1
|
Crowe AD, Sánchez JM, Moore SG, McDonald M, McCabe MS, Randi F, Lonergan P, Butler ST. Incidence and timing of pregnancy loss following timed artificial insemination or timed embryo transfer with a fresh or frozen in vitro-produced embryo. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)01155-X. [PMID: 39343229 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-25139] [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: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize the incidence and timing of pregnancy loss from service event (timed artificial insemination or timed embryo transfer) to parturition. Lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned to receive either artificial insemination (AI, n = 243) or embryo transfer (ET, n = 863) with a fresh or frozen in vitro-produced blastocyst derived from oocytes collected from the ovaries of elite dairy donors (n = 14 Holstein Friesian and n = 8 Jersey) and elite beef donors (n = 21 Angus) using transvaginal ovum pick-up. In addition, oocytes were collected from the ovaries of beef heifers of known pedigree following slaughter at a commercial abattoir (n = 119). Blood samples were collected on d 7 from all cows to determine progesterone concentration and from subsets of cows on d 18 (n = 524) and d 25 (n = 378) to determine mRNA abundance of interferon-stimulated gene-15 and pregnancy-specific protein B concentration, respectively, to provide an early pregnancy diagnosis. Transrectal ultrasonography was conducted to determine pregnancy status on d 32, d 62 and d 125 after synchronized ovulation. Parturition date was recorded for all cows that reached a term delivery. The predicted probability of pregnancy (%) varied at each time point (d7, 18, 25, 32, 62, 125, parturition) depending on treatment (AI: 77.0, 60.2, 52.3, 48.8, 47.0, 44.6, 44.0; fresh ET: 100.0, 69.5, 60.3, 56.1, 48.4, 46.8, 45.5; frozen ET: 100.0, 61.7, 52.2, 41.6, 32.9, 31.8, 30.2). Irrespective of treatment, the largest proportion of pregnancy loss occurred in the period from service event (AI on d 0 or ET on d 7) to d 18, with minimal loss occurring between d 62 and parturition (AI: 1.8%, fresh ET: 1.9%, frozen ET: 3.5%). Treatment differences in the predicted probability of pregnancy per service event were detected between fresh ET vs frozen ET on d 32 and both AI and fresh ET vs frozen ET on d 62, 125 and at parturition. There was greater probability of pregnancy loss between d 32 and 62 following ET (Fresh: 11.3%, Frozen: 18.0%) than AI (4.0%). The percentage of cows that calved following transfer of a fresh embryo (45.5%) was similar to AI (44.0%), but less when a frozen embryo was transferred (30.2%). In conclusion, AI and fresh ET led to a greater probability of a cow becoming pregnant and maintaining the pregnancy to term than frozen ET. Cows that were still pregnant on d 62 had a very strong likelihood of maintaining the pregnancy to full-term parturition, irrespective of treatment. Further work is required to improve the likelihood of pregnancy establishment and reduce embryonic and fetal mortality following transfer of a cryopreserved in vitro-produced embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A D Crowe
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 C996.; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Ireland, D04 V1W8
| | - J M Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Ireland, D04 V1W8.; Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Ctr. de la Coruña km 5.9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - S G Moore
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 C996
| | - M McDonald
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Ireland, D04 V1W8
| | - M S McCabe
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland, C15 PW93
| | - F Randi
- CEVA Santé Animale, Libourne, Bordeaux, 33500, France
| | - P Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Ireland, D04 V1W8..
| | - S T Butler
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 C996..
