within phylum Tenericutes, the relative abundance of Ureaplasma increased from d -2 to d 0 for H-L heifers (P = 0.01). Additionally for H-L heifers, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes tended to increase from day -2 to on d 0 (P = 0.07). For H-L heifers, uterine pH increased from day -2 to d 0 (P = 0.05). These results suggest that differing endogenous concentrations of P4 and E2 may be associated with shifts in uterine microbiota and pH, and this could ultimately impact fertility outcomes in beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Poole
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - A T Pickett
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - R V Oliveira Filho
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - G D de Melo
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - V Palanisamy
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - S Chitlapilly Dass
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - R F Cooke
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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11
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Read CC, Edwards JL, Schrick FN, Rhinehart JD, Payton RR, Campagna SR, Castro HF, Klabnik JL, Moorey SE. Preovulatory serum estradiol concentration is positively associated with oocyte ATP and follicular fluid metabolite abundance in lactating beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6620784. [PMID: 35772749 PMCID: PMC9246671 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle induced to ovulate a small, physiologically immature preovulatory follicle had reduced oocyte developmental competence that resulted in decreased embryo cleavage and day 7 embryo quality compared with animals induced to ovulate a more advanced follicle. RNA-sequencing was performed on oocytes and their corresponding cumulus cells approximately 23 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration to induce the preovulatory gonadotropin surge suggested reduced capacity for glucose metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation in the cumulus cells and oocytes from follicles ≤11.7 mm, respectively. We hypothesized that induced ovulation of a small, physiologically immature preovulatory follicle results in a suboptimal follicular microenvironment and reduced oocyte metabolic capacity. We performed a study with the objective to determine the impact of preovulatory follicle diameter and serum estradiol concentration at GnRH administration on oocyte metabolic competence and follicular fluid metabolome profiles. We synchronized the development of a preovulatory follicle and collected the follicle contents via transvaginal aspiration approximately 19 h after GnRH administration in lactating beef cows (n = 319). We determined ATP levels and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in 110 oocytes and performed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry metabolomic studies on 45 follicular fluid samples. Intraoocyte ATP and the amount of ATP produced per mtDNA copy number were associated with serum estradiol concentration at GnRH and time from GnRH administration to follicle aspiration (P < 0.05). mtDNA copy number was not related to follicle diameter at GnRH, serum estradiol concentration at GnRH, or any potential covariates (P > 0.10). We detected 90 metabolites in the aspirated follicular fluid. We identified 22 metabolites associated with serum estradiol concentration at GnRH and 63 metabolites associated with follicular fluid progesterone concentration at the time of follicle aspiration (FDR < 0.10). Pathway enrichment analysis of significant metabolites suggested altered proteinogenesis, citric acid cycle, and pyrimidine metabolism in follicles of reduced estrogenic capacity pre-gonadotropin surge or reduced progesterone production by the time of follicle aspiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey C Read
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - J Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - F Neal Schrick
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Justin D Rhinehart
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Rebecca R Payton
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Shawn R Campagna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Hector F Castro
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Jessica L Klabnik
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Sarah E Moorey
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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12
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Moorey SE, Hessock EA, Edwards JL. Preovulatory follicle contributions to oocyte competence in cattle: importance of the ever-evolving intrafollicular environment leading up to the luteinizing hormone surge. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6620792. [PMID: 35772757 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The preovulatory intrafollicular environment plays a major role in determining oocyte competence. The basis of this review is to highlight the importance of the preovulatory follicle's physiological status prior to the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and onset of oocyte maturation to promote an optimal follicular microenvironment and optimal oocyte developmental competence in cattle. While the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and are likely multifactorial, the preovulatory follicle's physiological status prior to the preovulatory LH surge is highly influential on the oocyte's capacity to undergo postfertilization embryo development. Changes in the intrafollicular environment of the preovulatory follicle including steroid hormone production, metabolome profiles, and proteome profiles likely support the oocyte's developmental and metabolic competency. This review focuses on the relationship between bovine oocyte developmental competency and antral follicle progression to the preovulatory phase, the role of the preovulatory follicle in improving oocyte developmental competence in cattle, and the importance of the ever-evolving preovulatory intrafollicular environment for optimal fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Moorey
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Emma A Hessock
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - J Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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13
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Epperson KM, Beck EE, Rich JJ, Northrop-Albrecht EJ, Perkins SD, Zezeski AL, Ketchum JN, Zoca SM, Walker JA, Geary TW, Perry GA. Modulation of expression of estrus, steroidogenesis and embryo development following peri-Artificial Insemination nutrient restriction in beef heifers. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 244:107045. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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14
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Horn EJ, Read CC, Edwards JL, Schrick FN, Rhinehart JD, Payton RR, Campagna SR, Klabnik JL, Clark HM, Myer PR, McLean KJ, Moorey SE. Preovulatory follicular fluid and serum metabolome profiles in lactating beef cows with thin, moderate, and obese body condition. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6620790. [PMID: 35772755 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Extremes in body condition reduce fertility and overall productivity in beef cattle herds, due in part to altered systemic metabolic conditions that influence the intrafollicular and uterine environment. Follicular fluid and serum metabolome profiles are influenced by body composition in women and dairy cattle; however, such information is lacking in beef cattle. We hypothesized that body condition score (BCS)-related alterations in the metabolome of preovulatory follicular fluid and serum may influence oocyte maturation while impacting the oviductal or uterine environment. Therefore, we performed a study with the objective to determine the relationship between BCS and the metabolome of follicular fluid and serum in lactating beef cattle. We synchronized the development of a preovulatory follicle in 130 cows of varying BCS. We collected blood and performed transvaginal follicle aspirations to collect follicular fluid from the preovulatory follicle ~18 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone administration to stimulate the preovulatory gonadotropin surge. We then selected follicular fluid and serum samples from cows with BCS 4 (Thin; n = 14), BCS 6 (Moderate; n = 18), or BCS >8 (Obese; n = 14) for ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. We identified differences in the follicular fluid or serum of thin, moderate, and obese animals based on multiple linear regression. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was used for enrichment analysis of significant metabolites. We identified 38 metabolites in follicular fluid and 49 metabolites in serum. There were no significant differences in follicular fluid metabolite content among BCS classifications. There were 5, 22, and 1 serum metabolites differentially abundant between thin-obese, moderate-thin, and moderate-obese classifications, respectively (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.10). These metabolites were enriched in multiple processes including "arginine biosynthesis," "arginine/proline metabolism," and "D-glutamine/D-glutamate metabolism" (FDR < 0.04). Pathways enriched with serum metabolites associated with BCS indicate potentially increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum of thin cows. ROS crossing the blood follicular barrier may negatively impact the oocyte during oocyte maturation and contribute to the reduced pregnancy rates observed in thin beef cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Horn
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Casey C Read
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - J Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - F Neal Schrick
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Justin D Rhinehart
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Rebecca R Payton
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Shawn R Campagna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Jessica L Klabnik
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Hannah M Clark
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Phillip R Myer
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Kyle J McLean
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Sarah E Moorey
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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15
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Madureira AML, Denis-Robichaud J, Guida TG, Cerri RLA, Vasconcelos JLM. Association between genomic daughter pregnancy rates and reproductive parameters in Holstein dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:5534-5543. [PMID: 35450716 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the relationship between genomic daughter pregnancy rate (GDPR) with reproduction parameters such as pregnancy at first artificial insemination (AI), pregnancy per AI, and pregnancy losses (PL). A total of 12,949 events from 3,499 Holstein cows were included. Cows were enrolled as nulliparous (n = 1,220), primiparous (n = 1,314), or multiparous (n = 965). Cows were bred either after a timed AI protocol, timed embryo transfer (ET), or spontaneous estrus. Most lactating cows were bred following a timed AI protocol based on estradiol and progesterone, and most nulliparous were artificially inseminated following estrus detection. Hair samples were collected from the tail switch and cows were genotyped using a SNP platform (Clarifide, Zoetis). Cows that were bred by timed AI were evaluated for estrous behavior using tail chalk. Tail chalk was applied on the head of the tail 2 d before timed AI and the chalk was evaluated at AI (no estrus: 100% of chalk remaining or ≥50% of chalk remaining; Estrus: <50% of chalk remaining). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at d 32 and 60 after AI using ultrasonography, and the presence of a heartbeat was considered a positive diagnosis. Pregnancy loss was defined as a pregnant cow on d 32 that was nonpregnant on d 60. As GDPR increased, the odds of pregnancy at first AI increased [odds ratio (OR) = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.20-1.35], the odds of pregnancy per AI increased (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.25-1.36), and the odds of PL decreased (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.60-0.72). Most cows that were bred on the day of the timed AI demonstrated estrus (n = 6,075; 92.9%). The odds of demonstrating estrus on the day of timed AI increased as GDPR increased (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.17-1.48). There was no interaction between GDPR and parity or breeding management for pregnancy at first AI, pregnancy per AI, and PL. In conclusion, the odds of pregnancy at first AI and pregnancy per AI increased as GDPR increased. Moreover, the odds of PL increased as GDPR decreased. Greater GDPR was also associated with greater occurrence of estrus on the day of timed AI. These results suggest that selecting for higher GDPR could result in better reproductive performance, but this would need to be assessed with additional research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M L Madureira
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4; University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus, Ridgetown, ON, Canada N0P 2C0
| | - J Denis-Robichaud
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - T G Guida
- Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil 18168-000
| | - R L A Cerri
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil 18168-000.
