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Andrade JPN, Domingues RR, Monteiro PLJ, Dias JR, Pimenta C, Guimarães AS, Barbosa L, Merhi S, Sartori R, Wiltbank MC. Identification of nonpregnant beef cows based on CL size vs. luteal blood perfusion at 21 days after timed artificial insemination. Theriogenology 2024; 230:15-20. [PMID: 39236401 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
The aim was to evaluate the efficiency of two different ultrasonographic systems, Doppler mode vs. Two-dimensional mode (B mode), to identify the pregnancy status of beef cows and heifers on day 21 (D21) after Timed Artificial Insemination (TAI). The experiment was performed on a commercial beef farm in central-west region of Brazil using 1895 Nelore heifers and cows. All females had ovulation synchronized for a TAI that was performed on D0. Twenty-one days after the TAI, all animals had their ovaries evaluated by ultrasound for pregnancy diagnosis based on the size of the corpus luteum (CL). Using B mode ultrasonography, females without a CL or with a CL ≤ 10 mm in diameter were considered nonpregnant, whereas females with a CL > 10 mm in diameter were considered potentially pregnant. After the B mode examination, the Doppler mode was turned on, and the CL was evaluated by the subjective percentage of blood perfusion in the total area of the CL. Using Doppler mode, females were considered nonpregnant if they had no CL or the CL had ≤25 % of the total area with detectable blood perfusion, whereas animals with >25 % blood perfusion in the CL were considered potentially pregnant. The results for each method (potentially pregnant or nonpregnant) were later compared with the gold standard technique, which was a pregnancy diagnosis on D33 after TAI using ultrasound with visualization of an embryonic heartbeat. The accuracy was determined using the 2 × 2 contingency table approach. The area under the curve using the receiver operating characteristic curve for Doppler mode and B mode were 0.929 and 0.902 (P < 0.01), respectively. There were almost no false negatives (designated non-pregnant but later pregnant at D33) with either technique (0.2 % vs. 0.3 %; P = 0.65 for Doppler mode vs. B mode, respectively). False positives (designated pregnant but non-pregnant on D33) were greater for B mode compared to Doppler (19.1 % vs. 14.0 %; P < 0.01). This resulted in Doppler mode having similar high values as B mode for Negative Predictive Value (99.9 vs. 99.6 %; P = 0.85) and Sensitivity (99.8 vs. 99.7 %; P = 0.86) but there were differences in Specificity (86 vs. 80.9 %; P < 0.01), Positive Predictive Value (88 vs. 84.3 %; P < 0.01), and Accuracy (93.0 vs. 90.4 %; P < 0.01). In conclusion, evaluation of CL blood perfusion by Doppler produced greater accuracy in the early identification of nonpregnant heifers and cows on D21 after TAI than measurement of CL diameter with B mode ultrasound; although both had over 90 % accuracy in identifying pregnant and nonpregnant females.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Paulo N Andrade
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| | - Rafael R Domingues
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA; Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Pedro L J Monteiro
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA; Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - José Ricardo Dias
- Agropecuária Roncador, Av. Rio Grande do Sul, 387, Querência, MT, 78643-000, Brazil
| | - Cesar Pimenta
- Agropecuária Roncador, Av. Rio Grande do Sul, 387, Querência, MT, 78643-000, Brazil
| | - Afonso S Guimarães
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Av. Pádua Dias, 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Leuton Barbosa
- Agrobeef Ltda, Avenida Senador Valdon Varjão, 4025, Barra do Garças, MT, 78605-970, Brazil
| | - Sami Merhi
- Agropecuária Roncador, Av. Rio Grande do Sul, 387, Querência, MT, 78643-000, Brazil
| | - Roberto Sartori
- Department of Animal Science, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Av. Pádua Dias, 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA.
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Bruinjé TC, LeBlanc SJ. Graduate Student Literature Review: Implications of transition cow health for reproductive function and targeted reproductive management. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00916-0. [PMID: 38876223 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Negative associations of health disorders with reproductive performance, often measured with pregnancy risk per artificial insemination (AI) or the risk of pregnancy loss, have been demonstrated extensively. Most studies investigated common clinical diseases but did not include subclinical disorders comprehensively. They often evaluated cows subjected to hormonal synchronization protocols for timed AI, limiting the ability to understand how disease may affect spontaneous reproductive function, which is essential for targeted management programs with selective hormonal intervention. It is plausible that metabolic and inflammatory disorders have short- and long-term detrimental effects on different features of reproductive function that result in or contribute to reduced fertility. These may include: 1) reestablishment of endocrine function to promote follicular growth and first ovulation postpartum, 2) corpus luteum (CL) function, 3) estrus expression, and 4) uterine environment, fertilization, and embryonic development. In this narrative literature review, we discuss insights and knowledge gaps linking health disorders with these processes of reproductive function. A growing set of observational studies with adequate internal validity suggest that these outcomes may be affected by metabolic and inflammatory disorders that are common in the early postpartum period. A better characterization of these risk factors in multi-site studies with greater external validity is warranted to develop decision-support tools to identify subgroups of cows that are more or less likely to be successful in targeted reproductive management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony C Bruinjé
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Canada N1G 2W1.
| | - Stephen J LeBlanc
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Canada N1G 2W1.