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hincapie N, Lauber MR, Valdes-Arciniega T, Martins JP, Carvalho PD, Faber R, Farruggio R, Fricke PM. Evaluation of treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin at transfer of in vitro produced beef embryos on reproductive outcomes in lactating multiparous Jersey cows after a synchronized ovulation. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)01022-1. [PMID: 39033921 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-25002] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Our objective was to evaluate the effect of treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at the time of transfer of in vitro produced (IVP) beef embryos on pregnancy outcomes in lactating multiparous Jersey cows. Grade 1, Stage 7 (expanded blastocyst), IVP beef embryos were produced from black Angus-based dams using 3 proven high fertility Angus sires and were frozen for direct transfer. In a preliminary experiment, lactating multiparous Jersey cows were randomized to a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments to test the main effect of recipient synchronization protocol (Double-Ovsynch; DO; n = 169 vs. a synchronized estrus; ED; n = 180) and were randomly assigned within recipient protocol to serve as untreated controls (DO-CON, n = 78; ED-CON, n = 44) or to receive i.m. treatment with 2,500 IU of hCG (DO-hCG, n = 79; ED-hCG, n = 46) at the time of embryo transfer (ET). The recipient utilization rate was greater for DO (93%) than for ED (50%) cows, and there was an interaction between recipient synchronization protocol and hCG treatment in which DO-hCG cows had more pregnancies per embryo transfer (P/ET) at 26, 33, and 61 d than DO-CON, ED-hCG, and ED-CON cows. Based on a partial budget analysis, the cost per pregnancy for DO cows was $135.35 less than for ED cows. In Experiment 2, lactating multiparous Jersey cows were submitted to a Double-Ovsynch protocol (DO, n = 386) and were randomly assigned to serve as untreated controls (CON, n = 192) or were treated with 2,500 IU hCG (hCG, n = 194) at ET. Progesterone concentrations and total luteal volume 7 d after ET were greater for hCG than for CON cows. In contrast to the preliminary experiment, treatment with hCG did not affect P/ET at 26, 33, or 61 d, and treatment with hCG did not affect pregnancy loss from 26 to 61 d. In conclusion, treatment with 2,500 IU of hCG at ET increased P4 concentrations and total luteal volume 7 d after ET but did not increase pregnancy outcomes or decrease pregnancy loss in lactating multiparous Jersey cows receiving frozen/thawed IVP beef embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Hincapie
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - M R Lauber
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - T Valdes-Arciniega
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706; Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - J P Martins
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - P D Carvalho
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - R Faber
- Reprovider LLC, Janesville, WI 53546
| | - R Farruggio
- Jefferson Veterinary Clinic, S.C., Jefferson, WI 53549
| | - P M Fricke
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rial C, Hussain I, Hoff R, Tompkins S, Erickson D, Branen J, Giordano JO. Development and evaluation of a lateral flow-based portable optical system for determination of the pregnancy status of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00874-9. [PMID: 38825130 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24899] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Our objectives were to develop and evaluate an integrated system consisting of a lateral-flow immunoassay (LFIA) and an electronic portable imaging device for determination of pregnancy status of cows based on plasma concentrations of pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB). Experiment 1 was conducted to test the performance of the LFIA for PSPB (PSPB-LFIA) whereas experiment 2 was conducted to evaluate the performance of the integrated system including both the LFIA and imaging device. The PSPB-LFIA strips were made of nitrocellulose membrane with polystreptavidin, anti-mouse antibody, Europium-anti-PSPB conjugates, and biotin-PSPB. After adding buffer and plasma in a 96-well plate, strips were dipped to initiate flow and were read in a fluorescence microscope to estimate PSPB concentrations based on the test-to-control line signal (T/C ratio). The T/C ratio of standards was linearly associated with PSPB (R2 = 0.99 in both experiments) concentrations. To test the ability to identify pregnant cows of the PSPB-LFIA only or the integrated system, plasma samples were collected and transrectal ultrasonography (TUS) was conducted 29 to 35 d post AI in lactating Holstein cows (Experiment 1: n = 83; Experiment 2: n = 205). A cow was considered pregnant (Preg) if concentrations of PSPB in plasma obtained by ELISA were ≥2 ng/mL or if an embryo was visible by TUS. In Experiment 1, the accuracy of the PSPB-LFIA compared with ELISA was 92.7% (91.2% Se; 96.1% Sp; 98.1% PPV; 83.3% NPV) and compared with TUS was 90.4% (100% Se; 78.9% Sp; 84.9% PPV; 100% NPV). The agreement between LFIA and ELISA (kappa = 0.84; 95%CI 0.71-0.96) or LFIA and TUS (kappa = 0.80; 95%CI 0.67-0.93) as methods to classify cows as Preg or Non-Preg was high. In Experiment 2, the accuracy of the PSPB-LFIA compared with ELISA was 96.1% (93.8% Se; 100% Sp; 100% PPV; 90.5% NPV) and compared with TUS was 92.2% (99.0% Se; 84.7% Sp; 87.6% PPV; 98.8% NPV). The agreement between LFIA and ELISA (kappa = 0.92; 95%CI 0.86-0.97) or LFIA and TUS (kappa = 0.84; 95%CI 0.77-0.92) as methods to classify cows as Preg or Non-Preg was high. We conclude that a system integrating a fluorescence-based LFIA and an optical reader was effective for classifying cows as pregnant or not pregnant based on estimations of plasma concentrations of PSPB. This novel system serves as a platform for further development of on-farm pregnancy testing tools based on measurement of biomarkers of pregnancy in bodily fluids of cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Rial
