145 THE INFLUENCE OF PROPYLENE GLYCOL DRENCHING ON THE SUPEROVULATORY RESPONSE AND EMBRYO QUALITY IN HIGH-YIELDING DAIRY COWS

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 164
Author(s):  
T. Othman ◽  
S. Ismael ◽  
M. Ayoub

Genetic improvement of dairy cows increased markedly over the last decades; this has marked increased milk yield, which has been associated with reduced fertility parameters. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding propylene glycol (PG) on superovulatory responses of 50 dairy cows and on their embryo quality and quantity. Starting at 1 week before the application of superovulatory regimen, each cow received once daily an oral dose of 150 g of PG (PG group) or water (control group). All cows were superovulated with a total dose of 400 mg of FSH administrated twice daily in decreasing doses over 4 consecutive days. Embryos were recovered nonsurgically 7.5 days after the onset of oestrus using a 2-way catheter. Evaluation of embryo quality was done according to the IETS manual based on 1 to 4 grades. Grade 1 embryos were transferred after freezing; grade 2 and 3 embryos were freshly transferred. The results showed that the number of total ova/embryos recovered, grade 1 embryos, and the number of transferable embryos were significantly higher (P = 0.048, 0.015, and 0.014, respectively) in the PG group (10.33 ± 1.9, 7.08 ± 1.7, and 7.92 ± 1.6, respectively) when compared with control group (6.09 ± 0.9, 2.11 ± 0.45, and 3.92 ± 1.25, respectively). Insignificant increase in grade 2 and grade 3 embryos was indicated in the control group (1.37 ± 0.3 and 0.51 ± 0.18, respectively) when compared with PG group (0.75 ± 0.28 and 0.25 ± 0.13, respectively). On the other hand, the results indicated that there was an increase in the number of degenerated embryos and unfertilized ovum in the PG group (2.33 ± 0.85) compared with control group (2.09 ± 0.6). In conclusion, these results suggested that administration of PG has the ability to positively improve the superovulatory response and embryo quality in high-yielding dairy cows.

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
M. A. T. Artunduaga ◽  
S. G. Coelho ◽  
A. M. Borges ◽  
A. M. Q. Lana ◽  
H. M. Saturnino

Solving reproductive problems of postpartum dairy cows has become one of the main targets of the scientific community even though the advances in this field are partial in most of the conducted research. There is a need to approach the problem with a multidisciplinary strategy that simultaneously includes nutritional and reproductive issues. Increasing the availability of glucogenic and lipogenic nutrients during the transition period has been hypothesised to improve energy balance and to decrease the incidence and severity of metabolic and reproductive disorders in early lactation. Based on the considerations mentioned above, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of a glucogenic or a lipogenic diet on blood metabolites and follicular dynamics in primiparous dairy cows during the transition period. Forty primiparous dairy cows received a lipogenic or glucogenic supplement during the transition period and were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments [control; calcium salts of soybean fatty acids (CaS), Megalac-E; toasted soybean; and propylene glycol]. Diets were isocaloric and isoproteic. Blood samples were taken from each animal 10 and 5 days before the expected calving date and at days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 postpartum. Ultrasound scanning was performed in all cows on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday up to day 45 postpartum. Follicles registered during ultrasound examination were classified in 4 categories: class I (3–5 mm), class II (6–9 mm), class III (10–15 mm), and class IV (>15 mm). Data analysis was performed using PROC GLM (SAS, 6.12, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA, 1995). Metabolites and ovarian activity were analysed using a split-plot design. Pairwise comparisons of individual means were carried out using the Scott Knott and Duncan test. Values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Insulin and glucose concentrations were higher in the CaS group when compared with other treatments (P < 0.05). The lowest insulin and glucose concentrations were observed on cows supplemented with propylene glycol. Nonesterified fatty acid concentrations (NEFA) were lower for all treatments compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The most efficient follicular growth pattern during the postpartum period was observed in the CaS group, which was characterised by a reduction in the number of class I and II follicles and an increase in class III and IV throughout the trial. In general, smaller follicles go through recruitment and selection processes to bigger follicles and these follicles probably remain stable due to the fact that this particular follicular class represents a transitory phase in which there are always follicles going under the processes of selection and dominance. Overall, results suggest that calcium salts of soybean fatty acids reduced the dramatic metabolic and endocrine changes of primiparous dairy cows during transition period, which could be associated with better reproductive performance. This work was supported by the FAPEMIG (Grant CVZ 600/06).