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López-Gatius F, Ganau S, Garcia-Ispierto I. Evaluation of a Commercial Pregnancy Test Using Blood or Plasma Samples in High-Producing Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1656. [PMID: 38891703 PMCID: PMC11171026 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111656] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated a commercial pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs)-based pregnancy test using whole blood or plasma samples during early pregnancy (28-55 days of gestation) in high-producing dairy cows. Transrectal ultrasonography was used as the gold standard method. The study population constituted of 284 cows. False positive diagnoses were recorded from Day 60 to 89 and from Day 60 to 99 postpartum in blood and plasma samples, respectively. In early pregnancy screening, correct positive diagnoses were recorded in 75% and 100% of blood and plasma samples, respectively. High milk production was associated with negative results in blood samples and with the lowest test line intensity in plasma samples. False positive or negative diagnoses were recorded in 0% of both types of samples in cows previously diagnosed as pregnant and showing signs of estrus. In conclusion, the use of plasma was more effective than the use of blood in early pregnancy diagnosis. In cows previously diagnosed as pregnant and showing signs of estrus, both types of samples showed the same results. Because of large individual variations, normal single pregnancies could not be differentiated from twin pregnancies, from pregnancies with a recently dead conceptus, or from pregnancies that experienced subsequent pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Centre, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
- Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, 22300 Barbastro, Spain
| | - Sergi Ganau
- Granja Sant Josep, La Melusa, Tamarite, 22549 Huesca, Spain
| | - Irina Garcia-Ispierto
- Agrotecnio Centre, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
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4
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Ninomiya C, Yoshino H, Ishiguro-Oonuma T, Iga K, Kanazawa T, Takahashi T, Kizaki K. Potential of Circulating miRNA Biomarkers and Exosomes for Early Pregnancy Diagnoses in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1592. [PMID: 38891639 PMCID: PMC11171103 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) were investigated as biomarkers for the diagnosis of early pregnancy in cattle. The levels of prospective miRNA biomarkers and the features of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the blood were evaluated. In Study 1, plasma samples from cows 21 days after artificial insemination (AI) were examined using RT-qPCR to determine the levels of seven circulating miRNAs. Only the levels of miR-126-3p were significantly lower in the pregnant group than in the non-pregnant group. In Study 2, among individuals not pregnant at the first AI, the miRNA levels were compared between the individuals pregnant at the second AI and those who remained non-pregnant. The miR-25 levels were significantly higher in the pregnant group at the second AI than in the pregnant group at the first AI; miR-19b, miR-27b, and miR-29a levels were also high. In the non-pregnant group, changes were absent in the miRNA levels in the same individual between the first and second AIs. In Study 3, Western blotting and RT-qPCR showed the presence of miRNAs in EVs and their levels were lower than in plasma. Thus, circulating miR-126-3p may serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis of early pregnancy in cattle. In addition, the expression of some miRNAs tended to be higher during pregnancy than during non-pregnancy in the same individual, suggesting their potential as an index to determine pregnancy and non-pregnancy rates using a comparative method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiaki Ninomiya
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan (T.I.-O.); (T.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Hitomi Yoshino
- Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan;
| | - Toshina Ishiguro-Oonuma
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan (T.I.-O.); (T.K.); (T.T.)
- Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan;
| | - Kosuke Iga
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ikenodai 2, Tsukuba 305-8602, Ibaraki, Japan;
| | - Tomomi Kanazawa
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan (T.I.-O.); (T.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Toru Takahashi
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan (T.I.-O.); (T.K.); (T.T.)
- Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan;
| | - Keiichiro Kizaki
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan (T.I.-O.); (T.K.); (T.T.)
- Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Iwate, Japan;
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Priyo TW, Edo A, Taura Y, Yamato O, Ono T, Taniguchi M, Widodo OS, Islam MS, Maki S, Takagi M. Novel Approach for Evaluating Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein and Inflammation Markers during the Postpartum Period in Holstein Friesian Cows. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1459. [PMID: 38791678 PMCID: PMC11117242 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the relationship between decreased pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) levels, inflammatory parameters (serum amyloid A [SAA] and milk amyloid A [MAA]), postpartum inflammatory conditions (mastitis, ketosis, and follicular cysts), and the FOXP3 gene. Nineteen Holstein-Friesian cows were included in this study. Up to approximately eight weeks after delivery, weekly health examinations were performed for mastitis and ketosis, and reproductive organ ultrasonography was performed. The decreasing PAG rate was negatively correlated with SAA concentration (r = -0.493, p = 0.032). Cows with mastitis exhibited a slower trend of PAG decrease (p = 0.095), and a greater percentage of these cows had MAA concentrations above 12 µg/mL (p = 0.074) compared with those without mastitis. A negative correlation, although nonsignificant (r = -0.263, p = 0.385), was observed between the day-open period and decreased PAG rate. The day-open period was correlated with the presence or absence of follicular cysts (p = 0.046). Four cows that developed follicular cysts were homozygous for the G allele of the FOXP3 gene related to repeat breeders. These results indicate a relationship between a decreased PAG rate and inflammatory status during the postpartum period. Thus, suppressing inflammation during the perinatal period may improve reproductive efficiency in the dairy industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Topas Wicaksono Priyo
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (T.W.P.J.); (M.T.); (O.S.W.)
- Department of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Ayane Edo
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (A.E.); (Y.T.); (T.O.)
| | - Yasuho Taura
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (A.E.); (Y.T.); (T.O.)
| | - Osamu Yamato
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (O.Y.); (M.S.I.); (S.M.)
- Division of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Tetsushi Ono
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (A.E.); (Y.T.); (T.O.)
| | - Masayasu Taniguchi
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (T.W.P.J.); (M.T.); (O.S.W.)
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (A.E.); (Y.T.); (T.O.)
| | - Oky Setyo Widodo
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (T.W.P.J.); (M.T.); (O.S.W.)
- Division of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Md Shafiqul Islam
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (O.Y.); (M.S.I.); (S.M.)
| | - Shinichiro Maki
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (O.Y.); (M.S.I.); (S.M.)
| | - Mitsuhiro Takagi
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (T.W.P.J.); (M.T.); (O.S.W.)
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (A.E.); (Y.T.); (T.O.)