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - I Hussain
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - R Hoff
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - S Tompkins
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - D Erickson
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | | | - J O Giordano
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Domingues RR, Andrade JPN, Cunha TO, Madureira G, Hoppman AS, Teixeira NN, Monteiro PLJ, Gomez-Leon VH, Martins JPN, Wiltbank MC. Profiles of interferon-stimulated genes in multiple tissues and circulating pregnancy-associated glycoproteins and their association with pregnancy loss in dairy cows†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:558-568. [PMID: 38079518 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy loss (PL) in lactating dairy cows disrupts reproductive and productive efficiency. We evaluated the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISG) in blood leukocytes, vaginal and cervical epithelial cells, luteolysis-related genes, progesterone, and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) profiles in lactating dairy cows (n = 86) to gain insight about PL. Expression of ISG on d17, d19, and d21 was greater in cows that maintained the pregnancy (P33) compared to nonpregnant with no PL (NP). Greater ISG differences between groups were observed in the cervix (96.7-fold) than vagina (31.0-fold), and least in blood leukocytes (5.6-fold). Based on individual profiles of ISG and PAG, PL was determined to occur either before (~13%) or after (~25%) d22. For cows with PL before d22, ISG expression was similar on d17 but by d21 was lower and OXTR was greater than P33 cows and similar to NP; timing of luteolysis was similar compared to NP cows suggesting embryonic failure to promote luteal maintenance and to attach to the endometrium (no increase in PAG). For cows with PL after d22, ISG expression was similar to P33 cows on d17, d19, and d21 and luteolysis, when it occurred, was later than NP cows; delayed increase in PAG suggested later or inadequate embryonic attachment. In conclusion, PL before d22 occurred due to embryonic demise/failure to signal for luteal maintenance, as reflected in reduced ISG expression by d21. Alternatively, embryos with PL between d22 and 33 adequately signaled for luteal maintenance (ISG) but had delayed/inadequate embryonic attachment and/or inappropriate luteolysis causing PL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael R Domingues
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joao Paulo N Andrade
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Thiago O Cunha
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Guilherme Madureira
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - August S Hoppman
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Natalia N Teixeira
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Pedro L J Monteiro
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Victor H Gomez-Leon
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Joao Paulo N Martins
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vincent EC, Bapodra-Villaverde P, Branen JR, Dadone L. VALIDATION OF A NOVEL ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY FOR DETECTING PREGNANCY-SPECIFIC PROTEIN B IN MASAI GIRAFFE ( GIRAFFA CAMELOPARDALIS TIPPELSKIRCHI). J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 55:42-47. [PMID: 38453486 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) is endangered in the wild, and successful reproduction in managed care is important to help maintain assurance populations of this highly charismatic subspecies. Detection of pregnancy in giraffes using hormonal monitoring requires multiple samples and cannot distinguish pregnancy from pseudopregnancy. A novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that can detect pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) for pregnancy diagnosis with a single serum sample was developed from a reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) placenta. Seventy-eight serum samples were analyzed from three female Masai giraffes before and during five gestation periods that resulted in live calf births. Using an optical density cutoff of 0.2, the assay showed a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 100% for all samples tested. At 59 d of gestation, sensitivity increased to 100%. The earliest pregnancy detection was at 40 d of gestation. This study documents the successful development of a blood-based PSPB assay for pregnancy diagnosis in Masai giraffe, which can help advance conservation efforts in this endangered species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Vincent
