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Hassanein EM, Szelényi Z, Szenci O. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Its Agonists in Bovine Reproduction II: Diverse Applications during Insemination, Post-Insemination, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Periods. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1575. [PMID: 38891622 PMCID: PMC11171120 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111575] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The administration of GnRH and its agonists benefits various aspects of bovine reproductive programs, encompassing physiological stages such as estrous synchronization, post-insemination, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. The positive impact of GnRH administration in overcoming challenges like repeat breeder cows, early embryonic loss prevention, and the management of cystic ovarian disease (COD) is thoroughly surveyed. Furthermore, this review focuses on the significance of GnRH administration during the postpartum period, its role in ovulation induction, and how it enhances the productivity of embryo transfer (ET) programs. An emerging feature of this field is introduced, focusing on nano-drug delivery systems for GnRH agonists, and the potential benefits that may arise from such advancements are highlighted. While this review offers valuable insights into various applications of GnRH in bovine reproduction, it emphasizes the crucial need for further research and development in this field to advance reproductive efficiency and health management in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M. Hassanein
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary; (E.M.H.); (Z.S.)
- Animal and Fish Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21545, Egypt
| | - Zoltán Szelényi
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary; (E.M.H.); (Z.S.)
| | - Ottó Szenci
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary; (E.M.H.); (Z.S.)
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De Rensis F, Dall’Olio E, Gnemmi GM, Tummaruk P, Andrani M, Saleri R. Interval from Oestrus to Ovulation in Dairy Cows-A Key Factor for Insemination Time: A Review. Vet Sci 2024; 11:152. [PMID: 38668419 PMCID: PMC11054615 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11040152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This review describes the oestrus-to-ovulation interval, the possibility of predicting the time of ovulation, and the optimum time for insemination relative to oestrus in dairy cows. The duration of oestrus in dairy cows is approximately 8-20 h, with differences possibly related to the methods of oestrus detection and the frequency of observations. Most cows ovulate approximately 24-33 h after the onset of oestrus and 15-22 h after the end of oestrus. The interval from the preovulatory luteinising hormone (LH) surge to ovulation is approximately 4-30 h. Ovulation occurs when follicle diameter averages 18-20 mm. When it is possible to correctly determine the beginning of oestrus, artificial insemination can be performed utilizing the "a.m.-p.m. rule", and only one insemination may be applied. In cows with too long or too short oestrus-to-ovulation intervals, fertility can be compromised. One important factor that can alter the oestrus-to-ovulation interval is acute or chronic heat stress during the warm season. When there is a risk that insemination may occur too early or too late with respect to the time of ovulation, GnRH administration can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio De Rensis
- Department of Veterinary—Medical Science, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (F.D.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Eleonora Dall’Olio
- Department of Veterinary—Medical Science, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (F.D.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Giovanni Maria Gnemmi
- Bovinevet Internacional SL. Bovine Reproduction Ultrasonography & Herd Management Huesca (ES), 22006 Huesca, Spain;
| | - Padet Tummaruk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Centre of Excellence in Swine Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10310, Thailand;
| | - Melania Andrani
- Department of Veterinary—Medical Science, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (F.D.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Roberta Saleri
- Department of Veterinary—Medical Science, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (F.D.R.); (R.S.)
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Brown W, Oliveira M, Reis Silva R, Woodruff K, Bisha B, Demetrio D, Block J. Effects of mycobacterium cell wall fraction on embryo development following in vitro embryo production and pregnancy rates following embryo transfer in virgin dairy heifers. Theriogenology 2024; 215:334-342. [PMID: 38134681 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to determine whether administration of mycobacterium cell wall fraction (MCWF; Amplimune, NovaVive) could enhance embryo developmental competence following in vitro embryo production (IVP) and pregnancy establishment after embryo transfer (ET). Nulliparous, Holstein heifers (n = 40; age 8-15 months) were submitted to two rounds of ovum pick-up (OPU) and IVP in a crossover design. Thirty-six h after follicle wave synchronization, treatments (saline or MCWF, 5 mL, im) were administered in conjunction with a single dose of follicle stimulating hormone (175 IU) and OPU was performed 48-52 h later. Recovered cumulus-oocyte complexes were used for IVP to assess embryo development. For ET, nulliparous, Holstein heifers (n = 225; age 12-18 months) were used as recipients. At 12-24 h after detection of spontaneous estrus, recipients were randomly treated with either saline or MCWF (5 mL, im). The effect of MCWF on pregnancy per ET (P/ET) was assessed in a 2 × 2 factorial design with recipients treated with or without MCWF receiving a fresh IVP embryo from a donor treated with or without MCWF at day 7 or 8 after detected estrus. Blood samples were collected from a subset of donors (n = 8) and recipients (n = 26 to 33 per treatment) prior to treatment and at 6 and 24 h post-treatment to determine serum concentration of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ. Blood samples were also collected from a group of recipients (n = 31 to 39 per treatment) to assess serum concentration of progesterone at days 4, 7, and 16 post-treatment. Pregnancy status was determined at days 40 and 100 of gestation. Donor treatment with MCWF tended (P < 0.07) to increase the proportion of oocytes that developed into transferable embryos, but there was no effect of MCWF on other parameters of embryo development. The P/ET at days 40 and 100 of gestation and pregnancy loss were not affected by donor treatment or recipient treatment with MCWF and there was no interaction. Serum concentration of proinflammatory cytokines among donors and recipients and serum concentration of progesterone among recipients were not increased by treatment with MCWF. Results of the present study indicate that treatment of donors with MCWF has minimal impact on subsequent embryo development following IVP. Moreover, regardless of whether donors or recipients were treated with MCWF, there was no effect on P/ET following transfer of IVP embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Brown
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | | | - R Reis Silva
- EVZ, Federal University of Goias, Goiania, GO, Brazil
| | - K Woodruff
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - B Bisha
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | | | - J Block
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.
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4
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Silva SA, Mondadori RG, Noleto GS, Barbosa IP, Gonçalves RL, Gasperin BG, Rovani MT, Paz EF, Gomes LS, Pfeifer LFM. GnRH34 with or without estradiol cypionate in timed AI in Bos indicus beef cows. Theriogenology 2023; 209:134-140. [PMID: 37392531 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Two experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of GnRH treatment on the fertility of suckled Nelore beef cows treated with an estradiol/progesterone (E2/P4)-based protocol for timed artificial insemination (TAI). Experiment 1 focused on determining the effects of estradiol cypionate (EC) on ovulation in TAI cows treated with GnRH 34 h after removal of the intravaginal P4 device (IPD). Suckled cows (n = 26) were treated with 2 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) and IPD containing 1 g P4. After 8 days, IPDs were removed, and all cows were treated with 150 μg of d-cloprostenol (prostaglandin F2 alpha analog) and 300 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), then separated into two treatment groups consisting of cows who received 1) saline 0.9% i.m. (GnRH34 group) or 2) 0.6 mg i.m. of EC (EC-GnRH34 group). On day 9 (05:00 p.m.), all cows were given GnRH (10.5 μg of buserelin acetate) i.m. No differences were observed between the groups (P > 0.05) in the time of ovulation after IPD removal or in the proportion of cows ovulating. Experiment 2 focused on determining the effects of GnRH34 along with or in the absence of EC on day 8 on pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in postpartum beef cows. Cows (n = 981) were treated similarly to those in Experiment 1, but an additional group, the EC-GnRH48 group, was included, in which cows received EC on day 8 whereas those that did not show estrus received GnRH at TAI. Thus, in this experiment, groups consisted of GnRH34 (n = 322), EC-GnRH34 (n = 335), and EC-GnRH48 (n = 324). A higher rate of estrus expression was observed in cows treated with EC following IPD removal (EC-GnRH34: 69%, EC-GnRH48: 64.8%) than in cows in the GnRH34 group (45.6%). No difference in P/AI was observed between the treatment groups (P = 0.45), but P/AI in cows in the EC-GnRH34 group (64.2%) tended to be greater (P = 0.1) than in cows in the GnRH34 group (58%). In summary, although ovulation synchrony did not differ among the groups, P/AI in cows treated with EC and GnRH 34 h after IPD removal tended to be greater than in cows treated solely with GnRH; this was most likely due to a shorter proestrus/estrus period, considering the lower proportion of cows that displayed estrus in the GnRH34 group. Finally, given that P/AI did not differ between the EC-GnRH34 and EC-GnRH48 groups, our results suggest that, for cows not displaying estrus, administration of EC at the time of IPD removal followed by treatment with GnRH 48 h afterward represents the most cost-efficient TAI strategy for South American Zebu-based beef operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira A Silva
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPEL, PPG em Veterinária, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael G Mondadori
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPEL, PPG em Veterinária, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabrielly S Noleto
- Universidade Federal de Rondonia - UNIR, PPG em Desenvolvimento Regional e Meio Ambiente, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Ingrid P Barbosa
- Universidade Federal do Acre, UFAC, PPGESPA, Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil
| | | | - Bernardo G Gasperin
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPEL, PPG em Veterinária, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Monique T Rovani
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, PPG em Ciências Veterinárias, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Eanes F Paz
- Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Professional, Machadinho do Oeste, RO, Brazil
| | - Leonardo S Gomes
- Embrapa Rondonia, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Luiz F M Pfeifer
- Embrapa Rondonia, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil.
