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Cushman RA, Akbarinejad V, Perry GA, Lents CA. Developmental programming of the ovarian reserve in livestock. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 264:107458. [PMID: 38531261 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107458] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian females are born with a finite number of follicles in their ovaries that is referred to as the ovarian reserve. There is a large amount of variation between females in the number of antral follicles that they are born with, but this number is positively correlated to size of the ovarian reserve, has a strong repeatability within a female, and a moderate heritability. Although the heritability is moderate, numerous external factors including health, nutrition, ambient temperature, and litter size influence the size and function of the ovarian reserve throughout life. Depletion of the ovarian reserve contributes to reproductive senescence, and genetic and epigenetic factors can lead to a more rapid decline in follicle numbers in some females than others. The relationship of the size of the ovarian reserve to development of the reproductive tract and fertility is generally positive, although some studies report antagonistic associations of these traits. It seems likely that management decisions and environmental factors that result in epigenetic modifications to the genome throughout life may cause variability in the function of ovarian genes that influence fecundity and fertility, leading to differences in reproductive longevity among females born with ovarian reserves of similar size. This review summarizes our current understanding of factors influencing size of the ovarian reserve in cattle, sheep, and pigs and the relationship of the ovarian reserve to reproductive tract development and fertility. It provides strategies to apply this knowledge to improve diagnostics for better assessment of fertility and reproductive longevity in female livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Cushman
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, U S Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center NE 68933-0166, United States.
| | - Vahid Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - George A Perry
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton, TX 75684, United States
| | - Clay A Lents
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, U S Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center NE 68933-0166, United States
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2
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Akbarinejad V, Cushman RA. Developmental programming of reproduction in the female animal. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107456. [PMID: 38503204 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107456] [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: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Successful reproduction is a cornerstone in food animal industry in order to sustain food production for human. Therefore, various methods focusing on genetics and postnatal environment have been identified and applied to improve fertility in livestock. Yet there is evidence indicating that environmental factors during prenatal and/or neonatal life can also impact the function of reproductive system and fertility in the animals during adulthood, which is called the developmental programming of reproduction. The current review summarizes data associated with the developmental origins of reproduction in the female animals. In this regard, this review focuses on the effect of plane of nutrition, maternal body condition, hypoxia, litter size, maternal age, parity, level of milk production and milk components, lactocrine signaling, stress, thermal stress, exposure to androgens, endocrine disrupting chemicals, mycotoxins and pollutants, affliction with infection and inflammation, and maternal gut microbiota during prenatal and neonatal periods on the neuroendocrine system, puberty, health of reproductive organs and fertility in the female offspring. It is noteworthy that these prenatal and neonatal factors do not always exert their effects on the reproductive performance of the female by compromising the development of organs directly related to reproductive function such as hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, oviduct and uterus. Since they can impair the development of non-reproductive organs and systems modulating reproductive function as well (e.g., metabolic system and level of milk yield in dairy animals). Furthermore, when these factors affect the epigenetics of the offspring, their adverse effects will not be limited to one generation and can transfer transgenerationally. Hence, pinpointing the factors influencing developmental programming of reproduction and considering them in management of livestock operations could be a potential strategy to help improve fertility in food animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Robert A Cushman
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, US. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, United States
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de Moraes FLZ, Morotti F, Barca Junior FA, Seneda MM. Effects of maternal antral follicle count in Bos taurus indicus cattle on the genetic merit of male offspring and antral follicle count of female offspring. Theriogenology 2024; 217:151-158. [PMID: 38277797 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.005] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of antral follicle count (AFC) in female cattle on offspring characteristics. Recently calved multiparous Bos indicus cows (Nelore; n = 222) were evaluated using ultrasonography on random days of their estrous cycle to determine the AFC and were classified into "low" (≤15 follicles), "intermediate" (≥16 and ≤ 29 follicles), and "high" (≥30 follicles) AFC groups. Weight and scrotal circumference (SC) of male offspring from these cows (n = 127) were determined from 20 to 27 months, and the data were added to a genetic evaluation program (economic total genetic merit, MGTe and TOP value) that uses the kinship matrix to evaluate the genetic relationship between animals. The AFC of female offspring from these cows (n = 95) was evaluated to analyze the relationship between the AFC of mothers and daughters. The effects of maternal AFC on the genetic merit of male and female offspring were analyzed using GLIMMIX and GLM, respectively. Correlations were assessed using the Pearson's coefficient. Male offspring of cows with high AFC had superior MGTe (P = 0.005) and TOP values (P = 0.01) than those from cows with low AFC. Additionally, the AFC of mothers was positively correlated with MGTe (R = 0.33; P < 0.0001) and negatively correlated with TOP values (R = -0.32; P < 0.0001). The SC (P = 0.01), but not body weight of the offspring (P = 0.46) was affected by maternal AFC. The daughters' AFC were correlated (R = 0.29; P = 0.004) with mothers' AFC and were influenced by maternal (P = 0.05) but not paternal (P = 0.77) effect. In conclusion, cows with high AFC produced males with greater MGTe, superior TOP values and higher SC. Maternal AFC did not influence the weight of male offspring but was correlated with the AFC of daughters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fábio Morotti
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil; Universidade Norte do Parana, UNOPAR, Arapongas, PR, Brazil