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16
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McLean MK, Geary TW, Zezeski AL, Smith MF, Spencer TE, Pohler KG, Reese ST, Perry GA. Impact of preovulatory estradiol concentrations on subsequent luteal function in beef cattle. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:286-297. [PMID: 35394393 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2038717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
It has been hypothesized that circulating concentrations of estradiol during the preovulatory period, can impact subsequent progesterone concentrations. Ovulation was synchronized in nonlactating beef cows (n = 53). Cows that exhibited estrus before gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced ovulation (d 0) had greater (p<.01) peak concentrations of estradiol compared with cows that did not express estrus (11.5 ± 0.8 vs. 6.2 ± 0.6 pg/mL), respectively, but there was no difference in ovulatory follicle size (p= .80) or interval from GnRH2 to ovulation (p=.23). Circulating concentrations of progesterone during luteal formation (d 3-7; p=.70 and p=.77) or mid-luteal phase (d 8-14; p=.39 and p=.12) were not affected by elevated periovulatory estradiol or an interaction with day. To investigate the direct influence of estradiol on luteal function, ovulation (d 0) was synchronized in nonlactating beef cows and cows were allocated to three groups (control, n = 5; vehicle injection, n = 4; or an estradiol antagonist (Fulvestrant; ICI 182,780), n = 4. Intrafollicular injection of vehicle (100 µL) or an estradiol antagonist (25 μg Fulvestrant in 100 µL) into the largest follicle occurred on d -2. Concentrations of estradiol increased (p<.0001) from d -2 to 0 but did not differ among groups (p>.50). Furthermore, plasma concentrations of progesterone on d 0 through 20 were not affected by treatment (p=.86). These results indicate that elevated preovulatory estradiol before ovulation was not required to prepare granulosa cells for luteinization or subsequent luteal progesterone secretion but did tend to impact luteal lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas W Geary
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Lab, Miles City, MT, USA
| | - Abby L Zezeski
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Lab, Miles City, MT, USA
| | | | | | - Ky G Pohler
- Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - George A Perry
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton, TX, USA
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17
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Correlation between Pre-Ovulatory Follicle Diameter and Follicular Fluid Metabolome Profiles in Lactating Beef Cows. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11090623. [PMID: 34564438 PMCID: PMC8471867 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11090623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Induced ovulation of small pre-ovulatory follicles reduced pregnancy rates, embryo survival, day seven embryo quality, and successful embryo cleavage in beef cows undergoing fixed-time artificial insemination. RNA-sequencing of oocytes and associated cumulus cells collected from pre-ovulatory follicles 23 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration to induce the pre-ovulatory gonadotropin surge suggested reduced capacity for glucose metabolism in cumulus cells of follicles ≤11.7 mm. We hypothesized that the follicular fluid metabolome influences metabolic capacity of the cumulus-oocyte complex and contributes to reduced embryo cleavage and quality grade observed following induced ovulation of small follicles. Therefore, we performed a study to determine the correlation between pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and follicular fluid metabolome profiles in lactating beef cows (Angus, n = 130). We synchronized the development of a pre-ovulatory follicle and collected the follicular contents approximately 20 h after GnRH administration. We then performed ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) metabolomic studies on 43 follicular fluid samples and identified 38 metabolites within pre-ovulatory follicles of increasing size. We detected 18 metabolites with a significant, positive correlation to follicle diameter. Individual and pathway enrichment analysis of significantly correlated metabolites suggest that altered glucose and amino acid metabolism likely contribute to reduced developmental competence of oocytes when small pre-ovulatory follicles undergo induced ovulation.
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18
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Moorey SE, Monnig JM, Smith MF, Ortega MS, Green JA, Pohler KG, Bridges GA, Behura SK, Geary TW. Differential Transcript Profiles in Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes Originating from Pre-Ovulatory Follicles of Varied Physiological Maturity in Beef Cows. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12060893. [PMID: 34200628 PMCID: PMC8227736 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small dominant follicle diameter at induced ovulation, but not at spontaneous ovulation, decreased pregnancy rate, fertilization rate, and day seven embryo quality in beef cows. We hypothesized that the physiological status of the follicle at GnRH-induced ovulation has a direct effect on the transcriptome of the Cumulus-Oocyte complex, thereby affecting oocyte competence and subsequent embryo development. The objective of this study was to determine if the transcriptome of oocytes and associated cumulus cells (CC) differed among small (≤11.7 mm) and large follicles (≥12.7 mm) exposed to a GnRH-induced gonadotropin surge and follicles (11.7–14.0 mm) exposed to an endogenous gonadotropin surge (spontaneous follicles). RNA sequencing data, from pools of four oocytes or their corresponding CC, revealed 69, 94, and 83 differentially expressed gene transcripts (DEG) among oocyte pools from small versus large, small versus spontaneous, and large versus spontaneous follicle classifications, respectively. An additional 128, 98, and 80 DEG were identified among small versus large, small versus spontaneous, and large versus spontaneous follicle CC pools, respectively. The biological pathway “oxidative phosphorylation” was significantly enriched with DEG from small versus spontaneous follicle oocyte pools (FDR < 0.01); whereas the glycolytic pathway was significantly enriched with DEG from CC pools obtained from large versus small follicles (FDR < 0.01). These findings collectively suggest that altered carbohydrate metabolism within the Cumulus-Oocyte complex likely contributes to the decreased competency of oocytes from small pre-ovulatory follicles exposed to an exogenous GnRH-induced gonadotropin surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Moorey
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Jenna M. Monnig
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (J.M.M.); (M.F.S.); (M.S.O.); (J.A.G.); (S.K.B.)