- Division of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
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6
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Bruinjé TC, Morrison EI, Ribeiro ES, Renaud DL, LeBlanc SJ. Associations of postpartum health with progesterone after insemination and endocrine signaling during early pregnancy in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:3168-3184. [PMID: 37977442 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24068] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to investigate associations of postpartum health with serum progesterone (P4) concentrations after first artificial insemination (AI), expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISG) in blood leukocytes, and serum pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) during early pregnancy in dairy cows. In this observational study, Holstein cows (n = 475) from 2 commercial herds were enrolled 3 wk before expected parturition. Body condition score (BCS) and lameness were assessed at enrollment, and total Ca, haptoglobin, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured in serum at 2 and 6 ± 2 d in milk (DIM). Blood β-hydroxybutyrate and metritis were evaluated at 4, 8, 11, and 15 ± 2 DIM, and purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) and endometritis based on endometrial cytology were diagnosed at 35 DIM. Onset of cyclicity was assessed by biweekly P4 measurements. The BCS was assessed at enrollment and at 63 DIM, and lameness at enrollment and at 21 and 49 DIM. First AI was based on estrus detection until ∼75 DIM, or synchronization for timed AI thereafter. Serum P4 was measured at d 8 and 12 after first AI; expression of ISG (ISG15 and RTP4) in blood leukocytes was assessed at d 19; and PAG in serum of pregnant cows was measured at d 29, 33, and 40. Multivariable linear regression models were built including health variables (with metabolites categorized via receiver operating characteristic curve analysis) and covariates (season, milk yield, AI method, DIM), accounting for pregnancy status (for ISG and PAG models), repeated measures (for P4 and PAG models), and herd as random. Results are reported comparing cows affected versus unaffected by each predictor. Serum P4 concentrations were lesser at d 8 after AI in cows that had total Ca ≤2.09 mM (3.6 vs. 4.0 ± 0.2 ng/mL) at 2 DIM or a clinical disease (3.7 vs. 4.0 ± 0.2 mg/mL), and P4 tended to be lesser at d 8 in cows that had PVD (3.6 vs. 4.0 ± 0.2 ng/mL) or any uterine disease (3.7 vs. 4.1 ± 0.2 ng/mL). Among cows pregnant at d 29, relative ISG15 expression (fold change) at d 19 was greater in cows that had lameness (5.10 [4.18-6.18] vs. 3.14 [3.10-3.19]) but tended to be lesser in cows that had endometritis (3.20 [2.89-3.54] vs. 4.29 [4.20-4.35]), and relative expression of RTP4 tended to be lesser in cows that had displaced abomasum (1.02 [0.62-1.67] vs. 1.75 [1.73-1.78]). Serum PAG was lesser at d 29 (3.8 vs. 4.2 ± 0.2 sample-to-positive ratio [S:P]) in cows that had NEFA ≥0.73 mM at 6 DIM, and lesser at d 33 (3.9 vs. 4.5 ± 0.2 S:P) and 40 (3.1 vs. 3.7 ± 0.2 S:P) in cows that had prepartum BCS ≥3.75. These findings suggest long-term effects of metabolic or reproductive tract disorders on luteal function after first AI, pregnancy recognition signaling, and placental function during early pregnancy. These associations may partially explain some of the pathways linking postpartum health and fertility in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Bruinjé
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - E I Morrison
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - E S Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - D L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - S J LeBlanc
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada N1G 2W1.
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7
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Ask-Gullstrand P, Strandberg E, Båge R, Berglund B. Genetic parameters of pregnancy loss in dairy cows estimated from pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in milk. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:6316-6324. [PMID: 37479576 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-23007] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the feasibility of using pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) in milk within breeding for pregnancy maintenance and assessed the genetic variation in pregnancy loss traits. A total of 374,206 PAG samples from 41,889 Swedish Red (SR) and 82,187 Swedish Holstein (SH) cows were collected at monthly test-day milkings in 1,119 Swedish herds. Pregnancy status was defined based on PAG levels and confirmed by data on artificial insemination (AI), calving, and culling from d 1 postinsemination to calving. Pregnancy loss traits were defined as embryonic loss (diagnosed 28 d to 41 d after AI), fetal loss (42 d after AI until calving), and total pregnancy loss. Least squares means (± standard error, %) and genetic parameters were estimated using mixed linear models. Heritability was estimated to be 0.02, 0.02, and 0.03 for embryonic loss, fetal loss, and total pregnancy loss, respectively. Cows with pregnancy loss had lower PAG concentrations than cows which successfully maintained pregnancy and calved. PAG recording was limited to monthly test-day milking, resulting in low estimated embryonic loss (17.5 ± 0.4 and 18.7 ± 0.4 in SR and SH, respectively) and higher fetal loss (32.8 ± 0.5 and 35.1 ± 0.5 in SR and SH, respectively). Pregnancy loss might have occurred earlier but remained undetected until the next test-day milking, when it was recorded as fetal loss rather than embryonic loss. Estimated genetic correlation between embryonic and fetal pregnancy loss traits and classical fertility traits were in general high. Identification of novel genetic traits from PAG data can be highly specific, as PAG are only secreted by the placenta. Thus, PAG could be useful indicators in selection to genetically improve pregnancy maintenance and reduce reproductive losses in milk production. Further studies are needed to clarify how these results could be applied in breeding programs concurrent with selection for classical fertility traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ask-Gullstrand
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7023, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - E Strandberg
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7023, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - R Båge
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - B Berglund
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7023, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Akköse M. Comparative evaluation of two commercial pregnancy-associated glycoproteins tests for early detection of pregnancy in dairy cattle. Theriogenology 2023; 200:11-17. [PMID: 36738574 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of two pregnancy-associated glycoproteins tests (IDEXX on-farm pregnancy test [OFPT] and IDEXX rapid visual pregnancy test [RVPT]) for early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle. Blood samples were collected from Holstein cows (n = 317) by coccygeal venipuncture 28-31 days after artificial insemination (AI). The OFPT and RVPT were performed on the farm within 2 h after blood collection using whole blood or blood serum. Transrectal ultrasonography (USG) was performed for pregnancy diagnosis on day 32 post-AI as a gold standard. One-hundred fourteen cows were diagnosed as pregnant and 203 were determined to be nonpregnant. Furthermore, embryonic mortality was detected in four of the nonpregnant animals, based on fragmented/dispersed embryonic membranes and the absence of heartbeat. Sixteen and 14 false positive results (13 jointly for both tests) were obtained for the RVPT and OFPT, respectively. Three false negative results were obtained for the RVPT. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for the OFPT were 100%, 93.1%, 89.1%, 100% and 95.6%, and for RVPT were 97.4%, 92.1%, 87.4%, 98.4% and 94.0%, respectively. The ability of both tests to distinguish between pregnant and open cows was very good (AUC of both tests above 0.9). The OFPT and RVPT almost perfectly agreed with each other. According to McNemar's analysis, false positive results have been caused difference between the two pregnancy tests and USG. In conclusion, both the RVPT and OFPT proved to be reliable and practical methods for pregnancy diagnosis 28-31 days after AI in dairy cows. However, the results of both pregnancy tests were affected by the occurrence of embryonic mortality around the time of their employment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akköse
- Department of Livestock, Dalaman Agricultural Enterprise, General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises, Dalaman, Muğla, 48770, Türkiye.