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell, OH 43065, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | | | - Liza Dadone
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bruinjé TC, Morrison EI, Ribeiro ES, Renaud DL, LeBlanc SJ. Associations of inflammatory and reproductive tract disorders postpartum with pregnancy and early pregnancy loss in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:1630-1644. [PMID: 37820756 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to describe associations of postpartum health with pregnancy and pregnancy loss (P-LOSS) from d 19 to 40 after first postpartum artificial insemination (AI) in lactating Holstein cows. In 2 commercial dairy herds in Ontario, Canada, 468 Holstein cows were enrolled 21 ± 3 d before expected parturition when body condition score (BCS) and lameness were assessed. Serum total Ca, haptoglobin (Hp), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured at 2 and 6 ± 2 d in milk (DIM). Blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) measurement and metritis detection were done at 4, 8, 11, and 15 ± 2 DIM. Cows were examined for endometritis (ENDO; ≥11.5% polymorphonuclear cells in endometrial cytology) and purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) at 35 ± 3 DIM. Lameness was assessed again at 21 and 49 ± 3 DIM and BCS at 63 ± 3 DIM. First postpartum AI occurred primarily (86%) based on detection of estrus by activity monitors, on average (± standard deviation) at 65 ± 9 DIM, and the remaining cows received timed AI at 86 ± 18 DIM. Serum progesterone (P4) was measured on d 8 and 12 after AI, and pregnancy at first AI (P/AI) was estimated by the expression of ISG15 in peripheral blood leukocytes at d 19 after AI and by pregnancy-associated glycoprotein in serum at d 29, 33, and 40 after AI. Each metabolite (Ca, Hp, NEFA, and BHB) was categorized above or below a cut-point identified with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis associated with P/AI confirmed by ultrasound at d 33 from a larger data set. Data were analyzed using multivariable mixed logistic regression models, accounting for parity, health variables, covariates (season at calving and at AI, milk yield at first Dairy Herd Improvement Association test [categorized into terciles], AI method, and DIM), and herd. The proportions of cows classified pregnant at d 19, 29, 33, and 40 after AI were 64%, 54%, 50%, and 45%, respectively. At d 19 after AI, P/AI was less likely in cows diagnosed with ENDO (52% vs. 69%) or PVD (54% vs. 67%). At d 29, P/AI was less likely in cows with Hp ≥1.54 g/L at 2 DIM (38% vs. 55%) or PVD (35% vs. 56%). Both metritis and ENDO were associated with decreased P/AI at d 40 after AI. Cows diagnosed with metritis had greater risk of P-LOSS from d 19 to 29 (43% vs. 22%) or from d 33 to 40 (37% vs. 7%) than cows without metritis. From d 29 to 33, the risk of P-LOSS was greater in cows with NEFA ≥0.73 mM at 2 DIM (13% vs. 5%) or BCS ≤2.75 at 63 DIM (14% vs. 5%). The concentration of P4 on d 8 after AI was positively associated with P/AI at d 29, 33, and 40, and negatively associated with P-LOSS from d 19 to 29. Postpartum health disorders, particularly reproductive tract disease, can have detrimental effects on early pregnancy establishment and on pregnancy maintenance from d 19 to 40 after AI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T C Bruinjé
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - E I Morrison
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - E S Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - D L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - S J LeBlanc
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wiltbank MC, Monteiro PLJ, Domingues RR, Andrade JPN, Mezera MA. Review: Maintenance of the ruminant corpus luteum during pregnancy: interferon-tau and beyond. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100827. [PMID: 37567676 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This manuscript reviews the mechanisms that maintain the corpus luteum (CL) of pregnancy in ruminants. In mammals, ovulation and luteinization of the remaining cells in the CL are due to a surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH). In cattle, continued secretion of pulses of LH is essential for full development and function of the CL during the estrous cycle (LH pulses), however, the few studies on the CL after d20 of pregnancy do not indicate that LH is essential for maintaining the CL of pregnancy. The first essential step in maintaining the CL of pregnancy in ruminants is overcoming the mechanisms that cause regression of the CL in non-pregnant ruminants (d18-25 in cattle; d13-21 in sheep). These mechanisms have a uterine component involving oxytocin-induced prostaglandin F2α (PGF2A) pulses and a luteal component involving decreased progesterone production and luteal cell death. There is a critical role for embryonic interferon-tau (IFNT) in suppressing the uterine secretion of PGF2A during early pregnancy (d13-21 in sheep; d16-25 in cattle) and preventing luteolysis. There are also effects of IFNT on the expression of interferon-stimulated genes in other tissues including the CL but the physiologic role of these interferon-stimulated genes is not yet clear. After the IFNT period, there