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Bafandeh M, Mozaffari Makiabadi MJ, Gharagozlou F, Vojgani M, Mobedi E, Akbarinejad V. Developmental programming of production and reproduction in dairy cows: I. Association of maternal parity with offspring's birth weight, milk yield, reproductive performance and AMH concentration during the first lactation period. Theriogenology 2023; 210:34-41. [PMID: 37473594 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Multiparous dams have been reported to produce offspring with greater fertility and higher AMH concentration, as a marker of ovarian reserves, as compared with nulliparous and primiparous dams. Yet it has remained to be addressed whether this phenomenon can still be true for old multiparous cows which might experience some geriatric changes in their reproductive system. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the productive and reproductive performance of offspring with different maternal parity. To this end, offspring were classified based on their maternal parities into four categories, including offspring of nulliparous (no previous parity), primiparous (one previous parity), young multiparous (two to six previous parities) and old multiparous (seven or more previous parities) dams. In study I, data of birth weight, milk yield and reproductive variables of 11,788 offspring and data of their maternal parity were retrieved. In study II, blood samples (n = 521) were collected from offspring with various maternal parity for measurement of serum AMH. Birth weight was the lowest in the offspring of nulliparous dams (P < 0.0001) and it was lower in offspring of primiparous and old multiparous dams than offspring of young multiparous dams (P < 0.05). Milk production was the lowest in offspring of old multiparous dams (P < 0.01), and it was lower in offspring of young multiparous dams than offspring of nulliparous and primiparous dams (P < 0.0001). Offspring of old multiparous dams had greater first service conception rate, less services per conception and shorter calving to conception interval than offspring of nulliparous, primiparous and young multiparous dams (P < 0.05). Furthermore, AMH concentration was higher in offspring of old multiparous dams than offspring of nulliparous and primiparous dams (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study revealed greater milk production in offspring resulting from dams with lower parity, probably due to the genetic selection for improvement of milk production in dairy cows which imparts the younger generations greater genetic merits for milk production. Reproductive performance, however, was greater in offspring born to dams with higher parity, particularly those born to old multiparous dams, and this phenomenon might be related to their lower milk production and higher AMH concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Bafandeh
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Faramarz Gharagozlou
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Vojgani
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Emadeddin Mobedi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Schwarzmann L, Marchand A, Knutti B, Bruckmaier R, Bollwein H, Scarlet D. Effects of postpartum diseases on antral follicle count and serum concentration of Anti-Müllerian hormone in dairy cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 255:107291. [PMID: 37392501 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The antral follicle count (AFC) and Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration are validated markers for ovarian reserve in cattle, but their use as fertility markers is controverse. Here we assessed the effects of postpartum diseases on AFC and AMH concentration, as well as the influence of parity and breed on these parameters. Cows (n = 513, mostly Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss, parity 3.0 ± 1.8) underwent a single ultrasonography examination 28-56 days after parturition and categorized as having low (n ≤ 15 follicles), intermediate (n = 16-24 follicles), or high (n ≥ 25 follicles) AFC based on objective video analysis of recorded sequences. Blood samples for AMH determination were collected at the time of examination and animals divided into low (< 0.05 ng/ml) and high AMH (≥ 0.05 ng/ml) group, respectively. No effects of postpartum diseases or breed on either AFC or AMH groups could be observed. There was a strong interaction between parity and AFC, primiparous cows having less follicles (13.6 ± 6.2 vs. 17.1 ± 7.0, P < 0.001) than pluriparous cows. The AFC did not affect reproductive parameters or productivity of the cows. In comparison, pluriparous cows with high AMH concentration had shorter calving to first service (86.0 ± 37.6 vs. 97.1 ± 46.7 days, P < 0.05) and calving to conception (123.8 ± 51.9 vs. 135.8 ± 54.4 days, P < 0.05) intervals, but lower milk yield (8440.3 ± 2292.9 vs. 8927.9 ± 2192.5 kg, P < 0.05) compared to cows with low AMH. In conclusion, no effect of postpartum diseases on AFC or AMH concentration of dairy cows could be observed. However, an interaction between parity and AFC, as well as associations of AMH with fertility and productivity in pluriparous cows, were demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurin Schwarzmann
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Rupert Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty Bern, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dragos Scarlet
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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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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7
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In vivo embryo production in bovine donors with low and high antral follicle counts superovulated with low and high FSH doses. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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8
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Moraes FLZD, Bonato DV, Souza ACC, Morotti F, Seneda MM. Conception rate according to antral follicle count and oestrus expression in Nelore cows submitted to timed artificial insemination. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/an22074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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9
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Morotti F, Miguez-Gonzalez S, Cerezetti MB, Seneda MM. Evaluation of three classification methods of antral follicle count and fertility to the timed artificial insemination in cattle. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20210121. [PMID: 35493784 PMCID: PMC9037601 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Bonato DV, Ferreira EB, Gomes DN, Bonato FGC, Droher RG, Morotti F, Seneda MM. Follicular dynamics, luteal characteristics, and progesterone concentrations in synchronized lactating Holstein cows with high and low antral follicle counts. Theriogenology 2021; 179:223-229. [PMID: 34896744 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We performed two experiments in high milk-producing Holstein cows. First, we evaluated the repeatability of the antral follicle count (AFC) - where all follicles were ≥2 mm in diameter - during the days of the ovulation synchronization protocol for timed artificial insemination (TAI) in dairy cows (n = 20). In the second study we investigated the follicular dynamics and Doppler ultrasonography in cows with low (≤15 follicles, n = 9) and high (≥25 follicles, n = 9) AFC, and measured progesterone (P4) concentrations during CL evaluation. In addition, the diameter of the preovulatory follicle, area of blood flow of the preovulatory follicle, CL area, and CL blood flow were compared between groups with high and low AFC. Ultrasound examinations were performed during the days of the protocol and 10 days after ovulation to assess the CL. The constancy of the AFC was analyzed by calculating the repeatability. Parametric variables were analyzed using the t-test, and nonparametric variables were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test (P ≤ 0.05). The repeatability of the AFC on different days of the protocol was 0.98. Cows with low AFC showed a greater diameter of the preovulatory follicle (16 ± 0.3 vs. 15 ± 0.4 mm), blood flow area of the preovulatory follicle (17.3 ± 2.3 vs. 8.1 ± 3.2 mm2), CL area (579.1 ± 16.9 vs. 405.8 ± 21.2 mm2), area of CL perfusion (97.1 ± 9.4 vs. 68.3 ± 5.2 mm2), as well as higher P4 levels (3.1 ± 0.2 vs. 2.2 ± 0.2 ng/mL). In high milk-producing Holstein cows, the AFC has high repeatability on different days of the TAI protocol, and cows with a low AFC show larger preovulatory follicles and CLs with greater perfusion, in addition to greater P4 concentrations in comparison to those cows with a high AFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- D V Bonato
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil; UNIPAR Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, PR, 87502-210, Brazil
| | - E B Ferreira
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil; Recanto das Paineiras-Arapoti-PR, Brazil
| | - D N Gomes
- Recanto das Paineiras-Arapoti-PR, Brazil
| | - F G C Bonato
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - R G Droher
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - F Morotti
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - M M Seneda
- State University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Dairy Production Chain (INCT-LEITE), Londrina, PR, 8057-970, Brazil.