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5
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Khan I, Mesalam A, Heo YS, Lee SH, Nabi G, Kong IK. Heat Stress as a Barrier to Successful Reproduction and Potential Alleviation Strategies in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2359. [PMID: 37508136 PMCID: PMC10376617 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the adverse effects of global warming on all living beings have been unanimously recognized across the world. A high environmental temperature that increases the respiration and rectal temperature of cattle is called heat stress (HS), and it can affect both male and female reproductive functions. For successful reproduction and fertilization, mature and healthy oocytes are crucial; however, HS reduces the developmental competence of oocytes, which compromises reproduction. HS disturbs the hormonal balance that plays a crucial role in successful reproduction, particularly in reducing the luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels, which leads to severe problems such as poor follicle development with a poor-quality oocyte and problems related to maturity, silent estrus, abnormal or weak embryo development, and pregnancy loss, resulting in a declining reproduction rate and losses for the cattle industry. Lactating cattle are particularly susceptible to HS and, hence, their reproduction rate is substantially reduced. Additionally, bulls are also affected by HS; during summer, semen quality and sperm motility decline, leading to compromised reproduction. In summer, the conception rate is reduced by 20-30% worldwide. Although various techniques, such as the provision of water sprinklers, shade, and air conditioning, are used during summer, these methods are insufficient to recover the normal reproduction rate and, therefore, special attention is needed to improve reproductive efficiency and minimize the detrimental effect of HS on cattle during summer. The application of advanced reproductive technologies such as the production of embryos in vitro, cryopreservation during the hot season, embryo transfer, and timed artificial insemination may minimize the detrimental effects of HS on livestock reproduction and recover the losses in the cattle industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Ayman Mesalam
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Yun Seok Heo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
- Department of Premedicine, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Hyun Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Ghulam Nabi
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
| | - Il-Keun Kong
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- The King Kong Corp., Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
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6
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Cheon SN, Park GW, Park KH, Jeon JH. Peri-estrus activity and mounting behavior and its application to estrus detection in Hanwoo (Korea Native Cattle). JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 65:748-758. [PMID: 37970510 PMCID: PMC10640956 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the change in activity and mounting behavior in Hanwoo (Korean Native Cattle) during the peri-estrus period and its application to estrus detection. A total of 20 Hanwoo cows were fitted with a neck-collar accelerometer device, which measured the location and acceleration of cow movements and recorded the number of instances of mounting behavior by the altitude data. The data were analyzed in three periods (24-, 6-, and 2-h periods). Blood samples were collected for 5 days after the prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) injection, and the concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Activity and mounting behavior recorded over 2-h periods significantly increased as estrus approached and were more efficient at detecting estrus than over 24- and 6-h periods (p < 0.05). Endocrine patterns did not differ with the variation of individual cows during the peri-estrus period (p > 0.05). Activity was selected as the best predictor through stepwise discriminant analysis. However, activity alone is not enough to detect estrus. We suggest that a combination of activity and mounting behavior may improve estrus detection efficiency in Hanwoo. Further research is necessary to validate the findings on a larger sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Nae Cheon
- Animal Welfare Research Team, National
Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Agriculture,
Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Geun-Woo Park
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence,
Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Kyu-Hyun Park
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence,
Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jung Hwan Jeon
- Animal Welfare Research Team, National
Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Agriculture,
Wanju 55365, Korea
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7
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Berean D, Bogdan LM, Opris P, Cimpean R. Economical implications and the impact of gonadotropin-releasing hormone administration at the time of artificial insemination in cows raised in the extensive system in North Romania. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1167387. [PMID: 37180075 PMCID: PMC10172496 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1167387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is the first and the most used biotechnologies in reproduction all over the world. Many studies reported the beneficial role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administrated some hours before the AI or at the artificial insemination time. This study aimed to assess the effect of GnRH analogs given at the time of insemination on the first, second, and third AIs and to assess the economical implications of GnRH administration. We hypothesized that administration of GnRH at the time of insemination would increase ovulation and pregnancy rate. The study was conducted on small farms in northwestern Romania and included animals of the Romanian Brown and Romanian Spotted breeds. Animals in estrous at the first, second, and third inseminations were randomly divided into groups that received GnRH at insemination and groups that did not. A comparison between the groups was performed and the cost of GnRH administration to obtain one gestation was calculated. The GnRh administration increased the pregnancy rate at the first and the second inseminations by 12 and 18%, respectively. For one pregnancy, the cost of GnRH administration was approximately 49 euros for the first insemination group and around 33 euros for the second insemination group. No improvement of the pregnancy rate was observed after the GnRH administration for the cows at the third insemination, so, for this group, no economic statistics were performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Berean
- Department of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Liviu Marian Bogdan
- Department of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- *Correspondence: Liviu Marian Bogdan
| | | | - Raluca Cimpean
- Department of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Abdallah M, Joone C, Edwards S, Das S, Cavalieri J. Comparison of the initial ovarian response, the synchrony of oestrus and ovulation and chronic stress response after administration of 100 or 250 μg of GnRH to randomly cycling Bos indicus cattle. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:479-491. [PMID: 35765162 PMCID: PMC9796437 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the effects of administering saline, 100 or 250 μg of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) on ovarian response, synchrony of oestrus and ovulation and chronic stress response in Bos indicus cattle. DESIGN Randomised control. METHODS Animals were either left untreated (n = 20) or on day 0 treated with an intravaginal progesterone releasing device and either saline (n = 24), 100 μg (n = 35), or 250 (n = 35) μg of GnRH, intramuscular (IM). Blood was sampled 1.4 h after administration of treatment to monitor concentrations of luteinising hormone (LH) and P4 in serum and again 5 days later. On day 5 intravaginal P4 releasing device were removed, cloprostenol was administered IM and again 8 h later. Oestrus and ovulation were then monitored with ultrasonography for 6.5 days. Hair was clipped on day 55 for analysis of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC). RESULTS No significant differences were found between Saline and GnRH treatments in the odds of inducing a new corpus luteum (CL) and the synchrony of oestrus or ovulation. HCC did not differ significantly between treatments. Mean concentrations of LH in serum on day 0 were less in the Saline compared to 100 and 250 μg GnRH treatments but did not differ between different doses of GnRH. CONCLUSION Mean concentrations of LH and the odds of inducing a new CL were not increased after administering 250 μg compared to 100 μg of GnRH. Animal handling events in the study did not influence HCC. Further research is needed to better optimise responses to GnRH in B. indicus cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Abdallah
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary SciencesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueensland4811Australia
| | - C Joone
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary SciencesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueensland4811Australia
| | - S Edwards
- Vetoquinol pharmaceuticals, L2/485 Kingsford Smith DrHamiltonQueensland4007Australia
| | - S Das
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueensland4811Australia
| | - J Cavalieri
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary SciencesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueensland4811Australia
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Chaikol W, Yadmak C, Yama P, Jitjumnong J, Sangkate M, U-Krit W, Promsao N, Suriard A, Mektrirat R, Panatuk J, Van Doan H, Wang CK, Tang PC, Moonmanee T. Ovarian luteal category at the time of exogenous progesterone treatment alters pre-ovulatory follicle size and pregnancy outcome but not initial GnRH treatment in repeat-breeder crossbred dairy heifers submitted to the 7-day fixed-time AI protocol. Vet Anim Sci 2022; 17:100257. [PMID: 35812775 PMCID: PMC9256640 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2022.100257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian and fertility outcomes were similar for repeat-breeder crossbred dairy heifers with or without initial GnRH treatment. Presence of luteal tissue at the time of progesterone (P4) treatment in infertile heifers resulted in a 68.6% pregnancy rate (PR). The likelihood of PR was higher in infertile heifers bearing luteal tissue on the day of exogenous P4 trigger.