| | - Michael F. Smith
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (J.M.M.); (M.F.S.); (M.S.O.); (J.A.G.); (S.K.B.)
| | - M. Sofia Ortega
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (J.M.M.); (M.F.S.); (M.S.O.); (J.A.G.); (S.K.B.)
| | - Jonathan A. Green
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (J.M.M.); (M.F.S.); (M.S.O.); (J.A.G.); (S.K.B.)
| | - Ky G. Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - G. Alan Bridges
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA;
| | - Susanta K. Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (J.M.M.); (M.F.S.); (M.S.O.); (J.A.G.); (S.K.B.)
| | - Thomas W. Geary
- USDA-ARS Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Lab, Miles City, MT 59301, USA;
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19
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Campanile G, Baruselli PS, Limone A, D'Occhio MJ. Local action of cytokines and immune cells in communication between the conceptus and uterus during the critical period of early embryo development, attachment and implantation - Implications for embryo survival in cattle: A review. Theriogenology 2021; 167:1-12. [PMID: 33743503 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Early embryo development, implantation and pregnancy involve a complex dialogue between the embryo and mother. In cattle this dialogue starts as early as days 3-4 when the embryo is still in the oviduct, and it continues to implantation. Immunological processes involving cytokines, mast cells and macrophages form an important part of this dialogue. Amongst the cytokines, interleukin-6 (Il-6) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) are secreted by both the embryo and uterine endometrium and form part of an ongoing and reciprocating dialogue. Mast cells and macrophages populate the uterine endometrium during embryo development and are involved in achieving the correct balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory reactions at the uterus that are associated with embryo attachment and implantation. Embryo loss is the major cause of reproductive wastage in cattle, and livestock generally. A deeper understanding of immunological processes during early embryo development will help to achieve the next step change in the efficiency of natural and assisted breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Limone
- Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Michael J D'Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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20
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Ciernia LA, Perry GA, Smith MF, Rich JJ, Northrop EJ, Perkins SD, Green JA, Zezeski AL, Geary TW. Effect of estradiol preceding and progesterone subsequent to ovulation on proportion of postpartum beef cows pregnant. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 227:106723. [PMID: 33621845 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to examine the effect of plasma concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2) preceding and progesterone (P4) subsequent to ovulation on proportions of beef cows pregnant following embryo transfer. Timing of ovulation (d 0) among postpartum cows was synchronized and cows that expressed estrus were removed from each study. In Experiment 1, plasma E2 concentration on d 0 was used to classify cows (n = 353) into Low, Medium, and High E2 groups. Pregnancy rate for cows with Low, Medium, or High E2 concentrations were different (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, there were multiple administrations of PGF2α to evaluate the independent effects of Low or High E2 before ovulation and Low or Normal (no treatment) P4 after ovulation on proportions of cows pregnant. Treatment groups in Experiment 2, therefore, were: Low E2-Low P4 (LL; n = 71), Low E2-Normal P4 (LN; n = 69), High E2-Low P4 (HL; n = 74), and High E2-Normal P4 (HN; n = 73). Concentrations of P4 on d 7 subsequent to ovulation were less (P < 0.05) in cows of the HL compared to HN, and in LL compared to LN groups. Concentrations of E2 on d -2, 0, and change in E2 (d -2 to d 0) had a positive effect (P < 0.008) on pregnancy rates. In summary, relatively greater E2 concentrations preceding ovulation; and relatively greater P4 concentrations subsequent to ovulation combined with lesser E2 concentrations preceding ovulation had a positive effect on proportions of postpartum cows pregnant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G A Perry
- South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - M F Smith
- University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - J J Rich
- South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - E J Northrop
- South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - S D Perkins
- South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - J A Green
- University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - A L Zezeski
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Lab, Miles City, MT, USA
| | - T W Geary
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Lab, Miles City, MT, USA.
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21
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Hassan M, Arshad U, Erdoğan G, Ahmad N. Evaluation of haemodynamic changes of uterine arteries using Doppler ultrasonography during different stages of pregnancy in Bos indicus cows. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1425-1433. [PMID: 32741044 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of the study were to evaluate haemodynamic changes and their relationships among ipsilateral (IPS) and contralateral (CONT) uterine arteries (UA) during different stages of pregnancy in Bos indicus cows. Multiparous pregnant cows (n = 40) having a gestation length 30.47 ± 0.54 (mean ± SD) days were randomly enrolled and subjected to Doppler ultrasonography sequentially at 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th months of gestation. Blood flow indices including diameter of UA (mm), blood flow volume (BFVo, ml/min), blood flow velocity (BFVe, cm/s), time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV, cm/s), pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were recorded. Data were analysed with mixed models using the PROC MIXED procedures, and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated using the PROC CORR statement in SAS. The final statistical models included the fixed effects of side of UA, gestation month and the interaction between side of UA and gestation month. Results revealed that the mean diameter of the UA (12.13 ± 0.22 vs. 10.09 ± 0.22), BFVo (1236.33 ± 0.55 vs. 770.41 ± 0.55), BFVe (17.18 ± 0.42 vs. 15.58 ± 0.42) and TAMV (17.11 ± 0.44 vs. 15.77 ± 0.44) was higher (p < .05) in IPS as compared to CONT side of the UA in cows. However, PI and RI did not differ between IPS and CON arteries of uterus in cows. A very high and positive correlation (r = .89; p < .05) existed between the diameter of UA and BFVo starting from 1st to 8th months of gestation in IPS as well as CONT sides of UA. Moreover, TAMV was highly and positively correlated (r = .91; p < .05) with BFVe throughout the gestation. In conclusion, these haemodynamic changes in the UA could be used as a valuable validity tool to differentiate the compromised pregnancy in Bos indicus cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubbashar Hassan
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Usman Arshad
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Güneş Erdoğan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Nasim Ahmad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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22
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Epperson KM, Rich JJJ, Zoca SM, Northrop EJ, Perkins SD, Walker JA, Rhoades JR, Perry GA. Effect of progesterone supplementation in a resynchronization protocol on follicular dynamics and pregnancy success. Theriogenology 2020; 157:121-129. [PMID: 32810789 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the necessity of a controlled internal drug releasing device (CIDR) in a fixed-time AI resynchronization protocol as well as to compare a commercially available blood pregnancy test with transrectal ultrasonography for Day 28 pregnancy detection. Over a two-year period, beef cows and heifers from twelve herds were inseminated using the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. On Day 21 following the first insemination, the protocol was repeated, with animals receiving either a CIDR or no CIDR. Pregnancy status (AI1) was determined on Day 28 by both transrectal ultrasonography and the IDEXX Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test. Non-pregnant animals by both methods (CIDR: n = 190 cows, n = 228 heifers; no CIDR: n = 185 cows, n = 223 heifers) received an injection of Prostaglandin F2alpha and were inseminated at the appropriate time or bred following detection of estrus. Corpora lutea (CL) number and largest follicle diameter were recorded on a subset of non-pregnant animals (CIDR: n = 66 cows, n = 46 heifers; no CIDR: n = 76 cows, n = 41 heifers) at time of pregnancy diagnosis on Day 28. Final pregnancy status was determined a minimum of 31 days following the second AI (AI2). The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS was utilized for estrus and pregnancy data; while the MIXED procedure was utilized for analyses of CL number and largest follicle diameter. There was no effect (P ≥ 0.55) of treatment on AI1 pregnancy, AI2 pregnancy, or overall pregnancy rates. The presence of a CIDR during the resynchronization increased (P < 0.001) estrus expression prior to AI2. There was an effect of treatment by age on AI2 pregnancy (P < 0.01); heifers that received a CIDR had greater AI2 pregnancy rates than heifers that did not receive a CIDR (P = 0.04), but there was no difference between cows with and without a CIDR. Treatment had no effect (P > 0.10) on embryonic loss (between the first and second pregnancy diagnosis), CL number, or follicle diameter. Although, there was a tendency for the interaction of treatment by age on follicle size (P = 0.07), with cows having larger follicles than heifers in the no CIDR group but not the CIDR group. In conclusion, use of a CIDR in this resynchronization protocol increased estrus expression, increased AI2 pregnancy for heifers, but did not improve pregnancies in cows, and did not influence overall pregnancy or embryonic loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin M Epperson
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Jerica J J Rich
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | | | - Emmalee J Northrop
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Stephanie D Perkins
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Julie A Walker
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | | | - George A Perry
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA.