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11
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Sood P, Sarma HD, Kadwad VB, Kumar S. Effect of ovarian follicular wave pattern and endocrine characteristics on pregnancy outcome in cows. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:321-332. [PMID: 34882853 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14064] [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: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The effect of two (2W) versus three (3W) wave patterns of follicular dynamics and concurrent endocrine milieu of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol 17-β (E2) and progesterone (P4) were investigated during one interoestrous interval (IEI) before insemination, on ensuing pregnancy, in 70 lactating Jersey crossbred cows. The findings were evaluated for between [included all (overall) 2W-O and 3W-O cows] and within [after separating pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP) cows in 2W and 3W] wave patterns. The propensity of two (58.6%, n = 41) and three (41.4%, n = 29) wave patterns was similar (p = .15). The IEI, shorter by 2.6 days for 2W-O versus 3W-O (p < .0009), predicted wave pattern as 100% 2W-O cows had IEI of ≤21 days, present only in 27.6% 3W-O cows (p < .0001). The ovulatory follicle persisted for a significantly shorter duration for 3W-O versus 2W-O cows. The average FSH, LH, E2 and P4 concentrations during the IEI did not differ for between and within the wave patterns. Pregnancy rate (%) of 58.6 versus 41.4 (p = .15) for 2W-O versus 3W-O and 56.1-P versus 43.9-NP (p = .44) for within 2W was similar, but tended to differ for within the 3W pattern (69.0-P versus 31.0-NP, p = .06). The pregnancy outcome was influenced by the age of ovulatory follicle for between the wave patterns and by follicular count as well as FSH surge concentration for within the wave patterns. A shorter luteal phase reduced the pregnancy outcome, a novel finding of the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Sood
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, India
| | - Haladhar Dev Sarma
- Experimental Animal Facility & Radioisotope Laboratory, Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Vijay B Kadwad
- Immunoassay Development, Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
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Zheng J, Deng T, Jiang E, Li J, Wijayanti D, Wang Y, Ding X, Lan X. Genetic variations of bovine PCOS-related DENND1A gene identified in GWAS significantly affect female reproductive traits. Gene 2021; 802:145867. [PMID: 34352299 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified DENND1A as a potential candidate gene linked to the fertility-related phenotypes in dairy cows. However, to date, no studies have examined the association of the DENND1A insertion/deletions (indels) to bovine fertility on a large scale. Herein, two indel sites, including P4-del-26-bp and P8-ins-15-bp were identified in 1064 Holstein cows. The values of the minor allelic frequency (MAF) ranged between 0.471 (deletion) and 0.230 (deletion), respectively, and combined four different haplotypes by analyzing the haplotype combination. It is noteworthy that P4-del-26-bp is associated with the ovarian width (P = 0.0004) and corpus luteum diameter (P = 0.004). Meanwhile, P8-ins-15-bp was found to have a significant association with the ovarian width (P = 0.020), ovarian weight (P = 0.004), the number of mature follicles (P = 0.020), and diameter of the mature follicles (P = 0.016). Furthermore, the combinatorial analysis showed that the two indel combined-genotypes were significantly related to several reproductive traits (ovarian width, ovarian weight, etc.). Collectively, our findings indicated that these two novel indels and their combinations are correlated with the reproductive traits, and hence, they can serve in the marker-assisted selection (MAS) in cattle breeding. Nevertheless, further functional experiments are needed for understanding the mechanisms of these indels in cattle reproduction in a better way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanshan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; Laboratory of Animal Genome and Gene Function, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Tianyu Deng
- Laboratory of Animal Genome and Gene Function, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Enhui Jiang
- Laboratory of Animal Genome and Gene Function, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jie Li
- Laboratory of Animal Genome and Gene Function, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Dwi Wijayanti
- Laboratory of Animal Genome and Gene Function, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xuezhi Ding
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| | - Xianyong Lan
- Laboratory of Animal Genome and Gene Function, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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Alward KJ, Graves WM, Palomares RA, Ely LO, Bohlen JF. Characterizing Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) concentration and change over time in Holstein dairy cattle. Theriogenology 2021; 168:83-89. [PMID: 33872933 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.03.007] [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: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize circulating Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) concentrations in a population of Holstein heifers and examine the impact that life events and stage of life have on those concentrations. Virgin, Holstein heifers (n = 105) 13 ± 0.8 months old were heat detected using tail-chalk, bred via artificial insemination and pregnancy checked 32+ days later. Serum samples for AMH were collected upon enrollment (heifer), at 5-20 days in milk (fresh) and at 45-60 days in milk (pre-breeding). Transrectal ultrasonography was performed upon enrollment (heifer) and at 45-60 days in milk (pre-breeding) to determine antral follicle count (AFC), cyclicity status, and uterine health. Heifers were blocked into thirds by AMH concentration: HIGH (>354 pg/mL; n = 34), MID (183-354 pg/mL; n = 35) and LOW (<183 pg/mL; n = 36), with distribution re-evaluated at subsequent samplings (fresh, pre-breeding). As heifers, age and conception risk to first service were not impacted by AMH (P > 0.05). Reason for leaving the herd, health incidences and calving difficulty were not impacted by AMH (P > 0.05). AFC and cyclicity had a positive impact on heifer AMH (P < 0.01). AFC and AMH in heifers were highly correlated (0.56, P < 0.001). AFC for heifers differed by AMH group with the HIGH group having the greatest AFC (8.76), followed by the MID (5.87), then the LOW (3.53) group (P < 0.0001). However, this association was not evident in the pre-breeding group (P > 0.05). From the heifer to the fresh sample, average AMH dropped from 313.15 pg/mL to 160.01 pg/mL (P < 0.0001). Average AMH at the pre-breeding sample was 183.23 pg/mL, which was lower than the heifer sample (P < 0.0001), but not different from the fresh sample (P > 0.05). AFC and AMH at the heifer sample had a positive impact on AMH at the fresh sample (P < 0.01) and pre-breeding AMH was positively impacted by both the fresh and heifer AMH concentration (P < 0.001). Most animals kept their AMH categorization through all three time points with more of the LOW AMH animals maintaining their categorization than the other groups. However, 32.1% of animals changed their AMH categorization from the heifer sample to the fresh sample, with 53.8% moving to a lower AMH categorization (corresponding to lower AMH) and 46.2% moving to a higher AMH categorization (corresponding to higher AMH). No differences were seen in circulating AMH based on health events however, differences in AMH concentration over time indicate a drop in circulating AMH post-calving. Circulating AMH concentration as a pre-breeding heifer is highly indicative of circulating AMH concentration as a first lactation animal and may be used to predict an adult animal's AMH concentration. However, it is necessary to compare AMH concentrations to herdmates as published AMH values vary widely from herd to herd. In addition, sampling time should be considered when determining AMH categorization of animals as circulating AMH concentration immediately post-calving may not be indicative of an animal's true AMH categorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J Alward
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - William M Graves
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Lane O Ely
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jillian F Bohlen
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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Stegemiller MR, Murdoch GK, Rowan TN, Davenport KM, Becker GM, Hall JB, Murdoch BM. Genome-Wide Association Analyses of Fertility Traits in Beef Heifers. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020217. [PMID: 33540904 PMCID: PMC7913221 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of livestock to reproduce efficiently is critical to the sustainability of animal agriculture. Antral follicle count (AFC) and reproductive tract scores (RTS) can be used to estimate fertility in beef heifers, but the genetic mechanisms influencing variation in these measures are not well understood. Two genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted to identify the significant loci associated with these traits. In total, 293 crossbred beef heifers were genotyped on the Bovine GGP 50K chip and genotypes were imputed to 836,121 markers. A GWAS was performed with the AFC phenotype for 217 heifers with a multi-locus mixed model, conducted using the year, age at time of sampling and principal component analysis groupings as the covariates. The RTS GWAS was performed with 289 heifers using an additive correlation/trend test comparing prepubertal to pubertal heifers. The loci on chromosomes 2, 3 and 23 were significant in the AFC GWAS and the loci on chromosomes 2, 8, 10 and 11 were significant in the RTS GWAS. The significant region on chromosome 2 was similar between both analyses. These regions contained genes associated with cell proliferation, transcription, apoptosis and development. This study proposes candidate genes for beef cattle fertility, although future research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan R. Stegemiller
- Department of Animal, Veterinary & Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA; (M.R.S.); (G.K.M.); (K.M.D.); (G.M.B.)
| | - Gordon K. Murdoch
- Department of Animal, Veterinary & Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA; (M.R.S.); (G.K.M.); (K.M.D.); (G.M.B.)