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9
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Durocher J, Moore RK, Castonguay MH, Albaaj A, LeBlanc SJ, Dufour S. Bayesian estimation of sensitivity and specificity of a milk pregnancy-associated glycoprotein ELISA test for pregnancy diagnosis between 23 and 27 days after insemination in Holstein dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:6985-6996. [PMID: 35787323 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21905] [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: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy diagnosis using pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) ELISA technology in blood or milk samples is validated from 28 d after insemination in dairy cows. The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of a commercial milk PAG-based ELISA in Holstein dairy cows between 23 and 27 d after insemination. Milk samples (n = 268) from 257 Holstein dairy cows 23 to 27 d after AI were submitted for PAG ELISA testing. Pregnancy status was confirmed by either a second milk PAG ELISA test conducted between 28 and 50 d after insemination (n = 200) or transrectal ultrasonography performed between 28 and 59 d after insemination (n = 68). A Bayesian latent class model was used to compare the paired results from the test at 23 to 27 d after AI test to the reference test. The latent class model typically used for comparing 2 or more imperfect tests was extended to include the possibility of pregnancy loss between the 23 to 27 d test and the reference test. Informative priors for the probability of pregnancy loss, and for the Se and Sp of the PAG and ultrasonography reference tests were obtained from the scientific literature. Estimated median Se and Sp of the PAG ELISA test conducted between 23 and 27 d after AI were 0.98 (95% credible interval 0.93 to 1.0) and 0.98 (0.89 to 1.0), respectively, when using a standardized corrected optical density threshold of 0.15. Although the accuracy of the test under investigation was excellent, more data will be needed to confirm the optimal diagnostic cut point for PAG in milk for early pregnancy diagnosis in this time window. The optimal timing of pregnancy diagnosis will depend on herd-specific logistics and the action to be taken to re-inseminate nonpregnant cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Durocher
- Lactanet, 555, boul. des Anciens-Combattants, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3R4, Canada
| | - R K Moore
- Lactanet, 555, boul. des Anciens-Combattants, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3R4, Canada
| | - M-H Castonguay
- Lactanet, 555, boul. des Anciens-Combattants, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3R4, Canada
| | - A Albaaj
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, C. P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - S J LeBlanc
- Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - S Dufour
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, C. P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 7C6, Canada.
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10
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The Importance of Interferon-Tau in the Diagnosis of Pregnancy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9915814. [PMID: 34513997 PMCID: PMC8429012 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9915814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Several decades of improving dairy cattle towards unilateral utilization of dairy cattle led to enormous progress in the field of milk yield; however, it resulted in a number of unfavorable features, such as reproductive disorders, increased calf mortality, and reduced health. Most cases of embryo loss and/or lost pregnancies occur during the first four to five weeks of gestation; accurate detection for pregnancy during this period is likely to contribute to an improvement in gestation rates. A specific protein, interferon-tau (IFNT), stimulates interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), and their expression increases during gestation within 21 days after insemination. In bovines, the early conceptus undergoes a phase of rapid growth and elongation before implantation, the latter occurring 2–3 weeks after fertilization. IFNT acts mainly in the endometrium of the luminal epithelium. It is a new type I interferon that regulates several genes encoding uterine-derived factors. They are crucial in the processes of preparing the uterus for placenta attachment, modifying the uterine immune system, and regulating early fetal development. Because IFNT is expressed and induces ISGs in the endometrium during pregnancy recognition, it was reasoned that surrogate markers for pregnancy or IFNT might be present in the blood and provide an indicator of pregnancy status in cattle.