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Effects of twice daily compared with split-time estrous detection on pregnancy percentage in recipient beef cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 219:106526. [PMID: 32828401 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106526] [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] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Objectives were to compare pregnancy percentages per embryo transfer (P/ET) in recipient beef cows following twice daily compared with split-time estrous detection and to determine associations of dominant follicle diameter, CL volume and progesterone concentrations. All cows (n = 695) were treated to synchronize time of estrus among cows using a CIDR + Select-Synch treatment regimen and randomly assigned to twice-daily or split-time estrous detection (CS-DEET or CS-SEET, respectively). Cows in the CS-DEET group were observed twice daily (eight times) for estrus until 96 h after the time of PGF2α administration, whereas cows in the CS-SEET group were observed twice (64 and 84 h after PGF2α). In 280 recipient cows, blood sampling (for progesterone) and ultrasonographic assessment of dominant follicle diameter were conducted 48 h after the time of PGF2α administration. At 7 d after estrus, the CL was imaged and there was transfer of a frozen-thawed embryo into cows with a CL ≥ 1.5 cm. There were positive correlations between follicle diameter and CL volume (rs = 0.827; P < 0.001) and CL volume and progesterone concentration (rs = 0.680; P < 0.001). Progesterone and CL volume differed between cows in CS-SEET and CS-DEET groups P < 0.05), however, percentage P/ET for cows in the CS-SEET and CS-DEET groups did not differ (P > 0.1). Dominant follicle diameter, CL volume and progesterone concentrations were greater in pregnant compared with nonpregnant cows. In conclusion, percentage P/ET did not differ when there was twice daily and split-time estrous detection highlighting the value of this approach in beef enterprises.
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Oliver KF, Geary TW, Kiser JN, Galliou JM, Van Emon ML, Seabury CM, Spencer TE, Neibergs HL. Loci associated with conception rate in crossbred beef heifers. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230422. [PMID: 32271764 PMCID: PMC7145093 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The inability of beef cattle to maintain full term pregnancies has become an economic concern for the beef industry. Herd management and nutritional improvements have alleviated environmental impacts on embryonic and fetal loss, yet additional gains can be made through genomic selection. The objectives of this study were to identify loci and gene-sets in crossbred beef heifers associated with the number of services required to become pregnant (TBRD) and heifer conception rate at first service (HCR1). Heifers (n = 709) from a commercial beef operation underwent one round of artificial insemination, before exposure to bulls for natural service for 50 days. Pregnancy and time of conception was determined by ultrasound 35 days after the breeding season. Heifers were genotyped using the GeneSeek (Lincoln, NE) Bovine GGP50K BeadChip prior to genome-wide association analyses (GWAA) conducted using an EIGENSTRAT-like model to identify loci associated (P < 1 × 10−5) with TBRD and HCR1. One locus was associated (P = 8.97 × 10−6) with TBRD on BTA19 and included the positional candidate gene ASIC2, which is differentially expressed in the endometrium of fertility classified heifers, and the positional candidate gene, SPACA3. Gene-set enrichment analyses using SNP (GSEA-SNP) data, was performed and identified one gene-set, oxidoreductase activity, acting on paired donors, with incorporation or reduction of molecular oxygen as enriched (NES = 3.15) with TBRD and contained nine leading edge genes that contributed to the enrichment of the gene set. The enriched gene-set is involved in catalyzing oxidation-reduction reactions, which have been associated with oxidative stressors impacting pregnancy success. No loci were associated nor gene-sets enriched with HCR1. Identification of loci, positional candidate genes, gene-sets and leading edge genes enriched for fertility facilitate genomic selection that allows producers to select for reproductively superior cattle, reduce costs associated with infertility, and increase percent calf crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. F. Oliver
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - T. W. Geary
- USDA-ARS Fort Keogh LARRL, Miles City, MT, United States of America
| | - J. N. Kiser
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - J. M. Galliou
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - M. L. Van Emon
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States of America
| | - C. M. Seabury
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, TX, United States of America
| | - T. E. Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - H. L. Neibergs
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Perry GA, Cushman RA, Perry BL, Schiefelbein AK, Northrop EJ, Rich JJJ, Perkins SD. Role of preovulatory concentrations of estradiol on timing of conception and regulation of the uterine environment in beef cattle. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2019; 66:12-25. [PMID: 31813287 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2019.1695979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The ability to induce ovulation with an injection of GnRH facilitated the development of fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocols. However, animals that exhibit estrus prior to fixed-time AI have greater pregnancy success. Thus, the objectives of the present experiments were to determine the impact of estrus expression prior to fixed-time AI on timing of conception and to characterize the role of preovulatory estradiol in regulating changes in expression of uterine genes. In experiment 1, data were collected from 4,499 beef cows inseminated by fixed-time AI in 31 different herds. Animals that did not conceive to AI but exhibited estrus before timed-AI were more likely to conceive during cycle 1 after AI, and overall conceived earlier in the breeding season compared to animals that did not exhibit estrus. In experiment 2, beef cows were synchronized using a fixed-time AI protocol. Uterine horn biopsies and blood samples were collected on Day 0, 5, 10, or 16. Concentrations of estradiol on Day 0 did not influence expression of progesterone receptor, ER beta, or oxytocin receptor. Increased concentrations of estradiol on Day 0 increased expression of ER alpha from Days 0 to 5 of the estrous cycle. Furthermore, cows with increased concentrations of estradiol on Day 0 had increased expression of inhibin beta A, and uterine milk protein precursor. Thus, animals that do not exhibit estrus prior to fixed-time AI had decreased breeding season pregnancy success and conceived later in the breeding season, and preovulatory concentrations of estradiol likely play a major role in this establishment of pregnancy, not only directly by regulating uterine gene expression, but also indirectly throughout the subsequent estrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Perry
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | | | - Brandi L Perry
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | | | - Emmalee J Northrop
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Jerica J J Rich
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Stephanie D Perkins
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
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26
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Bó GA, Cedeño A. Expression of estrus as a relevant factor in fixed-time embryo transfer programs using estradiol/progesterone-based protocols in cattle. Anim Reprod 2018; 15:224-230. [PMID: 34178145 PMCID: PMC8202458 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of implementing embryo transfer in beef operations is to accelerate the
rate of genetic progress in the herd. Among the main factors that affect the use of these technologies
are related to nutrition, management and estrus synchronization. As a result of research
conducted over the last 20 years, recipient utilization has increased by applying protocols
that synchronize ovulation and allow for embryo transfer without the need for estrus detection,
usually referred to as fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET). Although these protocols have
performed adequately for several years, recent attention has been directed to the effect
of estrus expression and estradiol concentrations during growth of the preovulatory follicle
on embryo growth and pregnancy. The experiments reviewed herein demonstrate that estrus
expression is associated positively with high pregnancy rates and reduced pregnancy losses
in recipients receiving in vitro-produced and in vivo