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Troy N. Rowan
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Kimberly M. Davenport
- Department of Animal, Veterinary & Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA; (M.R.S.); (G.K.M.); (K.M.D.); (G.M.B.)
| | - Gabrielle M. Becker
- Department of Animal, Veterinary & Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA; (M.R.S.); (G.K.M.); (K.M.D.); (G.M.B.)
| | - John B. Hall
- Department of Animal, Veterinary & Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA; (M.R.S.); (G.K.M.); (K.M.D.); (G.M.B.)
- Nancy M. Cummings Research, Education, and Extension Center, University of Idaho, Carmen, ID 83462, USA
- Correspondence: (J.B.H.); (B.M.M.); Tel.: +1-208-756-2749 (J.B.H.); +1-208-885-2088 (B.M.M.)
| | - Brenda M. Murdoch
- Department of Animal, Veterinary & Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA; (M.R.S.); (G.K.M.); (K.M.D.); (G.M.B.)
- Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Correspondence: (J.B.H.); (B.M.M.); Tel.: +1-208-756-2749 (J.B.H.); +1-208-885-2088 (B.M.M.)
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15
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de Lima MA, Morotti F, Bayeux BM, de Rezende RG, Botigelli RC, De Bem THC, Fontes PK, Nogueira MFG, Meirelles FV, Baruselli PS, da Silveira JC, Perecin F, Seneda MM. Ovarian follicular dynamics, progesterone concentrations, pregnancy rates and transcriptional patterns in Bos indicus females with a high or low antral follicle count. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19557. [PMID: 33177637 PMCID: PMC7658257 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76601-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the effect of the antral follicle count (AFC) on ovarian follicular dynamics, pregnancy rates, progesterone concentrations, and transcriptional patterns of genes in Nelore cattle (Bos taurus indicus) after a timed artificial insemination (TAI) programme. Cows were separated based on the AFC, and those with a high AFC showed a larger (P < 0.0001) ovarian diameter and area than those with a very low AFC. Females with a very low AFC exhibited a larger (P < 0.01) diameter of the dominant follicle at TAI (13.6 ± 0.3 vs. 12.2 ± 0.4 mm) and a tendency (P = 0.06) to have different serum progesterone concentrations (2.9 ± 0.3 vs. 2.1 ± 0.3 ng/mL; on day 18, considering day 0 as the beginning of the synchronization protocol) than those with a high AFC. The pregnancy rate was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in animals with a very low (57.9%) and low (53.1%) AFC than in those with a high AFC (45.2%). The expression of genes related to intercellular communication, meiotic control, epigenetic modulation, cell division, follicular growth, cell maintenance, steroidogenesis and cellular stress response was assessed on day 5. In females with a low AFC, 8 and 21 genes in oocytes and cumulus cells, respectively, were upregulated (P < 0.05), while 3 and 6 genes in oocytes and cumulus cells, respectively, were downregulated. The results described here will help elucidate the differences in ovarian physiology and the reproductive success of Bos indicus females with a low or high AFC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fábio Morotti
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, State University of Londrina-UEL, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, DCV, CCA, UEL, Cx. Postal: 10.011, Londrina, PR, Cep: 86057-970, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Felipe Perecin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, FZEA/USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Marcondes Seneda
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, State University of Londrina-UEL, Londrina, PR, Brazil
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16
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Cunha F, Cushman RA, Santa Cruz R, de Nava G, Viñoles C. Antral follicular count has limited impact in the selection of more fertile beef heifers. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Synchronization of stage of follicle development before OPU improves embryo production in cows with large antral follicle counts. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 221:106601. [PMID: 32961391 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, there was an evaluation of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in Bos indicus donor cows with small or large antral follicle counts (AFCs) when there was synchronization of follicular dynamics among cows before ovum pick-up (OPU). Donor cows classified as having small or large AFC were submitted to OPU/IVEP program (Experiment-I) or had follicular-stage synchronization imposed before OPU/IVEP (Experiment-II). In Experiment-I, the cows with a large AFC had a greater (P < 0.01) mean of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage compared to those with a small AFC. In Experiment-II, percentage of viable oocytes/OPU were not affected (P = 0.33) by synchronization of follicular dynamics, but the AFC had an effect (P < 0.0001). There was an interaction (P = 0.01) indicating the larger AFC, with or without imposing of a synchronization treatment regimen, resulted in the most desirable outcome. The number of embryos was affected (P < 0.001) by follicular-stage synchronization and AFC, with there being an interaction (P = 0.002) with the most desirable results for the large AFC-synchronized group. Number of pregnancies was greater (P ≤ 0.02) for recipient females with embryos from synchronized donors and with a large AFC. There was an interaction (P = 0.03) with there being a greater pregnancy percentage for cows with synchronized follicular stages and the large AFC. Bos indicus donor with a large AFC when associated with the synchronization of stage of follicular dynamics pre-OPU results in improvement of the efficacy of IVEP.