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Kott ML, Pancini S, Speckhart SL, Kimble LN, White RR, Stewart JL, Johnson SE, Ealy AD. Effects of mid-gestational l-citrulline supplementation to twin-bearing ewes on umbilical blood flow, placental development, and lamb production traits. Transl Anim Sci 2021; 5:txab102. [PMID: 34222828 PMCID: PMC8252048 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txab102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study was to examine how l-citrulline supplementation to ewes during mid-gestation influences placental activity, placental blood flow, lamb body weight, and carcass characteristics. Two studies were completed. A pharmacokinetic study to compare circulating plasma amino acid concentrations after a single intravenous injection of 155 µmol/kg BW l-citrulline or after an isonitrogenous amount of l-alanine (control; 465 µmol/kg BW). Increases (P < 0.05) in circulating citrulline concentrations were detected for 8 h after l-citrulline injection versus the control. Similarly, increases (P < 0.05) in circulating arginine concentrations were detected for 24 h after l-citrulline treatment. The second study used 12 ewes with twin pregnancies. Daily intravenous injections of either l-citrulline or l-alanine were administered for 39 d from d 42–45 to 81–84 of gestation. Ewes were limit-fed at 85% daily energy requirements during the injection period. A decrease (P < 0.0001) in body weight was observed in both treatment groups during this period. No treatment differences were observed in circulating pregnancy-specific protein B concentrations or placental blood flow during the treatment and post-treatment gestational period. No treatment differences were observed in lamb survival nor in lamb birth, weaning and slaughter weights. Treatment did not influence lamb carcass composition or organ weights. However, there was a tendency (P = 0.10) for an increase in antral follicle numbers in ovaries from ewe lambs derived from ewes treated with l-citrulline. In summary, a daily l-citrulline injection increased both circulating citrulline and arginine concentrations in ewes, but daily l-citrulline injections during mid-gestation did not produce any detectable changes in placental activity and blood flow, neonatal and postnatal lamb development, and lamb carcass composition at slaughter. In conclusion, no benefits in placental function and lamb development were observed after providing l-citrulline during mid-gestation in ewes exposed to a mild energy restriction, but there was an indication that follicle numbers in ewe lambs were positively influenced by l-citrulline treatment during fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Kott
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Stefania Pancini
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Savannah L Speckhart
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Lauren N Kimble
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Robin R White
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Jamie L Stewart
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Sally E Johnson
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Alan D Ealy
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Szenci O. Recent Possibilities for the Diagnosis of Early Pregnancy and Embryonic Mortality in Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061666. [PMID: 34204926 PMCID: PMC8229416 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pregnancy diagnosis plays an essential role in decreasing days open in dairy farms; therefore, it is very important to select an accurate method for diagnosing early pregnancy. Besides traditional pregnancy diagnoses made by rectal palpation of the uterus from 40 to 60 days after AI and measuring the serum or milk progesterone concentration between 18 to 24 days after AI, there are several new possibilities to diagnose early pregnancy in dairy farms. However, it is very important to emphasize that before introducing any new diagnostic test, we need to make sure the accuracy of that particular test to be able to decrease the rate of iatrogenic pregnancy losses caused by prostaglandin or resynchronization treatments. This review focuses on the diagnostic possibilities and limitations of early pregnancy diagnosis in the field. Abstract One of the most recent techniques for the on-farm diagnosis of early pregnancy (EP) in cattle is B-mode ultrasonography. Under field conditions, acceptable results may be achieved with ultrasonography from Days 25 to 30 post-AI. The reliability of the test greatly depends on the frequency of the transducer used, the skill of the examiner, the criterion used for a positive pregnancy diagnosis (PD), and the position of the uterus in the pelvic inlet. Non-pregnant animals can be selected accurately by evaluating blood flow in the corpus luteum around Day 20 after AI, meaning we can substantially improve the reproductive efficiency of our herd. Pregnancy protein assays (PSPB, PAG-1, and PSP60 RIA, commercial ELISA or rapid visual ELISA tests) may provide an alternative method to ultrasonography for determining early pregnancy or late embryonic/early fetal mortality (LEM/EFM) in dairy cows. Although the early pregnancy factor is the earliest specific indicator of fertilization, at present, its detection is entirely dependent on the use of the rosette inhibition test; therefore, its use in the field needs further developments. Recently found biomarkers like interferon-tau stimulated genes or microRNAs may help us diagnose early pregnancy in dairy cows; however, these tests need further developments before their general use in the farms becomes possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottó Szenci
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő-Dóra Major, Hungary
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13
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Peixoto PM, Hubner AM, Junior WMC, Cunha LL, Garrett EF, Pohler KG, Dias NW, Mercadante VRG, Canisso IF, Lima FS. Characterization of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins and progesterone as a predictor of twins and conceptus loss in high-risk-pregnancy Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:5034-5046. [PMID: 33612217 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19334] [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: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize plasma concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) and progesterone (P4) as predictors of twins and pregnancy loss in Holstein cows with high-risk pregnancies. High-risk pregnancy was characterized using transrectal ultrasonography 37 d after artificial insemination (AI) based on the following criteria: small embryo size <15 mm, n = 10), slow heartbeat (<60 beats per minute, n = 11), and extra-amniotic membrane (additional amniotic membrane, n = 3). A cohort of twins (n = 41) diagnosed at d 37 post-AI was also enrolled. Each high-risk and twin pregnancy cow was paired with a cow of the same parity carrying a normal singleton at d 37 post-AI (control, n = 65). Blood samples were collected to measure PAG and P4 at d 37, 44, and 51 post-AI. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, logistic regression, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve with JMP software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Pregnancy loss at d 51 post-AI was greater in high-risk pregnancies than in controls and twins (control = 1.5%; high-risk = 87.5%; twins = 12.2%). Concentration of PAG at d 37 post-AI did not differ among groups (control = 5.3 ± 0.7; high-risk = 4.8 ± 1.2; twins = 4.0 ± 0.9 ng/mL). Concentration of P4 at d 37 post-AI was greater in twins than in high-risk pregnancies and control, and lesser in high-risk pregnancies than in controls (control = 7.0 ± 0.3; high-risk = 5.9 ± 0.4; twins = 8.4 ± 0.3 ng/mL). Regression and ROC analysis for PAG at d 37 post-AI did not find a threshold to predict pregnancy loss or twins. Regression and ROC analysis for P4 at d 37 post-AI found that a threshold of 6.5 ng/mL predicted pregnancy loss with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.64, and a threshold of 7.2 ng/mL predicted twins with AUC of 0.71. In summary, pregnancy loss and twins were predicted with only moderate accuracy by P4 concentration at d 37 post-AI, and the variability in PAG concentrations at d 37 post-AI was not sufficient to generate a threshold to predict pregnancy loss and twins in Holstein lactating cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Peixoto
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61802
| | - A M Hubner
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61802; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61802
| | - W M C Junior
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61802
| | - L L Cunha
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61802
| | - E F Garrett
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61802
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - N W Dias
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg 24061
| | - V R G Mercadante
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg 24061
| | - I F Canisso
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61802; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61802
| | - F S Lima
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61802; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61802; Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616.