-derived frozen/thawed bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel A Bó
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba (IRAC), Zona Rural General Paz, Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto de Ciencias Básicas, Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Villa María, Villa del Rosario, Córdoba,Argentina.,Maestría en Reproducción Bovina, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrés Cedeño
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba (IRAC), Zona Rural General Paz, Córdoba, Argentina.,Maestría en Reproducción Bovina, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.,Medicina Veterinaria, Escuela Superior Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí (ESPAM), Calceta, Manabí, Ecuador
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27
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Effects of live yeast dietary supplementation on hormonal profile, ovarian follicular dynamics, and reproductive performance in dairy cows exposed to high ambient temperature. Theriogenology 2018; 122:41-46. [PMID: 30227303 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with live yeast culture on hormonal profile, ovarian follicular dynamics and reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows exposed to high ambient temperature. In Expt. 1, Holstein cows were fed a diet with (n = 6) or without (n = 6) 4 g yeast/h/d from 21 d before expected calving date until 8 weeks postpartum. Concentrations of glucose, insulin, insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I), estradiol-17β (E-17β) and progesterone (P4) were determined in plasma, and transrectal ultrasonography was used to monitor ovarian follicular dynamics. In Expt. 2, 150 Holstein cows (75/dietary group) received same diets as Expt. 1 with the exception that diets were fed from d 1 to d 70 postpartum. The effect of dietary treatments on reproductive performance was examined. In Expt. 1, plasma IGF concentrations during dietary treatment were higher (P = 0.05) in cows fed diets supplemented with yeast. On d 60 postpartum, average plasma concentrations of glucose (48.3 vs. 41.0 mg/dL) and insulin (0.90 vs. 0.23 μU/mL), were also greater in cows fed diets supplemented with yeast compared to that in cow fed diets without supplementation. Similarly, plasma concentrations of E-17β at estrus (P = 0.016) and P4 on d 10 of the estrous cycle (P = 0.021) were greater in yeast-supplemented cows. Moreover, yeast supplementation resulted on average in an estrous cycle 2.6 d shorter (P = 0.05) and in the development of larger ovulatory follicles (18.4 vs. 17.2 mm in diameter; P < 0.01). In Expt. 2, days open were fewer and the proportion of pregnant cows at 120 and 150 d postpartum were greater (P < 0.01) in cows fed diets supplemented with yeast compared to those receiving diets without yeast. In summary, cows fed diets supplemented with yeast had greater plasma IGF-I, E-17β and P4 concentrations, larger ovulatory follicles, shorter estrous cycles, and improved reproductive performance. Therefore, live yeast dietary supplementation could enhance lactating dairy cow's fertility during heat stress through improvement in hormonal profile and development of larger ovulatory follicles.
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Sood P, Zachut M, Dekel I, Dube H, Jacoby S, Moallem U. Preovulatory follicle characteristics and oocyte competence in repeat breeder dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:9372-9381. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-12973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Larimore EL, Amundson OL, Bridges GA, McNeel AK, Cushman RA, Perry GA. Changes in ovarian function associated with circulating concentrations of estradiol before a GnRH-induced ovulation in beef cows. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2016; 57:71-9. [PMID: 27565233 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
These studies were conducted to evaluate causes for differences in circulating concentrations of estradiol before a GnRH-induced ovulation. Beef cows were synchronized by an injection of GnRH on day -7 and an injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on day 0. In experiment 1, blood samples were collected every 3 h from PGF2α on day 0 to hour 33 after PGF2α and at slaughter (hour 36 to 42; n = 10). Cows were assigned to treatment group based on circulating concentrations of estradiol (E2): HighE2 vs LowE2. At slaughter, follicular fluid (FF) and granulosa cells were collected from the dominant follicle. In experiment 2, blood samples (n = 30) were collected every 8 h from PGF2α until the dominant follicle was aspirated via ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration to collect FF and granulosa cells (hour 38 to 46). In experiment 1, HighE2 had increased abundance of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cytochrome P450 aromatase, and LHR (P ≤ 0.02), and greater concentrations of estradiol and androstenedione (P ≤ 0.02) in the FF. In experiment 2, HighE2 had increased abundance of CYP11A1, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cytochrome P450 aromatase, and LHR (P ≤ 0.03) vs either LowE2 or GnRHLowE2. There was a tendency (P = 0.07) for LH pulse frequency to be increased in both the GnRHLowE2 and HighE2 compared with LowE2. HighE2 cows experienced increas in circulating concentrations of estradiol compared with LowE2. In conclusion, animals with greater concentrations of circulating estradiol before fixed-time AI experienced an upregulation of the steroidogenic pathway during the preovulatory period.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Larimore
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - O L Amundson
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - G A Bridges
- North Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Grand Rapids, MN, USA
| | - A K McNeel
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - R A Cushman
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - G A Perry
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA.
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Effects of excess metabolizable protein on ovarian function and circulating amino acids of beef cows: 2. Excessive supply in varying concentrations from corn gluten meal. Animal 2016; 11:634-642. [PMID: 27609083 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731116001890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In the dairy industry, excess dietary CP is consistently correlated with decreased conception rates. However, amount of excess CP effects on reproductive function in beef cattle is largely undefined. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of excess metabolizable protein (MP) supplementation from a moderately abundant rumen undegradable protein (RUP) source (corn gluten meal: 62% RUP) on ovarian function and circulating amino acid (AA) concentrations in beef cows consuming low quality forage. Non-pregnant, non-lactating beef cows (n=16) were allocated by age, BW and body condition score (BCS) to 1 of 2 isocaloric supplements designed to maintain BW for 60 days. Cows had ad libitum access to corn stalks and were individually offered a corn gluten meal-based supplement daily at 125% (MP125) or 150% (MP150) of National Research Council (NRC) MP requirements. After a 20-day supplement adaptation period, cows were synchronized for ovulation. After 10 days of synchronization, follicular growth was reset with gonadotropin releasing hormone. Daily thereafter, transrectal ultrasonography was performed to diagram ovarian follicular waves, and blood samples were collected for hormone, metabolite and AA analyses. After 7 days of observation of estrus, corpus luteum (CL) size was determined via ultrasound. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedures of SAS. No differences (P⩾0.21) in BW and BCS existed throughout the study; however, plasma urea N at ovulation was greater (P=0.04) in MP150. Preovulatory ovarian follicle size at dominance, duration of dominance, size at spontaneous luteolysis, length of proestrus and wavelength were not different (P⩾0.11) between treatments. However, ovulatory follicles were larger (P=0.04) and average antral follicle count was greater (P=0.01) in MP150 than MP125. Estradiol concentration and ratio of estradiol to ovulatory follicle volume were not different due to treatment (P⩾0.25). While CL volume 7 days post-estrus was greater (P<0.01) in MP150 than MP125, circulating progesterone 7 days post-estrus and ratio of progesterone to CL volume were not different (P⩾0.21). Total AA were not different (P⩾0.76) at study initiation or completion; however, as a percent of total AA, branched-chain AA at ovulation were greater (P=0.02) in MP150. In conclusion, supplementation of CP at 150% of NRC MP requirements from a moderately undegradable protein source may enhance growth of the ovulatory follicle and subsequent CL compared with MP supplementation at 125% of NRC MP requirements.