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18
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Akbarinejad V, Gharagozlou F, Vojgani M, Ranji A. Evidence for quadratic association between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration and fertility in dairy cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 218:106457. [PMID: 32507251 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In cattle, results of some but not other studies indicated there has been an association of circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration with reproductive variables. Considering the inconsistency in results among previous studies, there was evaluation of associations between circulating AMH and reproductive performance in dairy cows, and to this end, the prevailing data of serum AMH concentration and reproductive variables were used (n = 172). Preliminarily, association of AMH concentration with reproductive indices were analyzed using linear and quadratic models. Subsequently, cows were categorized based on AMH concentrations in four equal quartiles, including cows with the least (Q1; n = 43), moderately lesser (Q2; n = 43), moderately greater (Q3; n = 43) and greatest (Q4; n = 43) AMH concentrations, and reproductive variables were compared among the respective AMH quartiles. Initially, assessments indicated reproductive variables were not linearly associated with serum AMH (P > 0.05); however, for all reproductive variables except days to first breeding service (DFS) there was a quadratic association with serum AMH (P < 0.05). Results from analysis of reproductive performance in various AMH quartiles indicated there was a longer period of DFS for cows in Q3 than Q1 (P < 0.05). First postpartum insemination to conception and calving to conception intervals were shorter for cows in Q3 than Q1 and Q4 (P < 0.05) and for cows in Q2 than Q1 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, results from the present study indicate cows with intermediate AMH concentrations had greater reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - F Gharagozlou
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Vojgani
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Ranji
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Batista EOS, Vieira LM, Freitas BG, Guerreiro BM, Carvalho JGS, Mingoti RD, Vasconcellos G, Souza AH, Bento Sterman Ferraz J, Sampaio Baruselli P. Anti-Mullerian hormone and its relationship to ovulation response and fertility in timed AI Bos indicus heifers. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:753-758. [PMID: 32279375 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13677] [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: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the association between plasma anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration and fertility in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI). At the onset of the synchronization protocol, heifers (n = 289) received a subcutaneous P4 ear implant (3 mg) and 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate. Eight days later, the P4 implant was removed and 0.5 mg of oestradiol cypionate, prostaglandin (0.265 mg, i.m.) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (300 UI, i.m.) was administered, and TAI was performed 48 hr after ear implant removal. Ovarian ultrasound evaluations were performed to measure number of ovarian follicles, dominant follicle size and ovulation response. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound 30 days after AI. Heifers with greater circulating AMH had more antral follicles, a smaller dominant follicle near timed ovulation and lower ovulation response to the timed AI protocol compared to heifers with lower circulating AMH. Although AMH and pregnancy outcome had a quadratic-shaped pattern, AMH was not significantly associated with fertility. In conclusion, heifers with lower AMH had larger follicles towards the end of the synchronization protocol and greater ovulation responses, whereas greater circulating AMH was unrelated to conception success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lais M Vieira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, FMVZ - USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno G Freitas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, FMVZ - USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - J G S Carvalho
- Department of Animal Reproduction, FMVZ - USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Jose Bento Sterman Ferraz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
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20
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de Vasconcelos GL, da Cunha EV, Maculan R, Sánchez Viafara JA, Barbalho Silva AW, Souza Batista AL, Viana Silva JR, de Souza JC. Effects of vulvar width and antral follicle count on oocyte quality, in vitro embryo production and pregnancy rate in Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 217:106357. [PMID: 32408964 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106357] [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: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It was hypothesized that Brahman cows have greater in vitro embryo production than Simmental cows, and that regardless of breed, antral follicle count (AFC) and vulvar width (VW) are positively associated with oocyte quality, embryo number and pregnancy rate. Brahman (Bos taurus indicus, n = 184) and Simmental (Bos taurus taurus, n = 99) cows were classified as having a large AFC (Brahman: ≥50, Simmental: ≥25); intermediate AFC (Brahman: >30 and ≤49; Simmental: >16 and <24) and small AFC (Brahman: <30, Simmental: ≤15). The VW was considered to be large (Brahman: >123 mm, Simmental: >80 mm); intermediate (Brahman: >102 mm and ≤123 mm; Simmental: >65 mm and ≤80 mm) and small (Brahman: ≤102 mm and Simmental: ≤65 mm). For each group of cows, ovum pick up, oocyte in vitro maturation, fertilization and embryo culture were performed. Embryo transfers were subsequently performed and pregnancy rate was evaluated. Brahman cows had a larger number of viable oocytes, greater efficiency of embryo production and greater pregnancy rate (P < 0.05) than Simmental cows. Pregnancy percentages in Simmental cows with a small AFC were greater than those cows with an intermediate and large AFC. With the Brahman cows, there was no difference in pregnancy rate among the cows with different AFC classifications. In contrast to Simmental cows, Brahman cows with an intermediate VW had a greater pregnancy percentage than those with a small and large AFC. In conclusion, Brahman cows have a larger AFC, number of viable oocytes, and pregnancy rate than Simmental cows.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen Vasconcelos da Cunha
- Laboratory of Biotecnology and Physiology of Reproduction - LABIREP, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Renata Maculan
- Animal Science Department, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Anderson Weiny Barbalho Silva
- Laboratory of Biotecnology and Physiology of Reproduction - LABIREP, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Ana Liza Souza Batista
- Laboratory of Biotecnology and Physiology of Reproduction - LABIREP, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Viana Silva
- Laboratory of Biotecnology and Physiology of Reproduction - LABIREP, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral, CE, Brazil
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21
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Seneda MM, Zangirolamo AF, Bergamo LZ, Morotti F. Follicular wave synchronization prior to ovum pick-up. Theriogenology 2020; 150:180-185. [PMID: 31982155 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Among the reproductive biotechnologies, in vitro embryo production (IVEP) is an important tool for multiplying genetic material of superior merit. Recently, the number of embryos produced and transferred in vitro became significantly higher than that produced in vivo worldwide. In this context, the enhancement was attributable to ovum pick-up (OPU). With the advent of genomic technology, shortened breeding intervals, and increased selection accuracy, IVEP has attracted increasing attention for commercial use. The IVEP technique is well-established, but the embryo production rate has reached a plateau at 30-40%. Despite constant advances, the OPU/IVEP programs face some challenges that hinder the efficient application of the technique. Previous studies have shown that the quantity and quality of aspirated oocytes are essential factors for successful IVEP. This paper presents a brief overview of alternatives that can be employed to improve the process-seeking methods that assist in the recovery of better-quality oocytes and higher competence in OPU to improve embryo production. These strategies include using follicular wave synchronization prior to OPU, employing the influence of antral follicle populations, using the pre-OPU gonadotrophic stimulus and applying non-hormonal methods for selecting female donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Marcondes Seneda