Repeat breeding is a substantial problem in heifer and cow breeding leading to greater infertility for female dairy herds. The aim of present study was to investigate the impact of corpus luteum (CL) presence and category and the first gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration concurrent with exogenous progesterone (P4) treatment on the largest follicle (LF) size and pregnancy rate (PR) in repeat-breeder crossbred dairy heifers submitted to the fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocol. Heifers (n= 243) were synchronised with (+GnRH) or without (–GnRH) first GnRH in the 7-day P4-GnRH-prostaglandin F2α-based programme. Each GnRH group was divided on presence of CL into two groups (+CL and –CL) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The PR was similar among –GnRH–CL (20.7%), –GnRH+CL (68.8%), +GnRH–CL (30.4%), and +GnRH+CL (68.3%) groups. However, presence of CL in heifers produced a 43.6% increase in PR compared to PR of heifers without CL (odds ratio = 6.550). Heifers bearing large-sized CL had greater large-sized LF on the day of fixed-time AI and PR. Plasma P4 concentration was positively related with CL diameter (r= 0.845; p < 0.001). The diameter of ovarian LF on the day of fixed-time AI was positively associated with P4 concentrations (r= 0.512; p < 0.001). We highlight that ovarian CL presence and category at the time of exogenous P4 treatment alters pre-ovulatory follicle size and PR but not initial GnRH treatment in repeat-breeder crossbred dairy heifers submitted to service with the 7-day fixed-time AI programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warunya Chaikol
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
| | | | - Punnawut Yama
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
| | - Jakree Jitjumnong
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
| | - Molarat Sangkate
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
| | - Warittha U-Krit
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.,Sing Buri College of Agriculture and Technology, Thailand
| | - Nalinthip Promsao
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
| | - Assawadet Suriard
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
| | - Raktham Mektrirat
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
| | - Julakorn Panatuk
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Maejo University, Thailand
| | - Hien Van Doan
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.,Innovative Agriculture Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
| | - Chien-Kai Wang
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan.,The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Chi Tang
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan.,The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
| | - Tossapol Moonmanee
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.,Innovative Agriculture Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
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10
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Chen Z, Wang J, Ma J, Li S, Huo S, Yang Y, Zhaxi Y, Zhao Y, Zhang D. Transcriptome and proteome analysis of pregnancy and postpartum anoestrus ovaries in yak. J Vet Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2022.23.e3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Chen
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Jine Wang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Junyuan Ma
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Shuyuan Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Shengdong Huo
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yanmei Yang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yingpai Zhaxi
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yongqing Zhao
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Derong Zhang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
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11
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Chen Z, Wang J, Ma J, Li S, Huo S, Yang Y, Zhaxi Y, Zhao Y, Zhang D. Transcriptome and proteome analysis of pregnancy and postpartum anoestrus ovaries in yak. J Vet Sci 2022; 23:e3. [PMID: 35088950 PMCID: PMC8799938 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.21195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Chen
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Jine Wang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Junyuan Ma
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Shuyuan Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Shengdong Huo
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yanmei Yang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yingpai Zhaxi
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yongqing Zhao
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Derong Zhang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, China
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12
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Huo S, Chen Z, Li S, Wang J, Ma J, Yang Y, Zhaxi Y, Zhao Y, Zhang D, Long R. A comparative transcriptome and proteomics study of post-partum ovarian cycle arrest in yaks (Bos grunniens). Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:292-303. [PMID: 34850471 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Post-partum ovarian cycle arrest is the main factor affecting yak reproductive efficiency. There are few reports regarding the molecular regulatory mechanism of post-partum oestrus at transcriptome and proteome levels in yaks. Our previous studies focussed on the ovaries of yaks with post-partum ovarian cycle arrest and post-partum oestrus yaks. In this study, RNA sequencing transcriptomic study was combined with quantitative proteomic analyses to identify post-partum ovarian cycle-related genes and proteins. Consequently, 1,149 genes and 24 proteins were found to be up- or downregulated during post-partum oestrus. The analysis of differentially regulated genes identified three gene or protein pairs that were synchronously upregulated and no gene or protein pairs that were synchronously downregulated, suggesting that these upregulated genes may regulate the post-partum ovarian cycle. The functional classification of these differentially expressed genes and proteins indicated their connection with the oocyte meiosis, the oestrogen signalling pathway, the progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signalling pathway. In this study, a total of six genes and two proteins involved in the oocyte meiosis, the oestrogen signalling pathway, the progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and the GnRH signalling pathway were identified. The CSNK1A1, M91_09723, M91_11326, M91_21439, M91_19073, SHC2, Atf6b, M91_03062, HSPCA and calmodulin could regulate oestrus, respectively, in the post-partum so as to control the anoestrus status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengdong Huo
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhou Chen
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuyuan Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jine Wang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junyuan Ma
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanmei Yang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingpai Zhaxi
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongqing Zhao
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Derong Zhang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruijun Long
- College of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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13
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Burnett TA, Madureira AML, Bauer JW, Cerri RLA. Impact of GnRH administration at the time of artificial insemination on conception risk and its association with estrous expression. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:1743-1753. [PMID: 34802740 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20156] [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: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cows with reduced estrous expression have compromised fertility. The aim of this study was to determine whether the administration of GnRH at the time of artificial insemination (AI) would affect ovulation rates and the fertility of animals expressing estrous behavior of lesser intensity. Cows were enrolled at the time of estrus from 3 farms (n = 2,607 estrus events; farm A: 1,507, farm B: 429, farm C: 671) and randomly assigned to receive GnRH at AI or not (control). The intensity of estrous expression, monitored through leg-mounted activity monitors, was determined using the maximum activity during estrus; estrous expression was categorized as greater or lower relative to the farm median. On farm A, cows were assessed at alert, and 24 h, 48 h, and 7 d post-alert for ovulation using ultrasonography. Pregnancy per AI was confirmed at 35 ± 7 d post-estrus for cows that were inseminated. Differences between treatments were tested using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Treatment with GnRH at the time of AI increased pregnancy per AI (41.3 ± 1.6 vs. 35.7 ± 1.7%). An interaction between treatment and estrous expression on pregnancy per AI was found. Control cows with greater estrous expression had greater pregnancy per AI than those with lesser expression, whereas GnRH administration increased pregnancy per AI for cows with lesser estrous expression but not those with greater expression (GnRH, greater intensity: 43.5 ± 2.1; GnRH, lesser intensity: 37.8 ± 2.2; control, greater intensity: 42.6 ± 2.2; control, lesser intensity: 31.0 ± 2.2%). A higher proportion of cows with greater estrous expression that were administered GnRH at AI were found to ovulate by 48 h and 7 d post-estrus; however, ovulation of cows with lesser estrous expression was unaffected by GnRH administration. In conclusion, fertility of cows with reduced estrous expression may be increased using GnRH at the time of AI; however, increased ovulation rates do not seem to be the direct mechanism behind this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy A Burnett
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Augusto M L Madureira
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Janet W Bauer
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ronaldo L A Cerri
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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14
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Ratchamak R, Ratsiri T, Chumchai R, Boonkum W, Chankitisakul V. Relationship of the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) with Ovarian Responses and Embryo Production in Superovulated Thai-Holstein Crossbreds under Tropical Climate Conditions. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8110270. [PMID: 34822643 PMCID: PMC8623316 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8110270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat stress strongly negatively affects reproductive traits in dairy cattle. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of heat stress in superstimulated Thai-Holstein crossbreds under tropical climate conditions. Data included 75 records from 12 superovulated Thai-Holstein crossbreds between 2018 and 2020. Cows were superstimulated with conventional treatment. The mean temperature-humidity index (THI) was evaluated for three data collection periods: during the 9, 21 and 42-day periods before the insemination day to determine the period in which THI mostly affected superstimulation responses. The THI levels/thresholds were determined and interpreted together with the superovulatory response. A significantly negative correlation was obtained for the THI during the period 9 days before insemination. Negative effects on the number of large follicles and corpora lutea began at a THI of 72 and were apparently severe after a THI of 77, similar to the ovulation rate, fertilized ova and transferable embryos (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, more degenerated embryos were found with THI values (p < 0.05). The superovulatory response in Thai-Holstein crossbreds under tropical climate conditions is highly affected by heat stress starting at a THI of 72 and becomes more severe at a THI higher than 77.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruthaiporn Ratchamak
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (R.R.); (T.R.); (R.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Thanaporn Ratsiri
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (R.R.); (T.R.); (R.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Rujira Chumchai
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (R.R.); (T.R.); (R.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Wuttigrai Boonkum
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (R.R.); (T.R.); (R.C.); (W.B.)
- Network Center for Animal Breeding and Omics Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Vibuntita Chankitisakul
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (R.R.); (T.R.); (R.C.); (W.B.)
- Network Center for Animal Breeding and Omics Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-86-6585988
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15
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Roth Z, Kressel YZ, Lavon Y, Kalo D, Wolfenson D. Administration of GnRH at Onset of Estrus, Determined by Automatic Activity Monitoring, to Improve Dairy Cow Fertility during the Summer and Autumn. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082194. [PMID: 34438650 PMCID: PMC8388439 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration at onset of estrus (OE), determined by automatic activity monitoring (AAM), to improve fertility of dairy cows during the summer and autumn. The study was performed on two dairy farms in Israel. The OE was determined by AAM recorded every 2 h, and a single im dose of GnRH analogue was administered shortly after OE. Pregnancy was determined by transrectal palpation, 40 to 45 d after artificial insemination (AI). Conception risk was analyzed by the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Brief visual observation of behavioral estrus indicated that about three-quarters of the events (n = 40) of visually detected OE occurred within 6 h of AAM-detected OE. Accordingly, the GnRH analogue was administered within 5 h of AAM-detected OE, to overlap with the expected endogenous preovulatory LH surge. Overall, pregnancy per AI (P/AI) was monitored over the entire experimental period (summer and autumn) in 233 first, second or third AI (116 and 117 AI for treated and control groups, respectively). Least square means of P/AI for treated (45.8%) and control (39.4%) groups did not differ, but group-by-season interaction tended to differ (p = 0.07), indicating no effect of treatment in the summer and a marked effect of GnRH treatment (n = 58 AI) compared to controls (n = 59 AI) on P/AI in the autumn (56.6% vs. 28.5%, p < 0.03). During the autumn, GnRH-treated mature cows (second or more lactations), and postpartum cows exhibiting metabolic and uterine diseases, tended to have much larger P/AI than their control counterparts (p = 0.07-0.08). No effect of treatment was recorded in the autumn in first parity cows or in uninfected, healthy cows. In conclusion, administration of GnRH within 5 h of AAM-determined OE improved conception risk in cows during the autumn, particularly in those exhibiting uterine or metabolic diseases postpartum and in mature cows. Incorporation of the proposed GnRH treatment shortly after AAM-detected OE into a synchronization program is suggested, to improve fertility of positively responding subpopulations of cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zvi Roth
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot 76100, Israel; (Z.R.); (Y.Z.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Yaron Z. Kressel
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot 76100, Israel; (Z.R.); (Y.Z.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Yaniv Lavon
- Israel Cattle Breeders Association, Caesarea 38900, Israel;
| | - Dorit Kalo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot 76100, Israel; (Z.R.); (Y.Z.K.); (D.K.)