2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 170
Author(s):  
Z. Hegedüsová ◽  
R. Holásek ◽  
M. Slezáková ◽  
A. Dufek ◽  
J. Kubica

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of environmental temperature at the time of embryo collection and transfer on embryo quality and conception rates after transfer of fresh and frozen embryos. Purebred dairy (Holstein, Czech spotted cattle, n = 174) and beef (Charolais, Blonde d’Aquitaine, Piedmontese, Hereford, Limousin and Simmental; n = 72) donors were collected during 2005 to 2007. Donor cows received one application of PGF2α and superstimulation was initiated 9 to 11 days following estrus with pFSH (Folltropin-V; Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, ON, Canada) given twice daily for 4 days. Prostaglandin2α was given on Day 3 of the superstimulation treatment. Donors were inseminated 3 times, with 1 unit of semen on Days 5 and 6 of treatment. Embryo recovery was carried out on Day 7 after insemination. The recipients were synchronized with PGF2α and embryos were transferred on Day 7 after estrus. The effect of temperature at the time of 246 embryo recoveries and 1338 transfers (fresh and frozen embryos) was analyzed using the GLM, assuming quasi-poisson and quasi-binomial error distribution by R software (www.r-project.org). We evaluated the total number of ova/embryos collected, embryo quality, and conception rates after transfer at the environmental temperatures shown below. Temperatures were divided into the following ranges: A) from –5 to 5°C; B) from 6 to 15°C; C) from 16 to 20°C; and D) over 20°C. The average temperature values were obtained from the Czech hydrometeorological institute and corresponded to the following seasons: winter (range A and B); spring (range B and C); summer (range C and D); fall (range C and B). Dairy cows were managed intensively in barns whereas beef cows were managed in barns during the winter and on pasture from April until October. In beef donors the mean number of total ova/embryos collected and transferable embryos were 9.1 ± 7.9 and 4.2 ± 4.5, respectively and no significant effect of temperature was detected (P > 0.05). In dairy donors the mean number of total ova/embryos collected and transferable embryos were 7.9 ± 6.0 and 4.9 ± 4.5, respectively and no significant effect of temperature was detected (P = 0.27). Conception rate was greatest (P < 0.001) in temperature range D (63.64%) compared with the other temperature ranges (A = 27.66%; B = 43.65%; C = 43.21%;) in beef cows and in the range C (65.31%) than in the other temperature ranges (A = 34.7%; B = 52.67%; D = 56.25%) in dairy cows. It was concluded that temperature at the time of embryo collection did not affect embryo production and quality. However, environmental temperature did have a significant effect on conception rates in both beef and dairy recipients. Nutritional status may also have contributed to the increased conception in beef cattle during warmer temperatures. However, the optimal period for conception in dairy cows was in temperature range from 16 to 20°C, because of the potential adverse effect of heat stress in high-yielding cows. Supported by MEYS CR MSM 2678846201, LA 330; NAZV 1B44034.


1980 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 409 ◽  
Author(s):  
PJ Schmidt ◽  
NTM Yeates ◽  
DM Murray

Two groups of steers, accustomed to drinking either once daily in the afternoon every other day or twice daily, were subjected to enforced exercise in a warm environment for four consecutive days. Animals in the restricted watering group were exercised both 42 h (days 1 and 3) and 18 h (days 2 and 4) after having access to water. Control animals watered twice daily commenced exercise 2 h after watering on all four days. On days 1 and 3, the restricted group exhibited higher rectal temperatures and lower respiratory rates with exercise than the control group. On days 2 and 4, restricted animals displayed both lower rectal temperatures and respiratory rates than control animals. Measurements of sweating rate and feed intake are reported. These data suggest that neither evaporative heat loss from the skin nor body heat production was implicated in the lower rectal temperature response of restricted animals on days 2 and 4. It is suggested that the lower rectal temperatures of restricted animals during exercise on days 2 and 4 may be related to their greater water intakes at the afternoon watering on days 1 and 3.