is another mechanism that maintains the CL of pregnancy in ruminants since embryonic IFNT is inhibited as attachment occurs and trophoblastic binucleate/giant cells begin secretion of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins. The second mechanism for luteal maintenance has not yet been defined but acts in a local manner (ipsilateral to pregnancy), and remains functional from d25 until just before parturition. The most likely mechanisms mediating later maintenance of the CL of pregnancy are increased uterine blood flow or decreased prostaglandin transporter expression in the utero-ovarian vasculature, preventing PGF2A reaching the CL. Finally, implications of these ideas on pregnancy loss in cattle are explored, highlighting the importance of inappropriate regression of the CL of pregnancy as a mechanism for pregnancy loss in cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Pedro L J Monteiro
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Rafael R Domingues
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - João Paulo N Andrade
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Megan A Mezera
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pursley JR, Santos A, Minela T. Review: Initial increase in pregnancy-specific protein B in maternal circulation after artificial insemination is a key indicator of embryonic survival in dairy cows. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100746. [PMID: 37567663 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100746] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactating dairy cows have reduced chances for pregnancy survival following 1st parturition. It appears that timing of conceptus attachment, defined as an initial daily rise in pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) postartificial insemination (AI), is key to the survival of the embryo. PSPB is a protein produced from binucleate cells of the trophectoderm of the conceptus. Once the conceptus has attached to the uterine epithelial cells, this large protein is detectable in maternal circulation. Daily sampling of serum allows for detection of the initial increase of PSPB. A percent increase threshold for PSPB was determined from results from each study using a conservative three-day minimum increase. Thus far, a 10 or 12.5% daily increase for three consecutive days had the greatest sensitivities and specificities for studies reported in this review. Nulliparous heifers receiving AI following estrus appear to have a reduced time to conceptus attachment compared to lactating cows that received either Ovsynch or AI following estrus. Increasing progesterone post-AI did not reduce time to conceptus attachment in lactating cows. Multiparous cows treated post-AI with human chorionic gonadotropin had a reduced percent with conceptus attachment in addition to greater time to conceptus attachment. Increased time to conceptus attachment increased the chances of multiparous cows having embryonic death before 35 d post-AI. Concentrations of PSPB are consistently reduced from conceptus attachment until d 28 post-AI in cows with pregnancy loss compared to cows that maintain pregnancy on d 34 post-AI. This novel model to determine timing of conceptus attachment provides a new perspective on percent of cows pregnant around d 20-23 post-AI and the potential for a greater understanding of subsequent pregnancy loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J R Pursley
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Alisson Santos
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Thainá Minela
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Santos A, Minela T, Branen J, Pursley JR. Time to increase in pregnancy-specific protein B following artificial insemination is a direct determinant of subsequent pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:3734-3747. [PMID: 37028965 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22553] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Increasing progesterone (P4) during early conceptus development may be crucial for establishment of pregnancy in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to determine if human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at various times after ovulation will increase serum P4 during elongation and increase the chances for, and reduce variability to, initial increase in pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) following artificial insemination (AI). Time to PSPB increase was defined as the first day of increase in concentrations of PSPB between d 18 and 28 after ovulation in cows with ≥12.5% increases for 3 consecutive days compared with baseline. Lactating cows (n = 368) synchronized to Double-Ovsynch (first service) or Ovsynch (second or greater service) received one of 4 treatments: no hCG (control), or 3,000 IU of hCG on d 2 (D2), 2 and 5 (D2+5), or 5 (D5) after ovulation. All cows were examined via ultrasound on d 5 and 10 postovulation to determine percentage of cows with hCG-induced accessory CL (aCL) and to quantify and measure all luteal structures. Samples for serum P4 were collected on d 0, 5, 19, and 20 postovulation. The P4 was increased in D2, D2+5, and D5 groups compared with control. The D2+5 and D5 treatments increased aCL and P4 compared with D2 and control. The D2 treatment increased P4 on d 5 after ovulation compared with control. Serum PSPB samples were collected daily from all cows on d 18 through 28 after ovulation for determination of d of PSPB increase. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed via ultrasound examination on d 35, 63, and 100 after ovulation and AI. The D5 treatment reduced percentage of cows with, and increased the time to, PSPB increase. Primiparous cows with ipsilateral aCL had reduced pregnancy loss before d 100 postovulation compared with cows with contralateral aCL. Cows that had PSPB increase >21 d postovulation had 4× greater chances of pregnancy loss compared with cows that had PSPB increase on d 20 or 21. The highest quartile of P4 on d 5, but not on d 19 and 20, was associated with reduced time to PSPB increase. Time to PSPB increase appears to be an important measurement to understand reasons for pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows. Increasing P4 utilizing hCG after ovulation did not enhance early pregnancy or reduce pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Santos
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | - T Minela
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | - J Branen
- BioTracking Inc., Moscow, ID 83843
| | - J R Pursley
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Domingues RR, Andrade JPN, Cunha TO, Madureira G, Moallem U, Gomez-Leon V, Martins JPN, Wiltbank MC. Is pregnancy loss initiated by embryonic death or luteal regression? Profiles of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins during elevated progesterone and pregnancy loss. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 4:149-154. [PMID: 36974213 PMCID: PMC10039253 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2022-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Because progesterone (P4) is essential for pregnancy establishment and maintenance, we investigated the effect of increased concentrations of P4 on embryonic attachment and concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG). Additionally, we investigated the relationships among luteal regression, pregnancy loss, and PAG concentrations in cows undergoing pregnancy loss by d 33 of pregnancy. Lactating dairy cows were allocated into control (n = 40) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 3,300 IU on d 7 and 13 to promote greater circulating P4; GnRH = d 0; n = 46) groups. Progesterone was measured daily from d 7 to 33, and PAG was measured daily from d 17 to 33; both hormones were also measured on d 47 and 61. An increase in PAG >10% compared with d 17 was considered a marker for pregnancy. The gold standard for pregnancy diagnosis was ultrasound evaluation of embryonic heartbeat on d 33. Statistical analyses were done with PROC MIXED from SAS Institute Inc. Concentrations of P4 were greater from d 8 onward in the hCG group. Concentrations of PAG did not differ between groups from d 17 to 33, suggesting no effect of increased P4 on hastening embryonic attachment and placental development. Nevertheless, PAG was greater in the hCG group on d 47 and 61, suggesting greater placental area or PAG secretory capacity. Pregnancy loss between d 20 and 33 occurred in 24.6% of cows. About 50% of pregnancy loss was due to luteal regression and about 50% was due to conceptus failure; that is, a decrease in PAG in the absence of luteal regression. In conclusion, increased P4 does not hasten embryonic attachment or early placental development but it leads to increased PAG in the second half of the second month of gestation. Additionally, pregnancy loss seems to be initiated by either corpus luteum regression or conceptus failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael R. Domingues
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
| | - Joao Paulo N. Andrade
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
| | - Thiago O. Cunha
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
| | - Guilherme Madureira
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
| | - Uzi Moallem
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Sciences, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion, Israel 50250
| | - Victor Gomez-Leon
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506
| | - Joao Paulo N. Martins
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
| | - Milo C. Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Albaaj A, Durocher J, LeBlanc S, Dufour S. Meta-analysis of the incidence of pregnancy losses in dairy cows at different stages to 90 days of gestation. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 4:144-148. [PMID: 36974208 PMCID: PMC10039243 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2022-0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy losses are a biological challenge and economically important in dairy herds. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify losses in 4 periods from 19 to 90 d of pregnancy corresponding to the physiological development of gestation in dairy cows. A total of 19,723 diagnostic records from 46 studies were included. Pregnancy losses averaged 27%, 13%, 7%, and 2% in the early embryonic (19 to 32 d), late embryonic (30 to 45 d), early fetal (45 to 60 d), and later fetal (60 to 90 d) stages. These results provide a formal synthesis of the incidence of pregnancy losses in dairy cows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Albaaj