| | - David Wolfenson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot 76100, Israel; (Z.R.); (Y.Z.K.); (D.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-54-8820700
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16
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Roth Z. Influence of heat stress on reproduction in dairy cows-physiological and practical aspects. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:S80-S87. [PMID: 32810254 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zvi Roth
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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17
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Roth Z. Cooling is the predominant strategy to alleviate the effects of heat stress on dairy cows. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 57 Suppl 1:16-22. [PMID: 32621343 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Reduced reproductive performance of lactating cows during the summer is associated mainly with intensive genetic selection for high milk production, which places a great load on the thermoregulatory mechanism. In the last decades, a big effort has been made to explore the mechanism by which heat stress compromises fertility. The data gained so far revealed that the effect of thermal stress on the female reproductive tract is multifactorial in nature. Based on this understanding, new strategies to mitigate the effect of heat stress have been developed. The review summarizes some of the physiological responses of the cow to elevated temperature and discusses its limitations to maintain normothermia. The review emphasizes that cooling is the predominant strategy used today to alleviate the effects of heat stress. Findings from the Israel dairy herd indicate that efficient cooling management can improve milk production during the summer to a similar level of the winter, expressed by summer to winter ratio of 0.98. However, cooling as a singular approach cannot eliminate the decline in reproduction. Nonetheless, an efficient cooling system is a prerequisite for any other strategy. The review suggests additional hormonal treatments to improve reproductive performance during the summer. Given the complexity of heat stress effects on reproduction, comprehensive reproductive management during the summer is suggested, that is combining two or more strategies in a programme, might be more beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zvi Roth
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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18
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Roth Z. Reproductive physiology and endocrinology responses of cows exposed to environmental heat stress - Experiences from the past and lessons for the present. Theriogenology 2020; 155:150-156. [PMID: 32679440 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The effects of environmental heat-stress on production and reproduction in dairy cows have been intensively studied throughout the past few decades. In light of climate changes and global warming, this issue has gained attention worldwide. So far, most of the documentations are related to warmer-climate regions, however, environmental thermal stress has recently been reported in cooler regions, such as Europe. The review attempts to present the experiences from the past years and lessons for the present. The review highlights some of the environmental characterizations and provides some practical approaches to estimate the level of heat load on farms. For instance, the intensity of heat stress can be evaluated by the temperature humidity index (THI). Other environmental parameters, such as the increased number of consecutive hot days or the increased frequency of extremely hot days, can be also used to estimate the level of heat load on farms. Exposure of dairy cows to environmental thermal stress results in multiple behavioral changes, physiological responses and endocrinological alterations, which in sequence, lead to reduced reproductive performance. Multiple in-vitro studies have been performed for better understanding the mechanism by which heat stress impairs reproductive processes. However, the current review focuses mainly on animal reactions and on the limitations of physiological and behavioral responses in maintaining normothermia, without human intervention. The review provides evidence that thermal stress induces alterations in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis. For instance, impaired gonadotropin secretion, attenuation of follicular development, reduced steroid production and progesterone concentration in the plasma. These were found to be associated with impaired estrus behavior, reduced oocyte developmental competence and embryo survival. Heat stress also has direct and indirect effects on the preimplantation embryo. The review summarizes the thermo-sensitivity of the embryo and the acquisition of its thermotolerance through early developmental stages. Understanding the effects of environmentally elevated temperature on the reproductive physiology of lactating cows is extremely important for the development of new strategies in order to mitigate the effects of heat stress on farms. The review also provides various types of management and practical tools, in order to alleviate the effects of thermal stress. It introduces some approaches that have been developed during recent years, ones that have been practically used to alleviate the effect of the environmental heat load and suggested to be implanted. Cooling is the predominant strategy used nowadays in order to alleviate the effects of heat stress. It includes indirect cooling of the environment surrounding the animal, by providing shed and ventilation (with or without water) or direct evaporative cooling of the cow with water and fans. Using an efficient cooling system can improve milk production during the hot season, but it cannot eliminate the decline in reproduction. The review also discusses some additional approaches such as timed artificial insemination, hormonal treatment and embryo transfer, which have already been developed. These are suggested to be examined, adapted and implemented in dairy farms located in new regions that have recently suffered from environmental heat stress. The review also discusses unclear points and open questions some of which might lead new research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zvi Roth
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
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19
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Timed artificial insemination plus heat II: gonadorelin injection in cows with low estrus expression scores increased pregnancy in progesterone/estradiol-based protocol. Animal 2019; 13:2313-2318. [PMID: 30915942 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731119000454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of tail chalk and estrus/heat expression scores (HEATSC) evaluation is instrumental in identifying cows with greater estrus expression and greater artificial insemination pregnancy rates (P/AI) in cows submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI), and cows with low or no estrus expression present lower P/AI. It was intended in this study to improve the pregnancy rates in TAI for Bos indicus beef cows, and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection was hypothesized to increase pregnancy rates in a TAI program for cows submitted to progesterone-estradiol-based protocols with low or no estrus expression, evaluated by HEATSC. Cows (n= 2284) received a progesterone device and 2 mg estradiol benzoate, after 8 days the device was removed and 1 mg estradiol cypionate, 150 μg of d-cloprostenol and 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin was administered. All cows were marked with chalk and HEATSC evaluated (scales 1 to 3) at TAI performed on day 10. Animals with HEATSC1 and HEATSC2 (n= 937) received 100 μg de gonadorelin (GNRH group; n= 470), or 1 ml saline (Control group; n= 467), and cows with HEATSC3 (named HEAT group; n= 1347) received no additional treatment. The larger dominant follicle, evaluated on day 8and at TAI (day 10), was greater in HEAT group (P= 0.0145 and P <0.001, respectively). Corpus luteum (CL) area and progesterone concentration was evaluated on day 17, and CL area was larger in HEAT group, intermediary in Control and lower in GnRH group (Control= 2.68 cm2, GnRH= 2.37 cm2, HEAT group= 3.07 cm2, P <0.001). Greater progesterone concentrations were found in HEAT group than in Control and GnRH groups (Control= 4.74 ng/ml, GnRH= 4.29 ng/ml, HEAT group= 6.08 ng/ml, P<0.001). There was a difference in ovulation rate, greater in HEAT group than GnRH and Control groups (Control= 72.5%; GnRH= 81.25%; HEAT group= 90.71%; P= 0.0024). Artificial insemination pregnancy rates was greater in HEAT group (57.09% (769/1347) than in Control and GNRH groups, with positive effect of GnRH injection at the time of TAI in P/AI (Control= 36.18% (169/467), GnRH= 45.95% (216/470); P<0.0001). In conclusion, GnRH application in cows with low HEATSC (1 and 2) is a simple strategy, requiring no changes in TAI management to increase pregnancy rates in postpartum beef cows submitted to progesterone-estradiol-based TAI protocols, without reaching, however, the pregnancy rates of cows that demonstrate high estrus expression at the TAI.