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Stevenson J, Lamb G. Contrasting effects of progesterone on fertility of dairy and beef cows. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:5951-5964. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Mokhtari A, Kafi M, Zamiri M, Akbari R. Factors affecting the size of ovulatory follicles and conception rate in high-yielding dairy cows. Theriogenology 2016; 85:747-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Martinez MF, Tutt D, Quirke LD, Tattersfield G, Juengel JL. Development of a GnRH-PGF2α-progesterone-based synchronization protocol with eCG for inducing single and double ovulations in beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2015; 92:4935-48. [PMID: 25349343 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2013-7512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Experiments were designed to investigate the effect of different doses and timing of an eCG treatment given during GnRH-based synchronization protocols on follicular dynamics and fertility in cattle. In Exp. 1, Angus heifers (n = 50) received a 7-d Ovsynch + progesterone protocol (on d 0, GnRH and progesterone insert were administered; on d 7, progesterone insert was removed and PGF2α was injected; and on d 9.5, GnRH was injected 56 h after progesterone removal) with eCG (0, 300, 500, 700, or 1,000 IU) administered on d 7. In Exp. 2, Angus cows (n = 27) received the same protocol as Exp. 1 and were assigned randomly to receive 0 or 400 IU eCG i.m. on d 2 or 7. In Exp. 3, Angus cows (n = 18) received a 6-d Ovsynch + progesterone protocol and were randomly assigned to receive 0 or 800 IU eCG on d 3 of the protocol (Exp. 3a). A pilot field trial was also performed using the same treatments in suckled Angus-cross cows (n = 72; Exp. 3b). In Exp. 4, beef heifers (n = 200) were assigned randomly to the same treatments as in Exp. 3, but the second GnRH was not given, with Holstein bulls introduced on d 6. In Exp. 5, Angus cows (n = 12) received the same treatment as in Exp. 3, but were not inseminated. Progesterone concentrations were assessed in plasma collected during the estrous cycle following synchronization. Ultrasonography was used to monitor ovarian dynamics and to diagnose pregnancy. In Exp. 1, the mean number of ovulations was affected (P < 0.02) by the dose of eCG and the stage of follicular development when administered. Treatment with eCG on d 2 tended (P < 0.08) to extend the interval from PGF2α to ovulation, but was not successful in inducing double ovulations. In contrast, eCG on d 3 increased (P < 0.01) the number of cows with double ovulation when administered i.m. and increased (P < 0.04) pregnancy rate in single ovulating heifers after bull breeding (68.0 vs. 53.1%). This treatment also elevated progesterone concentrations during the estrous cycle following synchronization. Thus, the mechanism by which administration of eCG on d 3 of the synchronization increased pregnancy rates may be through supporting development of a healthy follicle and subsequent corpus luteum capable of secreting increased concentrations of progesterone during early pregnancy. In conclusion, strategic administration of eCG during a synchronization protocol can be used to improve reproductive performance through increased pregnancy rates in single ovulating animals as well as the induction of twin ovulations for twinning.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Martinez
- AgResearch Invermay Agricultural Centre, Dunedin 9013, New Zealand
| | - D Tutt
- AgResearch Invermay Agricultural Centre, Dunedin 9013, New Zealand
| | - L D Quirke
- AgResearch Invermay Agricultural Centre, Dunedin 9013, New Zealand
| | - G Tattersfield
- Integrated Foods Ltd., 266 Childers Road, Gisborne 4010, New Zealand
| | - J L Juengel
- AgResearch Invermay Agricultural Centre, Dunedin 9013, New Zealand
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Davoodi S, Cooke RF, Fernandes ACC, Cappellozza BI, Vasconcelos JLM, Cerri RLA. Expression of estrus modifies the gene expression profile in reproductive tissues on Day 19 of gestation in beef cows. Theriogenology 2015; 85:645-55. [PMID: 26525398 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to test the effect of expression of estrus at artificial insemination (AI) on endometrium, conceptus, and CL gene expression of beef cows. Thirty-six multiparous nonlactating Nelore cows were enrolled on an estradiol- and progesterone (P4)-based timed AI protocol (AI = Day 0) and then slaughtered for the endometrium, CL, and conceptus collection on Day 19. The animals were retrospectively grouped on the basis of cows that (1) showed signs of estrus near AI (n = 19; estrus) and (2) did not show any signs of estrus (n = 17; nonestrus). Body condition score, blood sampling, and ultrasound examination were performed on Days 0, 7, and 18 of the experiment followed by messenger RNA extraction and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis of 58 target genes. Data were checked for normality and analyzed by ANOVA for repeated measures using proc GLM, MIXED, and UNIVARIATE of SAS. Only pregnant cows were included in the analyses (n = 12; nonestrus, n = 11). Estrous expression had no correlation with parameters such as body condition score, preovulatory follicle and CL diameter, P4 concentration in plasma on Days 7 and 18 after AI, and interferon-tau concentration in the uterine flushing (P > 0.15); however, a significant increase was observed in conceptus size from cows that expressed estrus (P = 0.02; 38.3 ± 2.8 vs. 28.2 ± 2.9 mm). The majority of transcripts affected by estrous expression in the endometrium belong to the immune system and adhesion molecule family (MX1, MX2, MYL12A, MMP19, CXCL10, IGLL1, and SLPI; P ≤ 0.05), as well as those related with prostaglandin synthesis (OTR and COX-2; P ≤ 0.05). Genes related to apoptosis, P4 synthesis, and prostaglandin receptor were downregulated (CYP11A, BAX, and FPr; P < 0.05) in the CL tissue of cows that expressed estrus. In addition, four genes were identified as differentially expressed in the 19-day-old conceptus from cows that expressed estrus (ISG15, PLAU, BMP15, and EEF1A1; P < 0.05). There was also a significant effect of Day 7 concentration of P4 mainly affecting the immune system, adhesion molecules, and wnt signaling pathway of the endometrium (IGLL1, MX2, SLPI, TRD, APC, WNT2, GLYCAM1, and MYL12A; P < 0.05). A significant interaction between estrous expression and P4 concentration on Day 7 was more pronounced in immune system genes (MX1, MX2, TRD, SLPI, and IGLL1; P < 0.05). This study reported that estrous expression at the time of AI favorably altered the gene expression profile in reproductive tissues during the preimplantation phase toward a more receptive state to the elongating conceptus. These effects seem to be more evident in the endometrium during the time of dynamic remodeling for embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Davoodi
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - R F Cooke
- Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Oregon State University, Burns, Oregon, USA
| | - A C C Fernandes
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - B I Cappellozza
- Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Oregon State University, Burns, Oregon, USA
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R L A Cerri
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Larimore EL, Amundson OL, Bird SL, Funnell BJ, Kruse SG, Bridges GA, Perry GA. Influence of estrus at fixed-time artificial insemination on early embryonic development in beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2015; 93:2806-12. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-8892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Sood P, Zachut M, Dube H, Moallem U. Behavioral and hormonal pattern of repeat breeder cows around estrus. Reproduction 2015; 149:545-54. [PMID: 25731187 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Repeat breeder (RB) cows were compared with normal (CTRL) ones with respect to behavioral estrus intensity, endocrine patterns and concentrations of plasma estradiol, progesterone and LH around estrus, and ovulation timing. A total of 27 and 31 cycles in 12 RB and 18 CTRL cows, respectively, were synchronized by means of the Ovsynch protocol followed by a single PG injection after 7 days. Behavioral estrus and ovulation were observed in 81.5 and 83.8% of the synchronized cycles in the RB and CTRL cows respectively. The RB and CTRL groups had similar estrus durations of 21.4 and 19.6 h respectively, but estrus was more intense in the RB, as indicated by numerically higher overall activity indexes and higher peak neck activity. The interval from PG injection to estrus onset (considered as proestrus) was 8.2 h shorter in RB than in CTRL cows, at 47.9 and 56.1 h respectively (P<0.007), but the average preovulatory follicle size was similar. The estradiol concentration at peak was numerically higher (21%) and the AUC tended to be higher in the RB cows than in the CTRL cows. LH secretion during the period from 18 to 3 h before the LH peak was also lower in RB than in CTRL cows: 2.5 and 4.6 ng/ml respectively (P<0.01). In conclusion, the behavioral estrus was more intense in the RB cows; nevertheless, short proestrus and subdued LH concentrations before the LH peak, which could impair oocyte competence and development, were first reported in RB cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sood