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, DCV-CCA-UEL, Londrina, Parana, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Dairy Production Chain (INCT-LEITE), Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid-Campus Universitário, PO Box 10011, Londrina, Parana, 86057-970, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Fonseca Zangirolamo
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, DCV-CCA-UEL, Londrina, Parana, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Dairy Production Chain (INCT-LEITE), Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid-Campus Universitário, PO Box 10011, Londrina, Parana, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Larissa Zamparone Bergamo
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, DCV-CCA-UEL, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Fábio Morotti
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, DCV-CCA-UEL, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
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22
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Goncalves GR, Morotti F, Colombo AHB, Bonato DV, Bizarro-Silva C, Rosa CO, Cavalieri FLB, Seneda MM. Influence of age and ovarian antral follicle count on the reproductive characteristics of embryo donor mares. Vet Rec 2020; 186:564. [PMID: 31896722 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105526] [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: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age and antral follicle count (AFC) are related to fertility in cattle, but this information remains limited in mares. METHODS To verify the influence of age and AFC on the reproductive characteristics of mares, 15 Quarter Horse donors, with 5-15 antral follicles, ranging from three to 17 years old, healthy and in good nutritional status, were divided into groups with low AFC (≤9 follicles) or high AFC (≥10 follicles) and mares considered young (≤9 years) or old (≥10 years). Mares were submitted to ultrasonography to determine the dominant follicle diameter, follicular growth rate, degree of uterine oedema and embryonic recovery for a minimum of three oestrous cycles. RESULTS AFC was higher (P=0.001) in young mares compared with old mares. An interaction (P=0.001) between AFC and age was observed with regard to follicular growth rate, being that mares with low AFC and are old showed the lowest follicular growth compared with those of low AFC and young, high AFC and old, and high AFC and young. Younger mares and those with high AFC exhibited higher degree of uterine oedema (P<0.05) on the third day of oestrus compared with older mares and with low AFC (3 and 2, respectively). However, in both groups, the degree of oedema reduced by the time of ovulation. CONCLUSION Follicular growth rate, degree of uterine oedema and the number of antral follicles are higher in young mares with high AFC. However, the rate of embryonic recovery is not influenced by donors' age or AFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Romero Goncalves
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Inga University Center - UNINGÁ, Maringa, Parana, Brazil
| | - Fábio Morotti
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | | | - Denis Vinicius Bonato
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Camila Bizarro-Silva
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Camila Oliveira Rosa
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Fábio Luiz Bim Cavalieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, High Education Center of Maringa - CESUMAR, Maringa, Parana, Brazil
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23
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Cushman RA, Soares ÉM, Yake HK, Patterson AL, Rosasco SL, Beard JK, Northrop EJ, Rich JJJ, Miles JR, Chase CC, Gonda MG, Perry GA, McNeel AK, Summers AF. Brangus cows have ovarian reserve parameters more like Brahman than Angus cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 209:106170. [PMID: 31514925 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bos indicus females have more surface antral follicles than Bos taurus females; however, histological studies demonstrated no difference in total number of primordial follicles between these two biological types of cattle. Primordial follicle density in the ovary was less in Nelore ovaries compared to Angus ovaries, but no studies have examined the primordial follicle density in Bos indicus cross-bred females. It, therefore, was hypothesized that primordial follicle density in the ovary would decrease as percentage Bos indicus increased. Ovaries were collected from cross-bred Angus (n = 32, no Bos indicus influence), Brangus (n = 15), or Brahman (n = 9) cows and prepared for histological evaluation. There was no difference in total number of primordial follicles per ovary between breeds (P > 0.10). When numbers of primordial follicles were expressed on a per gram of ovarian tissue basis, there were fewer primordial follicles per gram of ovarian tissue in Brangus and Brahman cows than in Angus cows (P < 0.05). Brangus cows did not differ from Brahman cows in primordial follicle density (P > 0.10). Differences in primordial follicle density could indicate differences in capacity of ovarian stroma to produce factors necessary for oogonial proliferation and primordial follicle formation among breeds. Identifying these factors could improve the aprroach for culturing pre-antral follicles of cattle. Furthermore, these results explain why ultrasonographic antral follicle counts may need to be adjusted to a greater threshold to predict size of the ovarian reserve and determine ovarian reserve related reproductive traits in Bos indicus females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Cushman
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA.
| | - Émerson M Soares
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Animal Science Department, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Hannah K Yake
- University of Tennessee, Animal Science Department, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | | | - Shelby L Rosasco
- New Mexico State University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Joslyn K Beard
- New Mexico State University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Emmalee J Northrop
- South Dakota State University, Department of Animal Science, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Jerica J J Rich
- South Dakota State University, Department of Animal Science, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Jeremy R Miles
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Chadwick C Chase
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Michael G Gonda
- South Dakota State University, Department of Animal Science, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - George A Perry
- South Dakota State University, Department of Animal Science, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Anthony K McNeel
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Adam F Summers
- New Mexico State University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Las Cruces, NM, USA.
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Mossa F, Ireland JJ. Physiology and endocrinology symposium: Anti-Müllerian hormone: a biomarker for the ovarian reserve, ovarian function, and fertility in dairy cows. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:1446-1455. [PMID: 30668706 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes studies we conducted to test the hypothesis that size of the ovarian reserve (number of healthy follicles and oocytes in ovaries) positively impacts ovarian function and fertility in cattle. Key results, primarily in Bos taurus dairy cattle, show that antral follicle count (AFC) during follicular waves is highly variable between individuals, but very highly repeatable within individuals. Cycling heifers with low (≤15 follicles ≥3 mm, ~20% of a herd) vs. a high AFC (≥25, ~20% of a herd) have a smaller ovarian reserve, higher FSH but lower anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), androstenedione, estradiol, and progesterone concentrations. Moreover, cattle with low AFC have a thinner endometrium, decreased response of granulosal, thecal, or luteal cells to FSH or LH and a poorer response to superovulation compared to cattle with high AFC. Interestingly, cows with a very high AFC as heifers have reduced fertility, fewer lactations, and shorter herd longevity, whereas cows with a low vs. intermediate AFC have reduced fertility, fewer lactations, and shorter herd longevity. Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations are static within individuals but highly positively correlated with AFC, but fertility is not correlated with circulating AMH concentration in heifers and dairy cows with low vs. a higher AMH as heifers have reduced fertility and a shorter herd longevity. Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in dairy heifers are a moderately heritable trait (36%), and negatively impacted by inadequate maternal nutrition during early pregnancy or high maternal somatic cell count. We conclude that genetic or environmental manipulations of AMH could enhance size of the ovarian reserve and ovarian function, thereby improving fertility, response to superovulation, and longevity in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mossa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - James J Ireland