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Ahmad Para I, Ahmad Dar P, Ahmad Malla B, Punetha M, Rautela A, Maqbool I, Mohd A, Ahmad Shah M, Ahmad War Z, Ishaaq R, Akram Malla W, Ahmad Sheikh A, Rayees M. Impact of heat stress on the reproduction of farm animals and strategies to ameliorate it. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2018.1548870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Irshad Ahmad Para
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and climatology, Indian veterinary research institute, Bareily, U.P., India
| | - Parvez Ahmad Dar
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Indian veterinary research institute, Bareily, U.P., India
| | - Bilal Ahmad Malla
- Department of Veterinary Public health, University of Indian veterinary research institute, bareily, U.P., India
| | - Meeti Punetha
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and climatology, Indian veterinary research institute, Bareily, U.P., India
| | - Ankita Rautela
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and climatology, National dairy research institute (NDRI) Karnal, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Ishfaq Maqbool
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Aquil Mohd
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Indian veterinary research institute, Bareily, U.P., India
| | - Mudasir Ahmad Shah
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Indian veterinary research institute, Bareily, U.P., India
| | - Zahoor Ahmad War
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Indian veterinary research institute, Bareily, U.P., India
| | - Raja Ishaaq
- Department of Veterinary Biotechnology, Indian veterinary research institute, Bareily, U.P., India
| | - Waseem Akram Malla
- Department of Veterinary Biotechnology, Indian veterinary research institute, Bareily, U.P., India
| | - Aasif Ahmad Sheikh
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and climatology, National dairy research institute (NDRI) Karnal, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Mohmmad Rayees
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and climatology, National dairy research institute (NDRI) Karnal, Karnal, Haryana, India
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wolfenson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zvi Roth
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
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22
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Optimizing timed AI protocols for Angus beef heifers: Comparison of induction of synchronized ovulation with estradiol cypionate or GnRH. Theriogenology 2018; 121:7-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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23
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Burnett TA, Polsky L, Kaur M, Cerri RLA. Effect of estrous expression on timing and failure of ovulation of Holstein dairy cows using automated activity monitors. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:11310-11320. [PMID: 30268619 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if estrous expression, as measured by an automated activity monitor (AAM), affects timing and failure of ovulation of lactating Holstein dairy cows. Cows were equipped with 2 AAM, 1 neck-mounted (AAMC) and 1 leg-mounted (AAML), by 10 d postpartum and enrolled into the trial when their activity crossed the alert threshold on the AAMC. A total of 850 episodes of estrus from 293 different cows were used for this study. When cows were enrolled, their ovaries were scanned by transrectal ultrasonography and gait and body condition scored. Ovaries of cows detected in estrus were scanned twice daily for a maximum of 3 d to determine the disappearance of the preovulatory follicle (ovulation) and the interval from estrus to ovulation was calculated. Physical activity data recorded from the AAM were used to determine estrus behavior using 2 traits: (1) peak activity and (2) duration. Peak activity was only available for the AAML. Peak activity was defined as the maximum activity during an estrus episode. Duration of estrus was defined as the time the activity of the cow exceeded threshold values set by the AAM software. The AAMC correctly identified 87.8% of the estrus alerts, with 12.2% false positives. The average (±standard deviation) intervals from activity alert to ovulation were 25.8 ± 10.2 and 24.7 ± 9.3 h for the AAMC and AAML, respectively. Changes in estrous expression were associated with differences in the interval from alert to ovulation. Cows with short intervals to ovulation were found to have less intense estrous expression than cows with medium and long length intervals to ovulation using the AAMC, whereas using the AAML, cows with short intervals to ovulation exhibited less intense estrous expression than cows with medium but the same as those with long intervals to ovulation. Furthermore, irrespective of the AAM, estrus events with less estrous expression had increased odds of having a short interval to ovulation (below the median of 20 h) when compared with those having greater estrous expression (2.6 and 1.9 increased odds for the AAMC and AAML, respectively). Ovulation failure was affected by estrous expression because estrus events with greater peak activity or longer duration had reduced ovulation failure compared with those with less estrous expression (AAMC peak activity: 1.9 ± 1.4 vs. 9.5 ± 1.7%; AAML peak activity: 2.3 ± 1.4 vs. 6.2 ± 1.5%; AAMC duration: 2.1 ± 1.4 vs. 8.9 ± 1.7%). In addition, cows with more estrous expression had greater pregnancy per artificial insemination than those with less estrous expression with both the AAMC (42.3 ± 0.4 vs. 31.7 ± 0.4%) and the AAML (43.1 ± 0.4 vs. 36.3 ± 0.4%). Pregnancy per artificial insemination results were consistent even when removing cows that failed to ovulate. In conclusion, expression of estrus was highly associated with ovulation timing, ovulation failure, and fertility when using 2 different AAM. Cows with greater estrous expression have longer intervals from activity alert to ovulation, experience less ovulation failure, and have greater pregnancy per artificial insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy A Burnett
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Liam Polsky
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Manveen Kaur
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ronaldo L A Cerri
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Williams J, Ntallaris T, Routly J, Jones D, Cameron J, Holman-Coates A, Smith R, Humblot P, Dobson H. Association of production diseases with motor activity-sensing devices and milk progesterone concentrations in dairy cows. Theriogenology 2018; 118:57-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Comparison of three superovulation protocols with or without GnRH treatment at the time of artificial insemination on ovarian response and embryo quality in Thai native heifers. Trop Anim Health Prod 2017; 49:633-639. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1243-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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26
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Selvam RM, Singh D, Akbarsha MA, Archunan G. Urine levels of luteinizing hormone as predictor of the period of ovulation for advantage of timed-artificial insemination in murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis
). Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:517-521. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- RM Selvam
- Centre for Pheromone Technology; Department of Animal Science; Bharathidasan University; Tiruchirappalli India
| | - D Singh
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory; Animal Biochemistry Division; National Dairy Research Institute; Karnal India
| | - MA Akbarsha
- Centre for Pheromone Technology; Department of Animal Science; Bharathidasan University; Tiruchirappalli India
| | - G Archunan
- Centre for Pheromone Technology; Department of Animal Science; Bharathidasan University; Tiruchirappalli India
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Pandey AK, Ghuman S, Dhaliwal GS, Agarwal SK, Phogat JB. Impact of Buserelin Acetate or hCG Administration on the Day of First Artificial Insemination on Subsequent Luteal Profile and Conception Rate in Murrah Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:478-84. [PMID: 27170495 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the impact of buserelin acetate (BA) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration on the day of first artificial insemination (AI) on subsequent luteal profile (diameter of corpus luteum (CL) and plasma progesterone) and conception rate in Murrah buffalo. The present experiment was carried out at two locations in 117 buffalo that were oestrus-synchronized using cloprostenol (500 μg) administered (i.m.) 11 days apart followed by AI during standing oestrus. Based on treatment (i.m.) at the time of AI, buffalo were randomly categorized (n = 39 in each group) into control (isotonic saline solution, 5 ml), dAI-BA (buserelin acetate, 20 μg) and dAI-hCG (hCG, 3000 IU) group. Out of these, 14 buffalo of each group were subjected to ovarian ultrasonography on the day of oestrus to monitor the preovulatory follicle and on days 5, 12, 16 and 21 post-ovulation to monitor CL diameter. On the day of each sonography, jugular vein blood samples were collected for the estimation of progesterone concentrations. All the buffalo (n = 117) were confirmed for pregnancy on day 40 post-ovulation. The conception rate was better (p < 0.05) in dAI-BA (51.3%) and dAI-hCG (66.7%) groups as compared to their control counterparts (30.8%). Furthermore, the buffalo of dAI-hCG group had improved (p < 0.05) luteal profile, whereas the buffalo of dAI-BA group failed (p > 0.05) to exhibit stimulatory impact of treatment on luteal profile when compared to control group. In brief, buserelin acetate or hCG treatment on the day of first AI leads to an increase in conception rate; however, an appreciable impact on post-ovulation luteal profile was observed only in hCG-treated Murrah buffalo.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Pandey
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Sps Ghuman
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - G S Dhaliwal
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - S K Agarwal
- Central Institute for Research on Goat, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - J B Phogat
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
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28
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Batista E, Vieira L, Sá Filho M, Carvalho P, Rivera H, Cabrera V, Wiltbank M, Baruselli P, Souza A. Short communication: Field fertility in Holstein bulls: Can type of breeding strategy (artificial insemination following estrus versus timed artificial insemination) alter service sire fertility? J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:2010-2015. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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29
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De Rensis F, Garcia-Ispierto I, López-Gatius F. Seasonal heat stress: Clinical implications and hormone treatments for the fertility of dairy cows. Theriogenology 2015; 84:659-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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30