- Department of Ruminant ScienceInstitute of Animal Sciences, The Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet-Dagan 50250, IsraelDepartment of Veterinary Gynecology and ObstetricsDGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh 176 062, India Department of Ruminant ScienceInstitute of Animal Sciences, The Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet-Dagan 50250, IsraelDepartment of Veterinary Gynecology and ObstetricsDGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh 176 062, India
| | - M Zachut
- Department of Ruminant ScienceInstitute of Animal Sciences, The Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet-Dagan 50250, IsraelDepartment of Veterinary Gynecology and ObstetricsDGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh 176 062, India
| | - H Dube
- Department of Ruminant ScienceInstitute of Animal Sciences, The Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet-Dagan 50250, IsraelDepartment of Veterinary Gynecology and ObstetricsDGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh 176 062, India
| | - U Moallem
- Department of Ruminant ScienceInstitute of Animal Sciences, The Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet-Dagan 50250, IsraelDepartment of Veterinary Gynecology and ObstetricsDGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh 176 062, India
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Perry GA, Swanson OL, Larimore EL, Perry BL, Djira GD, Cushman RA. Relationship of follicle size and concentrations of estradiol among cows exhibiting or not exhibiting estrus during a fixed-time AI protocol. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2014; 48:15-20. [PMID: 24906924 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cows exhibiting estrus near fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) had greater pregnancy success than cows not showing estrus. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between follicle size and peak estradiol concentration between cows that did or did not exhibit estrus during a fixed-time AI protocol. Ovulation was synchronized in beef cows by applying the CO-Synch protocol [GnRH (100 μg) on day-9, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α; 25 mg) on day-2, and a second injection of GnRH 48 h after PGF2α (day 0)] to both suckled (experiment 1) and nonsuckled (experiment 2) cows. Follicle size (day 0) and ovulation (day 2) was determined by ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected every 3 or 4 h beginning at the time of PGF2α injection (0 h). Estrus was detected by visual observation with the aid of estrus-detection patches, and cows that ovulated were classified as exhibited estrus (n = 46) or did not exhibit estrus (n = 63). In both suckled and nonsuckled cows, there was a positive relationship between all cows (P < 0.05) and among those that exhibited estrus (P < 0.05) between follicle size and peak estradiol concentration, but no linear relationship (P > 0.50) between follicle size and peak estradiol concentration was observed among cows not exhibiting estrus. Cows that exhibited estrus had greater (P < 0.01) peak estradiol concentrations than cows that did not exhibit estrus. Suckled cows exhibiting standing estrus had greater (P < 0.001) preovulatory concentrations of estradiol beginning 6 h (replicate 1) or 4 h (replicate 2) after the injection of PGF2α on day-2 compared with cows not exhibiting standing estrus. Nonsuckled cows exhibiting standing estrus had greater (P < 0.001) preovulatory concentrations of estradiol beginning at the injection of PGF2α on day-2 compared with cows not exhibiting standing estrus. Furthermore, cows that exhibited estrus had an increased (P < 0.01) rate in the rise in concentrations of estradiol following the PGF2α to peak estradiol than cows not exhibiting estrus. In summary, follicle diameter had a positive relationship with peak concentrations of estradiol, but only among cows that exhibited standing estrus, and estradiol increased earlier in cows that exhibited estrus compared with cows that did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Perry
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota.
| | - O L Swanson
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota
| | - E L Larimore
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota
| | - B L Perry
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota
| | - G D Djira
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota
| | - R A Cushman
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska
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Martin NT, Thomas JM, Nash JM, Mallory DA, Ellersieck MR, Poock SE, Smith MF, Patterson DJ. Comparison of a 16- versus a 19-day interval between controlled internal drug release removal and prostaglandin F2α following a 14-day controlled internal drug releasetreatment and fixed-time artificial insemination in postpartum beef cows1. J Anim Sci 2014; 92:1759-67. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2013-7045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - M. R. Ellersieck
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Agricultural Experiment Station
| | - S. E. Poock
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
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Bridges G, Mussard M, Helser L, Day M. Comparison of follicular dynamics and hormone concentrations between the 7-day and 5-day CO-Synch + CIDR program in primiparous beef cows. Theriogenology 2014; 81:632-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Bridges GA, Day ML, Geary TW, Cruppe LH. Triennial Reproduction Symposium: deficiencies in the uterine environment and failure to support embryonic development. J Anim Sci 2014; 91:3002-13. [PMID: 23798511 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2013-5882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy failure in livestock can result from failure to fertilize the oocyte or embryonic loss during gestation. The focus of this review is on cattle and factors affecting and mechanisms related to uterine insufficiency for pregnancy. A variety of factors contribute to embryonic loss and it may be exacerbated in certain animals, such as high-producing lactating dairy cows, and in some cattle in which estrous synchronization and timed AI was performed, due to reduced concentrations of reproductive steroids. Recent research in beef cattle induced to ovulate immature follicles and in lactating dairy cows indicates that deficient uterine function is a major factor responsible for infertility in these animals. Failure to provide adequate concentrations of estradiol before ovulation results in prolonged effects on expression and localization of uterine genes and proteins that participate in regulating uterine functions during early gestation. Furthermore, progesterone concentrations during early gestation affect embryonic growth, interferon-tau production, and uterine function. Therefore, an inadequate uterine environment induced by insufficient steroid concentrations before and after ovulation could cause early embryonic death either by failing to provide an adequate uterine environment for recognition of embryo signaling, adhesion, and implantation or by failing to support appropriate embryonic growth, which could lead to decreased conceptus size and failed maternal recognition of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Bridges
- North Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA.