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, C. P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada, J2S 7C6
- Corresponding author
| | - J. Durocher
- Lactanet, 555, boul. Des Anciens-Combattants, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada, H9X 3R4
| | - S.J. LeBlanc
- Department of 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, Canada, J2S 7C6
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Middleton E, Minela T, Ahearne M, Arnold H, Santos A, Pursley J. Dairy heifers have an earlier increase in serum pregnancy-specific protein B compared with lactating dairy cows. Is this an indicator of earlier conceptus attachment? JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 3:291-295. [PMID: 36338019 PMCID: PMC9623710 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2021-0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to use within-individual daily increases in circulating pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) to determine time to increase in serum PSPB in nulliparous heifers and multiparous dairy cows following artificial insemination (AI). Weekly cohorts of lactating Holstein cows (n = 56) averaging 122 ± 7 d in milk at AI and nulliparous Holstein heifers (n = 23) averaging 16 ± 0.24 mo old at AI were used in this study. Lactating cows received AI to either Ovsynch (n = 38) or at ~12 h following observed standing estrus (n = 18). All heifers were inseminated ~12 h after observed standing estrus. Blood samples for measurement of PSPB were collected daily from d 15 through d 35 postovulation. Nulliparous heifers had increases in serum PSPB earlier compared with both primiparous and multiparous cows. Day of increase in serum PSPB was defined as the day serum PSPB optical density levels initially increased ≥10% from baseline and continued to increase from baseline of ≥10% the following 2 d. Average PSPB were greater in pregnant heifers compared pregnant cows from d 23 through 29. Early lactation nonpregnant cows maintained greater average optical density of serum PSPB from 15 to 35 d postovulation compared with nonpregnant heifers (n = 38). In summary, fertility differences in heifers versus lactating cows may be due to the differences in timing of increases in serum PSPB. This appears to be one of the first publications that used daily PSPB sampling to investigate possible differences in fertility in heifers versus lactating cows.
Collapse
|
14
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Consequences of extending the voluntary waiting period for insemination on reproductive performance in dairy cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 244:107046. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
16
|
Minela T, Santos A, Schuurmans EJ, Middleton EL, Pursley JR. The effect of a double dose of cloprostenol sodium on luteal blood flow and pregnancy rates per artificial insemination in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:12105-12116. [PMID: 34482970 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-20113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Inadequate luteolysis in fertility programs is a problem for lactating dairy cows treated with a single dose of PGF2α. The proportion of cows with complete luteolysis can be increased by administering 2 doses of PGF2α 24 h apart. This study hypothesized that a double dose of cloprostenol sodium (1.0 mg) could take the place of 2 doses 24 h apart due to its enhanced half-life. Cows were allocated to receive 1 of 3 treatments: negative controls: 0.5 mg of cloprostenol sodium (single; n = 337); positive controls: two 0.5-mg doses of cloprostenol sodium 24 h apart (two/24; n = 313); and treated: 1.0 mg of cloprostenol sodium (double; n = 298) at the final PGF2α of Double-Ovsynch. Cows received artificial insemination (AI) 16 h after final GnRH of Double-Ovsynch. Pregnancy diagnosis was determined at 24, 34, 62, and 184 d post-AI. Pregnancy loss was categorized in the following periods: between 24 to 34, 34 to 62, and 62 to 184 d post-AI. Ultrasonography (B-mode and color Doppler) was used to assess luteal function pre- and posttreatment with various doses of cloprostenol sodium. Luteal volume and luteal blood flow (LBF) from d 7 and 14 corpora lutea were determined before treatment (d -1), and 2 and 4 d after treatment. No evidence was observed of an effect of treatment on pregnancy rates per AI at 24, 34, or 62 d post-AI. No effect was observed of treatment on pregnancy losses occurring between d 24 and 34, 34, and 62, and between 62 and 184 d post-AI. However, third-plus parity cows treated with the single treatment had greater pregnancy loss compared with two/24 and double between d 24 and 34 post-AI. Third-plus parity cows that received the double treatment had lower LBF 2 and 4 d after treatment compared with cows treated with single. Amount of LBF present 4 d after treatment was not a predictor of pregnancy or pregnancy loss. A double dose (1.0 mg) of cloprostenol sodium may be a feasible alternative for fertility programs based on nondifferent outcomes to the two/24 treatment, lower pregnancy losses, and reduced LBF disappearance following treatment in third-plus parity cows in comparison with the single treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Minela
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | - A Santos
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | - E J Schuurmans