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Valenza A, Giordano JO, Lopes G, Vincenti L, Amundson MC, Fricke PM. Assessment of an accelerometer system for detection of estrus and treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone at the time of insemination in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2012; 95:7115-27. [PMID: 23040033 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-5639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate an accelerometer system (Heatime; SCR Engineers Ltd., Netanya, Israel) to manage reproduction in lactating dairy cows. In experiment 1, lactating Holstein cows (n=112) were fitted with an accelerometer system and were treated with GnRH followed 7d later by PGF(2α) to synchronize estrus. A total of 89 cows that had a follicle >10mm in diameter and a functional corpus luteum at the PGF(2α) injection that regressed by 48 h after induction of luteolysis were included in the analysis. Overall, 71% of cows were detected in estrus by the accelerometer system and 95% of cows showing estrus ovulated within 7d after induction of luteolysis. Of the cows not detected in estrus by the accelerometer system, 35% ovulated within 7d after induction of luteolysis. Duration of estrus activity (mean ± SD) was 16.1±4.7 h and was neither affected by parity nor milk production. Intervals (means ± SD) from induction of luteolysis, onset of activity, peak raw activity, and peak weighted activity to ovulation was 82.2±9.5, 28.7±8.1, 20.4±7.8, and 16.4±7.4 h, respectively, and the interval from AI to ovulation was 7.9±8.7 h, but ranged from -12 to 26 h. In experiment 2, cows were assigned randomly to receive an intramuscular injection of GnRH at artificial insemination (AI) after detection of estrus by the accelerometer system or receive no treatment (control). Nine hundred seventy-nine AI services from 461 cows were analyzed. Treatment with GnRH at AI did not affect fertility at 35 or 65 d after AI, and no interaction was detected between treatment and season or treatment and AI number. Overall, two-thirds of the cows that were considered properly synchronized were inseminated based on the accelerometer system and ovulated after AI. The remaining cows either were not inseminated because they were not detected in estrus or would not have had a chance to conceive to AI because they failed to ovulate after estrus. Furthermore, mean time of AI in relation to ovulation determined by the accelerometer system was acceptable for most of the cows that displayed estrus; however, variability in the duration of estrus and timing of AI in relation to ovulation could lead to poor fertility in some cows. For lactating dairy cows detected in estrus by the accelerometer system, treatment with GnRH at the time of AI without reference to the onset of estrus did not increase fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Valenza
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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31
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Fields SD, Gebhart KL, Perry BL, Gonda MG, Wright CL, Bott RC, Perry GA. Influence of standing estrus before an injection of GnRH during a beef cattle fixed-time AI protocol on LH release, subsequent concentrations of progesterone, and steriodogenic enzyme expression. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2012; 42:11-9. [PMID: 22019093 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Beef cows that exhibit estrus before fixed-time AI have been reported to have increased pregnancy success and increased concentrations of progesterone during the subsequent estrous cycle. Therefore, these experiments were conducted to evaluate if initiation of standing estrus before an injection of GnRH during a fixed-time AI protocol affected LH pulses, subsequent concentrations of progesterone, and luteal steroidogenic enzyme expression. In Experiments 1 and 2, cows were treated with the CO-Synch protocol (100 μg GnRH day -9, 25 mg PGF(2α) day -2, and 100 μg GnRH day 0) and allotted to one of two treatments: 1) cows that initiated estrus before GnRH on day 0 (estrus; n = 5) or 2) cows that did not initiate estrus and were induced to ovulate by the GnRH on day 0 (no estrus; n = 5). In Experiment 1, blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals from 0 to 6 (bleed 1), 12 to 20 (bleed 2), 26 to 34 (bleed 3), and 40 to 48 (bleed 4) h after GnRH. Daily blood samples were collected for 17 d. Initiation of estrus before the GnRH injection had no effect on LH release or the pattern of progesterone increase; however, cows detected in estrus had overall increased (P = 0.002) concentrations of progesterone compared with cows not in estrus. In Experiment 2, estrus was detected with the HeatWatch system. Location and size of the ovulatory follicle was determined on day 0 by transrectal ultrasonography at time of injection with GnRH. Blood samples were collected on days 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9; luteal tissue was collected on day 10 (n = 4 estrus and n = 9 no estrus) from corpus luteum (CL) originating from similar-sized follicles (13.0 to 16.0 mm). Total cellular RNA was extracted, and relative mRNA levels were determined by real-time reverse transcription PCR and corrected for GAPDH. There was no effect of estrus on CL weight or concentrations of progesterone. In addition, there was no effect of estrus, follicle size, or CL weight on luteal expression of LH receptor, StAR, CYP11A1, or 3βHSD. However, there was a correlation between follicle size and CL weight (P = 0.01; R(2) = 0.43); for every increase of 1 mm in follicle size, CL weight increased by 1.5 g. In summary, estrus did not influence release of LH, CL weight, progesterone concentrations, or expression of steriodogenic enzymes. However, as follicle size increased, CL weight increased; therefore, both follicle size and CL weight were associated with progesterone concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Fields
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
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32
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Vicente J, Lavara R, Marco-Jiménez F, Viudes-de-Castro M. Detrimental effect on availability of buserelin acetate administered in seminal doses in rabbits. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1120-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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33
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López-Gatius F. Feeling the ovaries prior to insemination. Clinical implications for improving the fertility of the dairy cow. Theriogenology 2011; 76:177-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Revised: 01/30/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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34
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Friedman E, Voet H, Reznikov D, Dagoni I, Roth Z. Induction of successive follicular waves by gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2α to improve fertility of high-producing cows during the summer and autumn. J Dairy Sci 2011; 94:2393-402. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2010-3939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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35
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Strategies to improve pregnancy per insemination using sex-sorted semen in dairy heifers detected in estrus. Theriogenology 2010; 74:1636-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2010] [Revised: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 06/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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36
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Miron J, Adin G, Solomon R, Nikbachat M, Zenou A, Yosef E, Brosh A, Shabtay A, Asher A, Gacitua H, Kaim M, Yaacobi S, Portnik Y, Mabjeesh S. Effects of feeding cows in early lactation with soy hulls as partial forage replacement on heat production, retained energy and performance. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2009.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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37
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Fields SD, Perry BL, Perry GA. Effects of GnRH treatment on initiation of pulses of LH, LH release, and subsequent concentrations of progesterone. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2009; 37:189-95. [PMID: 19748757 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2009.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 04/30/2009] [Accepted: 04/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone is essential for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. One proposed method to increase progesterone is administering GnRH at insemination. However, this method has resulted in conflicting results. Therefore, 2 experiments were conducted to evaluate how administering GnRH at insemination affected pulses of luteinizing hormone (LH) and subsequent progesterone. In Experiment 1, cows were allotted to 2 treatments: (1) GnRH (100 microg) given approximately 12h after initiation of estrus (n=5); and (2) Control (n=5). Blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 6h at 12 (blood sampling period 1), 26 (blood sampling period 2), 40 (blood sampling period 3), 54 (blood sampling period 4), and 68 (blood sampling period 5) h after onset of estrus. Daily blood samples were collected for 17 d. In Experiment 2, cows were allotted into 2 treatments: GnRH administered 10 to 11h (n=10) or 14 to 15 h (n=10) after onset of estrus. Daily blood samples were collected for 17 d. Cows treated with GnRH tended (P<or=0.075) to have greater LH release during blood sampling period 1, tended (P=0.095) to have fewer pulses during blood sampling period 2, tended (P=0.067) to have greater concentrations of progesterone, and had an earlier (P=0.05) increase in progesterone than control cows. Cows treated with GnRH 10 to 11h after onset of estrus had greater (P=0.01) progesterone and an earlier (P=0.04) increase in progesterone than cows treated 14 to 15 h. In conclusion, timing of GnRH treatment following onset of estrus influenced pulses of LH and subsequent progesterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Fields
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota 57007, USA
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38
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Plasma luteinizing hormone concentrations in cows given repeated treatments or three different doses of gonadotropin releasing hormone. Theriogenology 2009; 71:984-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2008] [Revised: 10/03/2008] [Accepted: 11/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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39
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Perry G, Perry B. GnRH treatment at artificial insemination in beef cattle fails to increase plasma progesterone concentrations or pregnancy rates. Theriogenology 2009; 71:775-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Revised: 09/11/2008] [Accepted: 09/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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40
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Robinson RS, Hammond AJ, Wathes DC, Hunter MG, Mann GE. Corpus luteum-endometrium-embryo interactions in the dairy cow: underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 43 Suppl 2:104-12. [PMID: 18638111 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01149.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Conception rates of dairy cows are currently declining at an estimated 1% every year. Approximately, 35% of embryos fail to prevent luteolysis during the first three weeks of gestation. Interactions between the corpus luteum, endometrium and embryo are critical to the successful establishment of pregnancy and inadequacies will result in the mortality of the embryo. For example, as little as a one day delay in the post-ovulatory rise of progesterone has serious consequences for embryo development and survival. Recently, we found that LH support, degree of vascularization and luteal cell steroidogenic capacity were not the major factors responsible for this luteal inadequacy, but are nevertheless essential for luteal development and function. Progesterone acting on its receptor in the endometrium stimulates the production of endometrial secretions on which the free-living embryo is dependent. However, their exact composition and effects of inadequate progesterone remains to be determined. The embryo is recognized through its secretion of interferon tau (IFNT), which suppresses luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin F(2 alpha). In the cow, it is most likely that IFNT inhibits oxytocin receptor up-regulation directly and does not require the prior inhibition of oestrogen receptor alpha (ESR1). Unravelling the precise luteal-endometrium and embryo interactions is essential for us to understand pregnancy establishment and development of strategies to reverse the declining fertility of dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Robinson
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leics, UK.