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Pereira MHC, Rodrigues ADP, De Carvalho RJ, Wiltbank MC, Vasconcelos JLM. Increasing length of an estradiol and progesterone timed artificial insemination protocol decreases pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:1454-64. [PMID: 24393173 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Our hypothesis was that increasing the length of an estradiol and progesterone (P4) timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol would improve pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI). Lactating Holstein cows (n=759) yielding 31 ± 0.30 kg of milk/d with a detectable corpus luteum (CL) at d -11 were randomly assigned to receive TAI (d 0) following 1 of 2 treatments: (8d) d -10 = controlled internal drug release (CIDR) and 2.0mg of estradiol benzoate, d -3 = PGF2α(25mg of dinoprost tromethamine), d -2 = CIDR removal and 1.0mg of estradiol cypionate, d 0 = TAI; or (9 d) d -11 = CIDR and estradiol benzoate, d -4 = PGF2α, d -2 CIDR removal and estradiol cypionate, d 0 TAI. Cows were considered to have their estrous cycle synchronized in response to the protocol by the absence of a CL at artificial insemination (d 0) and presence of a CL on d 7. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed on d 32 and 60. The ovulatory follicle diameter at TAI (d 0) did not differ between treatments (14.7 ± 0.39 vs. 15.0 ± 0.40 mm for 8 and 9 d, respectively). The 9 d cows tended to have greater P4 concentrations on d 7 in synchronized cows (3.14 ± 0.18 ng/mL) than the 8d cows (3.05 ± 0.18 ng/mL). Although the P/AI at d 32 [45 (175/385) vs. 43.9% (166/374) for 8d and 9 d, respectively] and 60 [38.1 (150/385) vs. 40.4% (154/374) for 8d and 9 d, respectively] was not different, the 9 d cows had lower pregnancy losses [7.6% (12/166)] than 8d cows [14.7% (25/175)]. The cows in the 9 d program were more likely to be detected in estrus [72.0% (269/374)] compared with 8d cows [62% (240/385)]. Expression of estrus improved synchronization [97.4 (489/501) vs. 81% (202/248)], P4 concentrations at d 7 (3.22 ± 0.16 vs. 2.77 ± 0.17 ng/mL), P/AI at d 32 [51.2 (252/489) vs. 39.4% (81/202)], P/AI at d 60 [46.3 (230/489) vs. 31.1% (66/202)], and decreased pregnancy loss [9.3 (22/252) vs. 19.8% (15/81)] compared with cows that did not show estrus, respectively. Cows not detected in estrus with small (<11 mm) or large follicles (>17 mm) had greater pregnancy loss; however, in cows detected in estrus, no effect of follicle diameter on pregnancy loss was observed. In conclusion, increasing the length of the protocol for TAI increased the percentage of cows detected in estrus and decreased pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H C Pereira
- Aluno do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu 18618-000, Brazil
| | - A D P Rodrigues
- Aluno do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu 18618-000, Brazil
| | - R J De Carvalho
- Fazendas Reunidas ACP e Filhos, Minas Gerais, Carmo do Rio Claro 37150-000, Brazil
| | - M C Wiltbank
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18168-000, Brazil.
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Wiltbank MC, Pursley JR. The cow as an induced ovulator: Timed AI after synchronization of ovulation. Theriogenology 2014; 81:170-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Pohler KG, Geary TW, Johnson CL, Atkins JA, Jinks EM, Busch DC, Green JA, MacNeil MD, Smith MF. Circulating bovine pregnancy associated glycoproteins are associated with late embryonic/fetal survival but not ovulatory follicle size in suckled beef cows. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:4158-67. [PMID: 23825331 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2013-6348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to examine the relationship between ovulatory follicle size and embryo and fetal survival by using circulating concentrations of bovine pregnancy associated glycoproteins (bPAG) to detect the presence of an embryo or fetus and monitor placental function. Before examining the relationship between bPAG, ovulatory follicle size, and embryo and fetal survival, the half-life of bPAG was determined in Exp. 1. The half-life of bPAG after PGF2α-induced abortion on d 32 to 36 postinsemination was 35.8 ± 21.9 h (mean ± SD; range 7.1 to 78.5 h). In Exp. 2, suckled beef cows (n = 91) were treated with the CO-Synch protocol (GnRH on d -9, PGF2α on d -2, and GnRH and AI 48 h later [d 0]) and classified into 1 of 2 ovulatory follicle size groups: 1) small follicle (<12.5 mm; n = 25) or 2) large follicle (≥ 12.5 mm; n = 66). The first increase (P < 0.0001) in serum bPAG occurred in pregnant cows on d 24 after insemination and circulating bPAG decreased before a decrease in progesterone in 3 of 4 cows that lost an embryo or fetus. Pattern of secretion of bPAG in serum from d 24 to 60 after insemination (d 0) was affected by day (P < 0.0001), but not ovulatory follicle size. In Exp. 3, suckled beef cows (n = 1164) were administered the CO-Synch protocol either with (donor cows; n = 810) or without (recipient cows; n = 354) AI on d 0. Single embryos (n = 394) or oocytes (n = 45) were recovered from the donor cows [d 7; embryo transfer (ET)] and all live embryos were transferred into recipients the same day. Cows were classified on d 0 as having a small (<12.5 mm) or large (≥ 12.5 mm) ovulatory follicle, and randomly chosen as donors or recipients to remove confounding effects of ovulatory follicle size on fertility. Serum concentration of bPAG at d 28 was not affected by ovulatory follicle size (P = 0.85), embryo stage at ET (P = 0.75), embryo quality at ET (P = 0.64), estradiol at GnRH2 (P = 0.62) or serum progesterone at ET (d7; P = 0.14). Compared with cows that maintained pregnancy (n = 176), cows that exhibited late embryonic or fetal mortality (n = 19) after d 28 had decreased (P < 0.05) concentrations of bPAG on d 28. In summary, there was no relationship between serum bPAG and ovulatory follicle size or embryo stage or quality at ET; however, cows that lost an embryo after d 28 had reduced concentrations of bPAG on d 28 compared with cows that maintained pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K G Pohler
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
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Geary TW, Smith MF, MacNeil MD, Day ML, Bridges GA, Perry GA, Abreu FM, Atkins JA, Pohler KG, Jinks EM, Madsen CA. TRIENNIAL REPRODUCTION SYMPOSIUM: Influence of follicular characteristics at ovulation on early embryonic survival1,2. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:3014-21. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- T. W. Geary
- USDA-ARS Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301
| | - M. F. Smith
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - M. D. MacNeil
- USDA-ARS Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301
| | - M. L. Day
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - G. A. Bridges
- North Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Grand Rapids 55744
| | - G. A. Perry
- Department of Animal Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings 57007
| | - F. M. Abreu
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - J. A. Atkins
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - K. G. Pohler
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - E. M. Jinks
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - C. A. Madsen
- USDA-ARS Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301
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Jinks EM, Smith MF, Atkins JA, Pohler KG, Perry GA, MacNeil MD, Roberts AJ, Waterman RC, Alexander LJ, Geary TW. Preovulatory estradiol and the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in suckled beef cows1. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:1176-85. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E. M. Jinks
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - M. F. Smith
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - J. A. Atkins
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - K. G. Pohler
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - G. A. Perry
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings 57007
| | - M. D. MacNeil
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301
| | - A. J. Roberts
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301
| | - R. C. Waterman
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301
| | - L. J. Alexander
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301
| | - T. W. Geary
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT 59301
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