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | - E L Middleton
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | - J R Pursley
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ottó Szenci
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő-Dóra Major, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Pohler KG, Reese ST, Franco GA, Oliveira RV, Paiva R, Fernandez L, de Melo G, Vasconcelos JLM, Cooke R, Poole RK. New approaches to diagnose and target reproductive failure in cattle. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20200057. [PMID: 33029221 PMCID: PMC7534570 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive failure and pregnancy loss in cattle are some of the largest economic burdens to cattle producers and one of most perplexing factors influencing management decisions. Pregnancy loss may occur at any point during gestation with the largest percentage of loss occurring in the first 30 days and, subsequently, decreasing as the pregnancy progresses. Losses may be attributed to numerous factors, predisposed issues or environmental conditions such as nutritional stressors or disease. From a research perspective, determining the exact causes of pregnancy loss or embryonic mortality in cattle have been difficult, due to limitations of accurately determining early gestation pregnancy status. Until methods that precisely determine embryo success early in gestation are available, our understanding of in vivo pregnancy loss will lack clarity necessary to develop management strategies to decrease such loss. In this review, we will briefly discuss the pivotal periods of pregnancy loss affecting beef and dairy cattle, methods and technologies to determine pregnancy status and embryo viability and potential opportunities to decrease reproductive failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ky Garrett Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Sydney Taylor Reese
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Gessica Araujo Franco
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Ramiro Vander Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Rafael Paiva
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Lohana Fernandez
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Gabriela de Melo
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | | | - Reinaldo Cooke
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Rebecca Kyle Poole
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Omontese BO, Gomes GC, Santos AR, Silva LG, Merenda VR, Bisinotto RS. Use of on-farm milk progesterone information to predict fertility outcomes in dairy cows subjected to timed artificial insemination. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:6600-6611. [PMID: 32359997 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the use of a qualitative on-farm milk progesterone test to predict non-pregnancy in dairy cows. Lactating Jersey cows (n = 752) were subjected to the 5-d Cosynch-72 protocol for timed artificial insemination (AI; d -8 GnRH, d -3 and -2 PGF2α, d 0 GnRH and timed AI). Milk was sampled on d -3, 0, 7, and 28 relative to timed AI, and progesterone concentrations were assessed using a lateral flow immunochromatographic test. Samples were classified into 3 groups indicative of high (hP4; test line not visible or lighter than reference), intermediate (iP4; test line similar to reference), and low (lP4; test line darker than reference) progesterone concentrations. Blood was sampled from a subset of cows (n = 50) on d -3, 0, 7, and 28 relative to timed AI, and plasma progesterone concentrations were determined by RIA. Cows were observed daily for signs of estrus based on removal of tail paint. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography on d 34 and 62 after AI. Plasma progesterone concentrations across all time points were greater for hP4 (3.13 ± 0.20 ng/mL) followed by iP4 (1.12 ± 0.27 ng/mL) and lP4 (0.38 ± 0.23 ng/mL). Cows in lP4 on d -3 had lesser pregnancy per AI (P/AI) compared with iP4 and hP4 (17.4, 38.3, and 37.2%, respectively). For measurements performed on the day of AI (d 0), lP4 cows had greater P/AI compared with hP4 and iP4 (34.8, 0.0, and 15.6%, respectively), and the risk of pregnancy loss tended to be greater for iP4 compared with lP4. Cows in lP4 on d 7 after AI had lesser P/AI than those in iP4 and hP4 (12.0, 34.0, and 37.7%, respectively). Cows classified as lP4 on d 28 had the least P/AI on d 62 followed by iP4 and then hP4 (0.8, 9.2, and 59.4%, respectively) and were at the greatest risk for pregnancy loss (lP4 = 74.6%, iP4 = 8.4%, hP4 = 7.1%). Sensitivity and specificity to predict non-pregnancy on d 62 were 0.86 and 0.32 (d -3), 0.95 and 0.15 (d 0), 0.93 and 0.23 (d 7), and 0.99 and 0.53 (d 28), respectively. On-farm milk progesterone profiling using a lateral flow immunochromatographic test was able to identify cows without functional corpus luteum and to predict fertility outcomes following timed AI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B O Omontese
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - G C Gomes
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610
| | - A R Santos
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - L G Silva
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - V R Merenda
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - R S Bisinotto
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
| |
Collapse
|