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14
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Karakuş O, Kaçar C, Kuru M, Kaya S, Demir MC, Arı UÇ, Zonturlu AK, Öztürkler Y. Efficacy of a commercial test kit to determine early pregnancy in cows using whole blood and blood serum. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 53:28. [PMID: 33226491 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02428-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the Fassisi®BoviPreg visual test kit (Fassisi®BoviPreg) in determining early pregnancies in cows by measuring the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) in whole blood and blood serum. The study was conducted on 50 cows, the artificial insemination (AI) dates of which were designated as day 0. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed with transrectal ultrasonography (USG), and serum samples were simultaneously collected and used with Fassisi®BoviPreg to determine pregnancies on 30 days after AI. The results of the Fassisi®BoviPreg test on serum and whole blood samples, respectively, on 30 days after AI were as follows: sensitivity, 61.54% and 50.0%; specificity, 79.17% and 75%; accuracy, 70.0% and 62.0%; positive predictive values, 76.2% and 68.4%; negative predictive values, 65.5% and 58.1%; false-positive diagnoses, 23.8% and 31.6%; and false-negative diagnoses, 34.5% and 41.9%. On day 50 after AI, sensitivities were 63.64% and 50.0%, specificities were 100.0% and 100.0%, and accuracies were 75.0% and 65.62% in serum and whole blood, respectively. Higher pregnancy rates were obtained using Fassisi®BoviPreg in cows with ≥ 5 ng/mL P4 (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the results from the Fassisi®BoviPreg tests on cows on 30 and 50 days after AI showed that the use of blood serum is more accurate and suitable than that of whole blood. The results also showed a higher confidence level in specificity 50 days after AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozan Karakuş
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, 36100, Kars, Turkey
| | - Cihan Kaçar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, 36100, Kars, Turkey
| | - Mushap Kuru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, 36100, Kars, Turkey.
| | - Semra Kaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, 36100, Kars, Turkey
| | - Murat Can Demir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, 36100, Kars, Turkey
| | - Umut Çağın Arı
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, 36100, Kars, Turkey
| | - Abuzer Kafar Zonturlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University, 63200, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Öztürkler
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, 36100, Kars, Turkey
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15
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Madureira AML, Poole RK, Burnett TA, Guida TG, Edwards JL, Schrick FN, Vasconcelos JLM, Cerri RLA, Pohler KG. Size and position of the reproductive tract impacts fertility outcomes and pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology 2020; 158:66-74. [PMID: 32932186 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There are multiple factors that contribute to reduced fertility in lactating dairy cows. Recently, a reproductive tract size and position score (SPS) system was developed as a management tool to identify dairy cows with decreased fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the SPS on fertility outcomes such as ovulation failure, pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI), concentration of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs), and pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows. Primiparous and multiparous lactating Holstein cows (n = 869) were enrolled at two locations. Location 1 (Loc. 1) in Minas Gerais, Brazil (n = 613) and location 2 (Loc. 2) in Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada (n = 256). At the time of AI (d 0), cows were classified as SPS (small [SPS1], medium [SPS2], or large [SPS3] sized reproductive tract) and ovulation failure was determined at 48 h and 7 d post-AI via ultrasonography (Loc. 2 only). Blood samples were collected on d 24 and 31 of gestation for quantification of PAGs and pregnancy diagnosis was performed via ultrasonography at d 31 and 60 post-AI (Loc. 1) and at d 31 ± 3 and 60 ± 3 post-AI (Loc. 2). Cows diagnosed pregnant at d 31 post-AI but not pregnant at d 60 were defined to have undergone late embryonic pregnancy loss. Parity was found to impact SPS (P < 0.01), as primiparous cows had a higher frequency of SPS1 and lower frequency of SPS3 when compared with multiparous cows (SPS1: 42.6 vs. 15.0%; SPS3: 7.0 vs. 22.0%, respectively). Cows classified as SPS3 had greater ovulation failure at 48 h (P = 0.04) and 7 d post-AI (P = 0.05). Cows classified as SPS1 had greater P/AI when compared to SPS2 and SPS3 (45.9 ± 3.3 vs. 37.4 ± 2.6 and 29.1 ± 3.5%, respectively; P = 0.004). There was no interaction between parity and SPS on P/AI. Pregnancy loss between 31 and 60 d post-AI was increased in cows classified as SPS3 compared to SPS2 and SPS1 (24.3 ± 0.05 vs. 11.6 ± 0.02 and 9.4 ± 0.02%, respectively; P = 0.04). Cows classified as SPS1 and SPS2 had greater concentrations of PAGs at 31 d post-AI when compared to SPS3 at both Loc.1 (P < 0.01) and Loc. 2 (P < 0.01). There was no interaction between SPS and pregnancy loss on PAGs at 24 and 31 d post- AI for either Loc. 1 (P = 0.75 and P = 0.76, respectively) or Loc. 2 (P = 0.61 and P = 0.81, respectively). In conclusion, cows that were classified as SPS3 had greater ovulation failure, reduced P/AI, similar concentrations of PAG on d 24, but decreased on d 31, and a greater incidence of pregnancy loss. Thus, size and position of the reproductive tract is associated with fertility and this scoring system could be used to make reproductive management decisions on dairy operations.
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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, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - R K Poole
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - T A Burnett
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - T G Guida
- Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil
| | - J L Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - F N Schrick
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal Production, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil
| | - R L A Cerri
- Applied Animal Biology, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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16
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Effects of clinical mastitis and puerperal diseases on reproductive efficiency of dairy cows. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 52:3061-3068. [PMID: 32572855 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02326-2] [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: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of clinical mastitis (CM) occurring before or after the first AI postpartum, and puerperal diseases (PD) on the pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI), number of AI/conception, and days open (DO) of two different dairy herds (Girolando and Holstein). The CM, PD (retained placenta and metritis), and reproductive data were collected from two dairy farms throughout 1 year. Both farms were located in the southern region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. One herd was composed of Girolando cows and the other of Holstein cows. Cows were inseminated after estrus detection or submitted to timed AI. Only CM cases (clots in milk accompanied or not by udder inflammation) that occurred before or after first AI postpartum (from calving until 35 days after the first AI) were considered. There were no effects of CM, PD, or both diseases on the reproductive efficiency of the Girolando herd. In the Holstein herd, a reduce P/AI and prolonged DO were verified for those affected by ≥ 2 CM cases. Holstein cows with CM also required more inseminations to become pregnant. A decrease in the P/AI and an increase in the number of AI/conception and DO were observed in cows of the Holstein herd that developed only CM, only PD, and for those diagnosed with both diseases. In summary, considering that some management differences exist between the two dairy farms, CM occurrence (before or after the first AI postpartum) and puerperal diseases negatively affected the reproductive efficiency of the Holstein herd. However, these diseases did not compromise the reproductive efficiency of the Girolando herd.