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41
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Roth Z. Heat Stress, the Follicle, and Its Enclosed Oocyte: Mechanisms and Potential Strategies to Improve Fertility in Dairy Cows. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 43 Suppl 2:238-44. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01168.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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42
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Karimi A, Shabankareh HK, Moeini MM. The effect of administration of different levels of GnRH on the day 0, 5 and 12 post-insemination on progesterone concentration in dairy heifers. Pak J Biol Sci 2007; 10:3620-3625. [PMID: 19093471 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2007.3620.3625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different levels of GnRH in different days of reproductive cycle on progesterone concentration in dairy heifers. Two hundred heifers were divided into ten experimental treatment: control group with no injection (1) administration of 2.5 mL Gonadorelin (a GnRH analogue) in day of insemination (2) administration of 5 mL GnRH in day of insemination (3) administration of 10 mL GnRH in day of AI insemination (4) administration of 2.5 mL GnRH in day 5 post-insemination (5) administration of 5 mL GnRH in day5 post-insemination (6) administration of 10 mL GnRH in day5 post-insemination (7) administration of 2.5 mL GnRH in day 12 post-insemination (8) administration of 5 mL GnRH in day 12 post-insemination (9) administration of 10 mL GnRH in day 12 post-insemination. Blood samples were collected in days 0, 5, 12 and 19 post insemination (AI = Day 0) for analysis of serum P4 concentration. There was no significant difference among experimental groups on day of insemination. Evaluation of P4 concentration on day 19 illustrated differences in progesterone concentration between groups on day 19 post-insemination. P4 concentration of serum in the day 19 post-insemination significantly increased in groups either by 5 or 10 mL injection of GnRH whether in day 5 or 12 post-insemination versus control group (9.24 +/- 2.2, 8.6 +/- 1.96, 9.43 +/- 2.15 and 9.42 +/- 2.14 versus 5.5 +/- 0.8, respectively; p < 0.05). GnRH administration in the day 5 and 12 post-AI significantly increased progesterone concentration that may decline early embryonic death and improve pregnancy rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Karimi
- Department of Animal Science, University of Razi, Iran
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43
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Schrock GE, Saxton AM, Schrick FN, Edwards JL. Early in vitro fertilization improves development of bovine ova heat stressed during in vitro maturation. J Dairy Sci 2007; 90:4297-303. [PMID: 17699049 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2007-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objectives were to examine the development of embryos derived from control (38.5 degrees C) or heat-stressed ova [41.0 degrees C during the first 12 h of in vitro maturation (hIVM)] when in vitro fertilization (IVF) was performed at 16, 18, 20, 24, or 30 hIVM. Effects of heat stress in compromising ovum development depended on when IVF was performed (in vitro maturation temperature x IVF time interaction). When IVF was performed at 24 or 30 hIVM, fewer heat-stressed ova developed to the blastocyst stage compared with the respective controls. In contrast, when IVF was performed at 16, 18, or 20 hIVM, more heat-stressed ova developed to the blastocyst stage compared with the respective controls. Performing IVF earlier than usual was beneficial, because the ability of heat-stressed ova to develop to the blastocyst stage was improved when IVF was performed at 18 or 20 vs. 24 hIVM. Blastocyst stage and quality were equivalent to non-heat-stressed controls regardless of IVF time. Control ova undergoing IVF at 20, 24, 30, or 32 hIVM and heat-stressed ova undergoing IVF at 16, 18, 20, or 24 hIVM were compared for blastocyst development by multisource regression. Although linear and quadratic slopes were similar, heat stress reduced the peak and shifted the developmental response of ova by 7.3 h. In other words, obtaining optimal blastocyst development from heat-stressed ova would depend on performing IVF at 19.5 hIVM compared with 26.7 hIVM for non-heat-stressed controls. Heat-induced reductions in peak blastocyst development significantly reduced the window of time available to perform IVF and obtain > or = 20% blastocyst development. In summary, results support an effect of heat stress to hasten developmentally important events during oocyte maturation. The inability of earlier IVF to fully restore the development of heat-stressed ova to that of non-heat-stressed controls highlights the importance of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Schrock
- Department of Animal Science, Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville 37996-4574, USA
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Bloch A, Folman Y, Kaim M, Roth Z, Braw-Tal R, Wolfenson D. Endocrine Alterations Associated with Extended Time Interval Between Estrus and Ovulation in High-Yield Dairy Cows. J Dairy Sci 2006; 89:4694-702. [PMID: 17106102 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(06)72520-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Short fertile half-lives of the male and female gametes in the female tract necessitate accurate timing of artificial insemination. We examined the possible association between extension of the estrus to ovulation (E-O) interval and alterations in concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and the preovulatory LH surge before estrus and ovulation. High-yielding Holstein cows (n = 74 from a total of 106) were synchronized and were examined around the time of the subsequent estrus. They were observed continuously for estrual behavior. Blood samples were collected before and after estrus, and ultrasound checks for ovulation were made every 4 h. About three-quarters of the cows exhibited short (but normal) E-O intervals of 22 to 25 h (25%) or normal intervals of 25 to 30 h (47%); 17% of them displayed a long (but normal) E-O interval of 31 to 35 h, and about 10% exhibited a very long E-O interval of 35 to 50 h. Extended E-O interval comprised estrus-to-LH surge and LH surge-to-ovulation intervals that were both longer than normal. Pronounced changes in hormonal concentrations were noted before ovulation in the very long E-O interval group of cows: progesterone and estradiol concentrations were reduced, and the preovulatory LH peak surge was markedly less than in the other 3 groups. Postovulation progesterone concentrations during the midluteal phase were lesser in the very long and the long E-O interval groups compared with those in the short and normal interval groups. Season, parity, milk yield, and body condition did not affect the estrus to LH surge, LH surge to ovulation, and E-O intervals. The results indicate an association between preovulatory-reduced estradiol concentrations and a small preovulatory LH surge, on the one hand, and an extended E-O interval, on the other hand. Delayed ovulation could cause nonoptimal timing of AI, a less than normal preovulatory LH surge that may be associated with suboptimal maturation of the oocyte before ovulation, or reduced progesterone concentrations before and after ovulation. All may be factors associated with poor fertility in cows with a very long E-O interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bloch
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, The Hebrew University, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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Mondal M, Rajkhowa C, Prakash BS. Oestrous Behaviour and Timing of Ovulation in Relation to Onset of Oestrus and LH Peak in Mithun (Bos frontalis) Cows. Reprod Domest Anim 2006; 41:479-84. [PMID: 17107505 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2006.00678.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of the study were to evaluate the oestrus behaviour and to determine the timing of ovulation in relation to onset of oestrus and the pre-ovulatory LH surge in mithun (Bos frontalis). For this purpose, the blood samples collected at 15-min intervals for 9 h period following onset of oestrus and thereafter, at an interval of 2 h till 4 h post-ovulation for three consecutive cycles from 12 mithun cows were assayed for plasma LH and progesterone. Ovulation was confirmed by palpation of ovaries per rectum at hourly intervals. Various signs of behavioural oestrus were also recorded. The common signs of oestrus and their frequency of occurrence in mithuns were following and mounting by male mithuns (100%), standing to be mounted (100%), frequent urination (62.33%), raising of tail (65.23%), swelling of vulva (54.26%) and congestion of vulvar mucous membrane (69.87%). The pre-ovulatory LH surges consisted of several pulses (2.92 +/- 0.26 pulses/animal; range, 1-4). The mean (+/-SEM) peak level of LH for individual mithun varied from 6.99 +/- 0.44 to 12.69 +/- 2.10 ng/ml and the mean pooled LH peak concentration was 9.10 +/- 0.60 ng/ml. The highest peak (highest amplitude of LH during LH surge) was 10.83 +/- 0.76 ng/ml (range, 8.07-16.49 ng/ml). The duration of LH surge was 6.98 +/- 0.22 h (6-8 h). Onset of LH surge was at 1.23 +/- 0.17 h post-oestrus onset (range, 0.25-2.25 h). Mean plasma progesterone stayed low (<0.24 ng/ml) during the entire duration of sampling. Ovulation occurred at 26.92 +/- 0.31 (range, 26-29 h) after the onset of oestrus and 18.63 +/- 0.35 h (range, 17-20.75 h) after the end of LH surge. The occurrence of the highest LH peaks within a narrow time frame of 2- to 5-h post-oestrus onset in mithuns could have contributed to the animals ovulating within a narrow time interval. These results are very promising from a practical standpoint of potential success when AI program in this species is implemented in a big way. Furthermore, the results of the occurrence of LH pulses during pre-ovulatory LH surges, which are required for ovulation in this species of animals, is unique and species specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mondal
- Animal Endocrinology Laboratory, National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR), Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland, India.