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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25
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de Moraes FLZ, Morotti F, Costa CB, Lunardelli PA, Seneda MM. Relationships between antral follicle count, body condition, and pregnancy rates after timed-AI in Bos indicus cattle. Theriogenology 2019; 136:10-14. [PMID: 31234052 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
An experiment was performed to evaluate the association between the antral follicle count (AFC) plus body condition score (BCS) and the pregnancy rate in Bos indicus undergoing timed artificial insemination (TAI). A total of 736 Nelore cows with BCSs ranging from 2 to 4 received a conventional protocol for TAI. On a random day of the estrous cycle (Day 0), all cows received an intravaginal P4 device and an intramuscular (i.m.) injection of 2.0 mg estradiol benzoate. On Day 8, the P4 device was removed, and 150 μg sodium D-cloprostenol, 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin and 1.0 mg estradiol cypionate were administered by i.m. injection. TAI was performed 48 h after P4 device removal, and pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography after 30 days. On Day 0, all cows were examined by ultrasonography to determine the AFC by counting the number of follicles >3 mm in diameter that were present in both ovaries and to evaluate the BCS (scale of 1-5). The cows were then classified based on their AFCs as those with low (≤10 follicles), intermediate (11-29 follicles) and high AFC (≥30 follicles). Furthermore, cows were classified as having low (≥2.0 to ≤ 2.9) and high (≥3.0 to ≤ 4.0) BCSs. The AFCs and BCSs were analyzed using the generalized linear model, and the pregnancy rate was assessed with the binary logistic regression model (P ≤ 0.05). The pregnancy rate was influenced (P < 0.05) by AFC and BCS classification and by interactions (P = 0.034) between these factors. Cows with a low AFC exhibited higher a pregnancy rate than did cows with a high or an intermediate AFC (57.7% a, 47.9% b and 49.7% b, P = 0.008). Low BCS resulted in a higher pregnancy rate than did high BCS (55.2% vs. 50.4%, P = 0.008). Cows with a high BCS and a low AFC had a higher pregnancy rate (P < 0.05) than did those with a high BCS and an intermediate or a high AFC (59.8%a, 48.0%b, and 38.0%b, respectively). An interaction (P < 0.05) was observed between the AFC and BCS, and the pregnancy rate decreased significantly in cows with an AFC > 30 and a BCS between 3 and 4. In conclusion, AFC and BCS classifications influence the pregnancy rate of Bos indicus beef cattle subjected to TAI. In addition, an important interaction between these factors was observed, namely, the lowest pregnancy rates were found in cows with high BCSs and high AFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fábio Morotti
- University of Londrina (UEL), Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Londrina, PR, Brazil
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26
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Seneda MM, Morotti F, Zangirolamo AF, da Silva NC, Sanches TK, Blaschi W, Barreiros TRR. Antral follicle population in prepubertal and pubertal heifers. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:10-16. [PMID: 32188538 DOI: 10.1071/rd18344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The antral follicle count (AFC) is an important tool in the selection of bovine females destined for biotechnology. However, little is known about AFC in prepubertal and pubertal heifers. Some challenges inherent to the physiology of young females must be considered to achieve efficient rates with different procedures, such as ovum pick-up and IVF. This paper covers some important topics about ovarian physiology related to the population of antral follicles and reproductive efficiency in young female cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Seneda
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias - Centro de Ciências Agrárias - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - F Morotti
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias - Centro de Ciências Agrárias - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - A F Zangirolamo
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias - Centro de Ciências Agrárias - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - N C da Silva
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias - Centro de Ciências Agrárias - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - T K Sanches
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias - Centro de Ciências Agrárias - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - W Blaschi
- Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Veterinária e Produção Animal, Rodovia BR - 369, Km 54, Vila Maria, Bandeirantes, Parana 86360-000, Brazil
| | - T R R Barreiros
- Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, Laboratório de Biotecnologia da Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Veterinária e Produção Animal, Rodovia BR - 369, Km 54, Vila Maria, Bandeirantes, Parana 86360-000, Brazil
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27
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Koyama K, Koyama T, Sugimoto M. Repeatability of antral follicle count according parity in dairy cows. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:535-539. [PMID: 30298823 PMCID: PMC6305846 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian reserve in cattle can be predicted by an indicator, the antral follicle count (AFC), which is easily determined via ovarian ultrasonography. However, the repeatability of AFC
measurements in the same individual taken approximately 1 year apart after first parity remains unclear. This study, thus, aimed to clarify the between-lactation repeatability of AFC after
first parity in dairy cows. We measured the AFC of the same individual cows consecutively across both first and second parity, both second and third parity, and both third and fourth parity
in 31, 37, and 26 heads, respectively. The values of the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for the AFCs in first–second and second–third parity cows were more than 0.8, and the value
of the ICC for the AFCs in third–fourth parity cows was significantly lower than that in first–second parity cows (P = 0.01). Subsequently, based on the average number of AFCs measured at
some points from first to third parity, we classified the cows into three tertiles: <11 (low), 11–15 (intermediate), and ≥ 15 (high). We then compared the reproductive performance of the
first through third parity cows among the groups. The hazards of pregnancy by 200 days postpartum were higher in the high group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Our findings
demonstrate that between-lactation repeatability of AFC from first through third parity in dairy cows is very high, and that cows with an AFC of ≥ 15 have a better reproductive performance
than cows with a low AFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Koyama
- Dairy Research Center, Hokkaido Research Organization, Hokkaido 086-1135, Japan
| | - Takeshi Koyama
- Dairy Research Center, Hokkaido Research Organization, Hokkaido 086-1135, Japan
| | - Masahito Sugimoto
- Dairy Research Center, Hokkaido Research Organization, Hokkaido 086-1135, Japan
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28
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Zangirolamo AF, Morotti F, da Silva NC, Sanches TK, Seneda MM. Ovarian antral follicle populations and embryo production in cattle. Anim Reprod 2018; 15:310-315. [PMID: 34178154 PMCID: PMC8202465 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive biotechniques such as embryo production are important tools to increase the
reproductive performance in cattle in a short time. In this context, the antral follicle count
(AFC), which reflects the population of antral follicles present in an ovary, has been indicated
as an important phenotypic characteristic related to female fertility and closely correlated
to the performance of in vivo and in vitro embryo production
(IVEP). A positive correlation was evidenced between AFC and oocyte retrieval by ovum pick
up (OPU) sessions and and with the number of embryos produced. Several studies have reported
that females with a high AFC had greater embryo yields compared to those with medium and low
AFC. However, controversial results were obtained by studies conducted in different bovine
breeds. Many conflicting data may be due to the differences in the experimental design, particularly
regarding the classification of animals in AFC groups, subspecies particularities, herd
aptitude or even issues related to animal management. Therefore, aspects such as the choice
of donor, type of aspirated follicles and the stage of follicular wave need to be clarified.