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17
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Reese ST, Geary TW, Franco GA, Moraes JGN, Spencer TE, Pohler KG. Pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and pregnancy loss in high vs sub fertility heifers. Theriogenology 2019; 135:7-12. [PMID: 31185426 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive inefficiency and infertility are major financial burdens to domestic livestock. Variables associated with these reproductive losses during early gestation include contributions from the oocyte, uterus, sperm, embryo and placenta. Bovine pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) are produced by the binucleate cells of the ruminant placenta and can be used to diagnose pregnancy. Increased circulating concentrations of PAG early in gestation have been correlated with pregnancy success and decreased concentrations are predictive of impending embryonic mortality in both beef and dairy cattle. The objectives of the current study were to determine whether: 1) heifer fertility status is associated with circulating concentrations of PAG and pregnancy loss; and 2) PAG concentrations within the same animal are repeatable across multiple pregnancies. We hypothesized maternal PAG concentrations would be increased in high fertility compared to subfertile heifers but not repeatable across subsequent pregnancies in the same heifer. Serial embryo transfer (ET; n = 4 rounds) was used to classify predominately Angus heifers (n = 92) as highly fertile (HF = 30; 100% pregnancy success) or subfertile (SF = 62; average = 33%; range = 25-75% pregnancy success) based on day 28 ultrasound diagnosis. Blood samples were collected at both day 28 and 44 for quantification of circulating PAG concentrations by an in house PAG ELISA with antibodies raised against early secreted PAGs. Pregnancy was terminated at day 44 of gestation and heifers were allowed 30 days recovery before synchronization for the next ET. Only heifers that were diagnosed pregnant by ultrasound were used in this study (HF: n = 30, SF: n = 62). Serum concentrations of PAGs were not different between HF (5.90 ± 0.27 ng/mL) and SF (5.56 ± 0.31 ng/mL; P = 0.16) heifers at day 28 of gestation nor was there a difference at day 44 of gestation (P = 0.32). Subfertile heifers had increased pregnancy loss between days 28 and 44 of gestation. Based on odds ratio analysis, SF heifers had a 2.41 times chance to undergo pregnancy loss between day 28-44 compared to HF heifers (P < 0.05). There was no correlation (P > 0.05) in maternal circulating concentrations of PAG between pregnancies on day 28 or 44 of gestation in samples obtained from HF heifers. In summary, circulating concentrations of PAG are not different between HF and SF heifers; however, HF classified heifers have decreased pregnancy loss between days 28 and 44 of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Reese
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - T W Geary
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT, USA
| | - G A Franco
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - J G N Moraes
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - T E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Ben Jemaa S, Rahal O, Gaouar SBS, Mastrangelo S, Boussaha M, Ciani E. Genomic characterization of Algerian Guelmoise cattle and their genetic relationship with other North African populations inferred from SNP genotyping arrays. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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19
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Peripolli E, Metzger J, de Lemos MVA, Stafuzza NB, Kluska S, Olivieri BF, Feitosa FLB, Berton MP, Lopes FB, Munari DP, Lôbo RB, Magnabosco CDU, Di Croce F, Osterstock J, Denise S, Pereira ASC, Baldi F. Autozygosity islands and ROH patterns in Nellore lineages: evidence of selection for functionally important traits. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:680. [PMID: 30223795 PMCID: PMC6142381 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5060-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to assess genome-wide autozygosity in a Nellore cattle population and to characterize ROH patterns and autozygosity islands that may have occurred due to selection within its lineages. It attempts also to compare estimates of inbreeding calculated from ROH (FROH), genomic relationship matrix (FGRM), and pedigree-based coefficient (FPED). Results The average number of ROH per animal was 55.15 ± 13.01 with an average size of 3.24 Mb. The Nellore genome is composed mostly by a high number of shorter segments accounting for 78% of all ROH, although the proportion of the genome covered by them was relatively small. The genome autozygosity proportion indicates moderate to high inbreeding levels for classical standards, with an average value of 7.15% (178.70 Mb). The average of FPED and FROH, and their correlations (− 0.05 to 0.26) were low. Estimates of correlation between FGRM-FPED was zero, while the correlation (− 0.01 to − 0.07) between FGRM-FROH decreased as a function of ROH length, except for FROH > 8Mb (− 0.03). Overall, inbreeding coefficients were not high for the genotyped animals. Autozygosity islands were evident across the genome (n = 62) and their genomic location did not largely differ within lineages. Enriched terms (p < 0.01) associated with defense response to bacteria (GO:0042742), immune complex reaction (GO:0045647), pregnancy-associated glycoproteins genes (GO:0030163), and organism growth (GO:0040014) were described within the autozygotic islands. Conclusions Low FPED-FROH correlation estimates indicate that FPED is not the most suitable method for capturing ancient inbreeding when the pedigree does not extend back many generations and FROH should be used instead. Enriched terms (p < 0.01) suggest a strong selection for immune response. Non-overlapping islands within the lineages greatly explain the mechanism underlying selection for functionally important traits in Nellore cattle. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5060-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Peripolli
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil.