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López-Gatius F, Santolaria P, Martino A, Delétang F, De Rensis F. The effects of GnRH treatment at the time of AI and 12 days later on reproductive performance of high producing dairy cows during the warm season in northeastern Spain. Theriogenology 2006; 65:820-30. [PMID: 16112722 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2005] [Revised: 07/03/2005] [Accepted: 07/04/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It was hypothesized that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) treatment at the time of insemination and 12 days later increases conception rates. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of GnRH treatment at the time of insemination or at the time of insemination and 12 days later on reproductive performance during the warm season in high producing dairy cows. The effect of GnRH treatment on the incidence of subsequent twin pregnancies and pregnancy losses was also evaluated. Data were analyzed using logistic regression methods. Of the entire series of 1289 AI, 373 (29%) resulted in pregnancy. Three study groups were established to evaluate the effects of treatment on the conception rate: control (untreated cows, n=431), GnRH-0 (cows receiving GnRH at AI, n=429) or GnRH-0+12 (cows receiving GnRH at AI and at AI+12 days, n=429). Conception rates were 20.6% (89/431), 30.8% (132/429) and 35.4% (152/429) for animals receiving no treatment, GnRH at AI, and GnRH at AI and 12 days later, respectively. Based on the odds ratio, the probability of pregnancy was 0.80 and 0.46 times less likely for cows receiving treatment GnRH-0 and no treatment, respectively, than for cows receiving treatment GnRH-0+12 (reference). Of the 373 pregnant animals, 326 (87.4%) bore singletons and 47 (12.6%) carried twins. The effects of treatment on the dependent variables: twin pregnancy, additional corpus luteum and pregnancy loss were analyzed. Pregnancy loss between 38 and 90 days after insemination was registered in 30 (8%) cows: 17 (5.2%) in single and 13 (27.7%) in twin pregnancies. Fifty-six (15%) cows had an additional corpus luteum. No pregnancy losses were recorded in these cows. Treatment had no effect on the twin pregnancy rate. The treatment GnRH at AI and 12 days later increased the chances of an additional corpus luteum by a factor 3.7 (using the control group as reference). In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that GnRH treatment at the time of insemination and 12 days later increases the conception rate in high producing dairy cows during the warm season. Although lower than double treatment, strong benefits were also registered following a single GnRH treatment at insemination. Under these conditions, treatment fails to affect the twin pregnancy rate yet increases the incidence of an additional corpus luteum in pregnant cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- F López-Gatius
- Department of Animal Production, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
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Edwards JL, Saxton AM, Lawrence JL, Payton RR, Dunlap JR. Exposure to a Physiologically Relevant Elevated Temperature Hastens In Vitro Maturation in Bovine Oocytes. J Dairy Sci 2005; 88:4326-33. [PMID: 16291624 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(05)73119-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate nuclear (progression to metaphase II) and cytoplasmic (translocation of cortical granules to the oolemma) maturation in control (38.5 degrees C) and heat-stressed (41.0 degrees C) oocytes. Hoechst staining indicated that a similar proportion of control and heat-stressed oocytes progressed to meta-phase II. More heat-stressed oocytes had type III cortical granule distribution suggesting that heat stress accelerated cytoplasmic maturation. The kinetics of nuclear maturation was examined in a second experiment in which a higher proportion of heat-stressed oocytes progressed to metaphase I by 8 h and arrested at meta-phase II at 16 and 18 h after placement into maturation medium. However, differences related to maturation temperature were no longer apparent by 21 h. Heat-induced alterations in kinetics of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation prompted a third experiment to evaluate if earlier insemination of heat-stressed oocytes ameliorates heat-induced reductions in development. A significant temperature x insemination time interaction was noted when evaluating blastocyst development. Blastocyst development was reduced when heat-stressed oocytes were inseminated with sperm 24 h after placement into maturation medium compared with controls. In contrast, blastocyst development was similar to controls when heat-stressed oocytes were inseminated at 19 h. Based on this interaction, earlier insemination in vitro prevented heat-induced reductions in oocyte development. Collectively, these studies suggest a cumulative effect of heat stress to hasten in vitro maturation in bovine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station, Knoxville, 37996-4574, USA.
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Abstract
The efficacy of GnRH treatments are reviewed in relation to prevention of embryo mortality, control of follicle development in synchronization programmes using PG as luteolysin, induction of ovulation in post-partum anoestrus and in bovine cystic ovarian disease. It is suggested that in cattle that GnRH is effective in increasing pregnancy rates when given either at the time of insemination (first or repeat) or between days 11 and 14 after insemination. Evidence is also presented for positive effects on pregnancy rates in sheep, mares and sows. Use of GnRH as an integral part of synchronising regimens where it is given 7 days before PG and then again 48-60 h after PG appears to be effective in increasing the synchrony of ovulation in controlled breeding programmes. The main synchronizing effect seems to reside in the second GnRH injection whereas the importance of the first is in prolonging the luteal phase in those cows treated late in the cycle. The published work on the potential use of GnRH to induce ovulation in anovulatory cattle is reviewed. Neither bolus dose injections, pulsatile, continuous infusion, nor controlled release formulations of GnRH, have yet proved effective in inducing fertile ovulations in a predictable or consistent manner. It is suggested that this is due to the variability of follicular status when treatment is initiated. GnRH is commonly used in the treatment of bovine cystic ovarian disease. However, although stimulating ovulation/luteinisation of a new follicle and luteinisation of the cyst, fertility of treated cattle remains very poor and it is suggested that a better understanding of the disease is needed before more effective treatments can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Peters
- Pfizer UK Ltd., Veterinary Medicine Research and Development (IPC 896), Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9NJ, UK
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Roelofs JB, van Eerdenburg FJCM, Soede NM, Kemp B. Various behavioral signs of estrous and their relationship with time of ovulation in dairy cattle. Theriogenology 2005; 63:1366-77. [PMID: 15725444 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2004] [Revised: 06/18/2004] [Accepted: 07/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between various behavioral signs of estrous and time of ovulation and, determine which behavioral estrous sign(s) best predicted time of ovulation. In total, 94 ovulations were observed in 67 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. Different behavioral estrous signs were observed at 3-h intervals and their relation with time of ovulation (ultrasound examinations at 3-h intervals) was investigated. In all estrous periods, sniffing and chin resting was displayed, while mounting was displayed in 90% and standing heat in 58% of estrous periods. Estrus was more intense in primiparous cows compared to multiparous cows and when more animals were in estrus at the same time. Although, these factors influenced intensity of estrous behavioral signs, they did not influence time of ovulation. Ovulation occurred 30.0 +/- 5.1 h after onset of estrus (ranging between 18.5 and 48.5 h) and 18.8 +/- 4.4 h after end of estrus (ranging between 9.5 and 33.5 h). Although informative, these predictors are highly variable between individuals and the method used to determine the onset and end of estrus is time consuming this, therefore limits in their use as a practical predictor of ovulation. Sniffing and chin resting were displayed during the non-estrous period and are therefore, not useful predictors of ovulation time. For animals that displayed standing heat, onset of standing heat was a good predictor for ovulation time (occurring 26.4 +/- 5.2 h before ovulation). However, standing heat was only displayed in a limited number of cows, especially when only one cow was in estrus at a time. Onset of mounting was the best predictor for time of ovulation (occurring 28.7 +/- 5.3 h before ovulation), and it was displayed in 90% of the estrous periods. However, mounting cannot yet be assessed automatically, which limits its practical use as ovulation predictor.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Roelofs
- Adaptation Physiology, Department of Animal Science, Wageningen University P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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López-Gatius F, López-Béjar M, Fenech M, Hunter RHF. Ovulation failure and double ovulation in dairy cattle: risk factors and effects. Theriogenology 2005; 63:1298-307. [PMID: 15725438 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2004] [Revised: 04/25/2004] [Accepted: 06/19/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ovulation failure and double ovulation rates were examined in 1917 inseminations performed in high-yielding dairy cows under standard commercial conditions. The ovulation rate was determined 11 days post-insemination by ultrasound detection of at least one corpus luteum in the ovaries. Analyzing the double ovulation and pregnancy rates, the study population consisted only of ovulated cows (n = 1792). Data were analyzed using logistic regression methods. A failure to ovulate was recorded in 125/1917 (6.5%) services: 82/663 (12.4%) during the warm and 43/1254 (3.4%) during the cool period. Based on the odds ratios, the risk of ovulation failure was 3.9 times higher for inseminations performed during the warm period. No significant effects of estrous synchronization, milk production and days in milk at AI, and service and lactation number on ovulation failure were found. Double ovulation was recorded in 277/1792 (15.5%) services: 146 (52.7%) unilateral double ovulations (42.5% left versus 57.5% right); 115 (41.5%) bilateral double ovulations; and 16 (5.8%) triple ovulations. Double ovulation was recorded in 72 (12.4%) and 205 (16.9%) AI during the warm and the cool period, respectively. The percentages of double ovulation for first, second and third or more lactations were 6.7, 16.6 and 25%, respectively. Double ovulation rates for early (less than 90 days), mid- (90-150 days) and late (more than 150 days) lactation periods were 13, 20.7 and 14.2%, respectively. Reaching estrus during the warm period decreased the likelihood of double ovulation by a factor of 0.86; the risk of double ovulation was lower in cows with higher milk production (a 1 kg increase in milk yield led to a 0.97-fold reduced risk of double ovulation); cows in their second and in their third or more lactations showed a likelihood of double ovulation (using the first lactation as reference) increased by factors of 3.4 and 5.6, respectively; and reaching estrus during the early and late lactation period was related to a decreased probability of double ovulation (using the mid-lactation period as reference) by factors of 0.56 and 0.84, respectively. No significant effects of synchronization and service number on the double ovulation rate were found. Pregnancy was recorded in 914/1792 (51%) services: rates of 53.5% (811/1515) were recorded for single ovulations; 37.2% (103/277) for double ovulations: 28.8% (42/146) for unilateral double ovulations; 45.2% (52/115) for bilateral double ovulations; and 56.3% (9/16) for triple ovulations. The likelihood of pregnancy diminished in cows: inseminated during the warm period (by a factor of 0.5); inseminated by one particular bull (by a factor of 0.33); with higher milk production (a 1 kg increase in milk yield decreased the probability of pregnancy by a factor of 0.98); or undergoing unilateral (by a factor of 0.31) and bilateral (by a factor of 0.64) double ovulation. Logistic regression analysis indicated no significant effects of synchronization, days in milk, lactation number and service number on pregnancy rate. Collectively, our results indicate that cows showing estrus in conditions of heat stress had a high risk of ovulation failure. The effect of milk production on double ovulation was negative, whereas lactation number was positively correlated with this factor; the highest incidence of double ovulation occurring during the mid-lactation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- F López-Gatius
- Department of Animal Production, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
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