Thus, this text aims to discuss the use of AFC as a reproductive tool and its applications in
the in vivo and in vitro production of embryos, besides
describing consistent results and new challenges regarding AFC and embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Fonseca Zangirolamo
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal (DCV-CCA-UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology for Dairy Production Chain (INCT-LEITE), Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Fabio Morotti
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal (DCV-CCA-UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Covre da Silva
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal (DCV-CCA-UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Tamires Korchovei Sanches
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal (DCV-CCA-UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M Seneda
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal (DCV-CCA-UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil
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29
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Quail LK, Mund ME, Neuendorff DA, Banta JP, Welsh TH, Randel RD. Relationships between numbers of antral follicles and postpartum interval in Brahman females. Theriogenology 2018; 121:1-6. [PMID: 30121493 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.08.011] [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] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
To determine relationships of ovarian antral follicle count (AFC) on d 28 postpartum with postpartum interval (PPI) and AFC on d 8 post-estrus, three-dimensional ultrasonography was performed on multiparous (n = 47) and primiparous (n = 20) Brahman cows on d 28 postpartum and on d 8 post-estrus. Follicles were evaluated to determine numbers of total, small (≤17 mm3), medium (17 mm3-67 mm3), and large follicles (≥67 mm3) on each ovary. Estrus was detected using vasectomized, penile-deviated bulls fitted with chin-ball markers during the AI period and with tail paint during the natural service period. Cows with AFC ≥ ½ SD above the mean were classified as high, those within ½ SD of the mean were classified as intermediate, and those ≥ ½ SD below the mean were classified as low. Classes of AFC for total follicles included low (L ≤ 73), intermediate (74 ≤ I ≤ 112), and high (H ≥ 113). Classes of AFC for small follicles included low (L ≤ 55), intermediate (56 ≤ I ≤ 87), and high (H ≥ 88). Classes of AFC for medium follicles included low (L ≤ 13), intermediate (14 ≤ I ≤ 23), and high (H ≥ 24). Classes of AFC for large follicles included low (L ≤ 2), intermediate (3 ≤ I ≤ 4), and high (H ≥ 5). Cows with PPI ≥ ½ SD above the mean were classified as long, those within ½ SD of the mean were classified as intermediate, and those ≥ ½ SD below the mean were classified as short. Classes of PPI included short (S ≤ 47 d), intermediate (48 d ≤ I ≤ 75 d), and long (L ≥ 76 d). The PROC MIXED procedure of SAS was used to analyze potential differences among classes of AFC and PPI. The PROC REG procedure of SAS was used to analyze relationships between AFC and PPI and between AFC on d 28 postpartum and on d 8 post-estrus. The PPI differed among classes of total (P < 0.01; L = 76.2 ± 6.0, I = 61.7 ± 4.5, H = 43.8 ± 6.5), small (P < 0.01; L = 74.3 ± 5.6, I = 64.6 ± 4.8, H = 42.9 ± 5.9), and medium AFC (P = 0.04; L = 72.3 ± 5.9, I = 59.3 ± 5.8, H = 52.1 ± 5.8). The PPI did not differ among classes of large AFC (P = 0.81). As total AFC on d 28 postpartum increased, PPI decreased (P < 0.01, Adj.R2 = 0.13). Total AFC on d 8 post-estrus was positively associated with total AFC on d 28 postpartum (P < 0.01, Adj.R2 = 0.66). These results suggest that: a) populations of total, small, and medium follicles in the postpartum period predict PPI in Brahman females and b) total AFC in Brahman females are consistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Quail
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA; Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX, 75684, USA
| | - M E Mund
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA; Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX, 75684, USA
| | | | - J P Banta
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Overton, TX, 75684, USA
| | - T H Welsh
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - R D Randel
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Overton, TX, 75684, USA.
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Nawaz MY, Jimenez-Krassel F, Steibel JP, Lu Y, Baktula A, Vukasinovic N, Neuder L, Ireland JLH, Ireland JJ, Tempelman RJ. Genomic heritability and genome-wide association analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone in Holstein dairy heifers. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:8063-8075. [PMID: 30007805 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an ovarian growth factor that plays an important role in regulation of ovarian follicle growth. The objectives of this study were to estimate the genomic heritability of AMH and identify genomic regions associated with AMH production in a genome-wide association (GWA) analysis. Concentrations of AMH were determined in 2,905 dairy Holstein heifers genotyped using the Zoetis medium density panel (Zoetis Inclusions, Kalamazoo, MI) with 54,519 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers remaining after standard genotype quality control edits. A linear mixed model was used to model the random effects of sampling day and genomics on the logarithm of AMH. The genomic heritability (± standard error of the mean) of AMH was estimated to be 0.36 ± 0.03. Our GWA analysis inferred significant associations between AMH and 11 SNP markers on chromosome 11 and 1 SNP marker on chromosome 20. Annotated genes with significant associations were identified using the Ensembl genome database (version 88) of the cow genome (version UMD 3.1; https://www.ensembl.org/biomart). Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that 2 gene ontology (GO) terms were significantly enriched in the list of candidate genes: G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway (GO:0007186) and the detection of chemical stimulus involved in sensory perception (GO:0050907). The estimated high heritability and previously established associations between AMH and ovarian follicular reserve, fertility, longevity, and superovulatory response in cattle implies that AMH could be used as a biomarker for genetic improvement of reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Nawaz
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - F Jimenez-Krassel
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - J P Steibel
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - Y Lu
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - A Baktula
- Zoetis Inclusions, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
| | | | - L Neuder
- Green Meadow Dairy Farm, Elsie, MI 48831
| | - J L H Ireland
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - J J Ireland
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - R J Tempelman
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823.
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31
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Britt JH, Cushman RA, Dechow CD, Dobson H, Humblot P, Hutjens MF, Jones GA, Ruegg PS, Sheldon IM, Stevenson JS. Invited review: Learning from the future-A vision for dairy farms and cows in 2067. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:3722-3741. [PMID: 29501340 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-14025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The world's population will reach 10.4 billion in 2067, with 81% residing in Africa or Asia. Arable land available for food production will decrease to 0.15 ha per person. Temperature will increase in tropical and temperate zones, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, and this will push growing seasons and dairy farming away from arid areas and into more northern latitudes. Dairy consumption will increase because it provides essential nutrients more efficiently than many other agricultural systems. Dairy farming will become modernized in developing countries and milk production per cow will increase, doubling in countries with advanced dairying systems. Profitability of dairy farms will be the key to their sustainability. Genetic improvements will include emphasis on the coding genome and associated noncoding epigenome of cattle, and on microbiomes of dairy cattle and farmsteads. Farm sizes will increase and there will be greater lateral integration of housing and management of dairy cattle of different ages and production stages. Integrated sensors, robotics, and automation will replace much of the manual labor on farms. Managing the epigenome and microbiome will become part of routine herd management. Innovations in dairy facilities will improve the health of cows and permit expression of natural behaviors. Herds will be viewed as superorganisms, and studies of herds as observational units will lead to improvements in productivity, health, and well-being of dairy cattle, and improve the agroecology and sustainability of dairy farms. Dairy farmers in 2067 will meet the world's needs for essential nutrients by adopting technologies and practices that provide improved cow health and longevity, profitable dairy farms, and sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Britt
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-7621.
| | - R A Cushman
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933
| | - C D Dechow
- Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802
| | - H Dobson
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom CH64 7TE
| | - P Humblot
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - M F Hutjens
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801
| | - G A Jones
- Central Sands Dairy, De Pere, WI 54115-9603
| | - P S Ruegg
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1225
| | - I M Sheldon
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom SA2 8PP
| | - J S Stevenson
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-0201
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32
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Morotti F, Moretti R, dos Santos GMG, Silva-Santos KC, Ramos Cerqueira PH, Seneda MM. Ovarian follicular dynamics and conception rate in Bos indicus cows with different antral follicle counts subjected to timed artificial insemination. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 188:170-177. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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33
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Gobikrushanth M, Bruinjé T, Colazo M, Butler S, Ambrose D. Characterization of anogenital distance and its relationship to fertility in lactating Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:9815-9823. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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