| | - Julia Metzger
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marcos Vinícius Antunes de Lemos
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Nedenia Bonvino Stafuzza
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Kluska
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Bianca Ferreira Olivieri
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Fabieli Louise Braga Feitosa
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Mariana Piatto Berton
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Fernando Brito Lopes
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Danísio Prado Munari
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Raysildo Barbosa Lôbo
- Associação Nacional de Criadores e Pesquisadores (ANCP), Ribeirão Preto, 14020-230, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fernando Baldi
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
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20
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Santos DJA, Cole JB, Null DJ, Byrem TM, Ma L. Genetic and nongenetic profiling of milk pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in Holstein cattle. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:9987-10000. [PMID: 30219417 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) are secreted by the trophoblast and are detectable in maternal circulation around the time of attachment of the fetal placenta, as well as in blood and milk throughout gestation. The understanding of the genetic mechanisms controlling PAG levels can confer advantages for livestock breeding programs given the precocity and the ease of obtaining this phenotype from routine pregnancy diagnosis. The aim of this study was to characterize PAG levels by estimating genetic parameters and correlations with other dairy traits, and to identify genomic regions and candidate genes associated with PAG levels in milk. The PAG data consisted of pregnancy diagnoses using commercial assays from 2012 to 2017, and genotype data consisted of 54,123 SNP markers for 2,352 individuals (embryos and dams). The model included contemporary group (herd, year, and season) and embryo age as fixed effects, and random embryonic (direct) and maternal (indirect) genetic effects. Using genomic data, the estimated heritability for direct and maternal genetic effects (± standard deviations) were 0.23 ± 0.05 and 0.11 ± 0.05, respectively. The genetic correlation between these effects was almost zero (0.001 ± 0.06). A preliminary analysis revealed low correlations between milk PAG levels and other dairy traits. The genome-wide association analysis was performed using 2 approaches: single-marker and single-step using all markers. Four genomic regions with direct genetic effects were detected on Bos taurus autosome (BTA) 6, BTA7, BTA19, and BTA29 of the embryonic genome. The BTA29 locus was within the bovine PAG gene cluster, suggesting a cis-regulatory quantitative trait locus on the PAG expression. However, other associations, without an obvious link to PAG expression, could be related to the transportation of PAG and their concentration in milk. Only 1 region from the maternal genome, on BTA4, had a significant indirect effect, where WNT2 is a candidate gene related to placenta vascularization and gestation health. Collectively, our results suggest a moderate genetic control of milk PAG levels from both maternal and fetal genomes, but larger studies are needed to fully evaluate the usefulness of milk PAG in the genetic evaluation of fetal growth and cow fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J A Santos
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park 20742; Departamento de Zootecinia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - J B Cole
- Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350
| | - D J Null
- Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350
| | - T M Byrem
- Antel BioSystems Inc., Lansing, MI 48910
| | - L Ma
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park 20742.
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21
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Goszczynski D, Molina A, Terán E, Morales-Durand H, Ross P, Cheng H, Giovambattista G, Demyda-Peyrás S. Runs of homozygosity in a selected cattle population with extremely inbred bulls: Descriptive and functional analyses revealed highly variable patterns. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200069. [PMID: 29985951 PMCID: PMC6037354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The analysis of runs of homozygosity (ROH), using high throughput genomic data, has become a valuable and frequently used methodology to characterize the genomic and inbreeding variation of livestock and wildlife animal populations. However, this methodology has been scarcely used in highly inbred domestic animals. Here, we analyzed and characterized the occurrence of ROH fragments in highly inbred (HI; average pedigree-based inbreeding coefficient FPED = 0.164; 0.103 to 0.306) and outbred Retinta bulls (LI; average FPED = 0.008; 0 to 0.025). We studied the length of the fragments, their abundance, and genome distribution using high-density microarray data. The number of ROH was significantly higher in the HI group, especially for long fragments (>8Mb). In the LI group, the number of ROH continuously decreased with fragment length. Genome-wide distribution of ROH was highly variable between samples. Some chromosomes presented a larger number of fragments (BTA1, BTA19, BTA29), others had longer fragments (BTA4, BTA12, BTA17), while other ones showed an increased ROH accumulation over specific loci (BTA2, BTA7, BTA23, BTA29). Similar differences were observed in the analysis of 12 individuals produced by a similar inbred event (FPED3 = 0.125). The correlation between the fraction of the genome covered by ROH (FROH) and FPED was high (0.79), suggesting that ROH-based estimations are indicative of inbreeding levels. On the other hand, the correlation between FPED and the microsatellite-based inbreeding coefficient (FMIC) was only moderate (r = 0.44), suggesting that STR-based inbreeding estimations should be avoided. Similarly, we found a very low correlation (r = -0.0132) between recombination rate and ROH abundance across the genome. Finally, we performed functional annotation analyses of genome regions with significantly enriched ROH abundance. Results revealed gene clusters related to pregnancy-associated proteins and immune reaction. The same analysis performed for regions enriched with recently formed ROH (> 8 Mb) showed gene clusters related to flagellum assembly. In both cases, the processes were related to male and female reproductive functions, which may partially explain the reduced fertility associated with inbred populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Goszczynski
- IGEVET–Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando N. Dulout” (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Antonio Molina
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, España
| | - Ester Terán
- IGEVET–Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando N. Dulout” (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Hernán Morales-Durand
- IGEVET–Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando N. Dulout” (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Pablo Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Hao Cheng
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Guillermo Giovambattista
- IGEVET–Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando N. Dulout” (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, España
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Demyda-Peyrás
- IGEVET–Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando N. Dulout” (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, España
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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22
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A predictive threshold value for the diagnosis of early pregnancy in cows using interferon-stimulated genes in granulocytes. Theriogenology 2018; 107:188-193. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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23
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Bayesian estimation of sensitivity and specificity of a milk pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-based ELISA and of transrectal ultrasonographic exam for diagnosis of pregnancy at 28–45 days following breeding in dairy cows. Prev Vet Med 2017; 140:122-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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