2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atilla Yildiz ◽  
Zeki Erisir

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of a daily oral drench of Propylene Glycol (PG) on fertility in dairy cows experiencing seasonal heat stress. In treatment group, cows (n=9) were treated with drenching 250 ml propylene glycol once daily from 3 to 15 days post-partum following the morning milking. Another group of cows (n=9) was selected as untreated control. The serum beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations were used as indicators of energy status of the cows. Days to onset of luteal activity, calving to first service interval and pregnancy rate to first service were used to evaluate the reproductive performance. There was no difference in onset of luteal activity postpartum between the treatment and control groups. But the cows in the treatment group tended to have shorter intervals from calving to first insemination compared with cows in control group. The pregnancy rate to first service for cows treated with PG was 2.50 times greater compared with cows in control group. The energy balance was less negative for treatment group compared with control cows. In conclusion, although, drenching with 250 mL of PG per day from 3 to 15 days after calving did not improve the onset of luteal activity postpartum, treated cows tended to have shorter intervals from calving until first service. Propylene glycol administration would improve the negative energy balance status as observed by serum BHBA concentration, which might be an advantage to increase pregnancy rate at first AI in dairy cows experiencing seasonal heat stress.


1972 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 544-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. N. Philpot

A commercial herd of approximately 550 lactating dairy cows was divided into two groups: one was designated as the Control Group and was milked in a routine fashion with conventional milking machines; the other was designated as the QTO Group and was milked with machines equipped with automatic quarter-take-off devices. Certain tests and observations were made on each animal in both groups at approximately 5-week intervals for 22 weeks. The QTO Group of animals was, by chance selection, at a slight disadvantage in terms of health of the udders at the outset of the study. The disadvantage was overcome quickly and, during the balance of the study, the QTO-milked animals maintained an advantage over the control animals. The advantages in favor of the animals milked with the QTO devices included fewer quarters infected with mastitis pathogens, reduced intramammary irritation as evidenced by lower scores for the California Mastitis Test, and fewer teats showing erosions or other abnormalities of the orifice. The differences were significant (P &lt;0.01). Operators of the machines equipped with QTO devices walked 26.6% less during a routine milking than the operators of the conventional milking machines. The difference was significant (P &lt;0.05).


2014 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silviu Ionuţ Borş ◽  
Gheorghe Solcan ◽  
Alina Vlad-Sabie

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of propylene glycol on metabolic variables of hepatic function, body condition score, milk fat-protein concentration and reproductive performance of dairy cows after ending administration. Postparturient dairy cows (n = 200) of Holstein Friesian breed were divided into two groups of 100 individuals. The experimental group received during days 0-7 post partum an oral daily dose of 600 ml of propylene glycol; the control group was without any supplement. The hepatic enzymes, glucose, cholesterol and serum albumin were measured on days 10-15, 45-50 and 70 post partum. Reproduction indicators of dairy cows were calculated from the farm recording data and the milk data record from a regular dairy control (days 10, 20, 30, and 50 post partum). Animals that received propylene glycol in the first 7 days post partum had reduced activities of aspartate transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase, elevated cholesterol concentration (P < 0.05) and low milk fat percentage (P < 0.05) compared to control animals. Direct influence of propylene glycol drenching on the calving to first oestrus interval was observed, the smallest values being detected for the cows in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that some blood indicators of hepatic function, milk fat concentration and calving to first oestrus interval can be improved for 70 days post partum by the use of propylene glycol drenching in the first 7 days post partum. The beneficial effect of this treatment could be evaluated by easily available data, which can be used by practitioners in the field to analyze fertility problems in dairy herds and more exactly to examine whether metabolic stress, among other factors, is involved in the fertility problem.


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Gamarra ◽  
C. Ponsart ◽  
S. Lacaze ◽  
B. Le Guienne ◽  
P. Humblot ◽  
...  

Rapid genetic improvement in cattle requires the production of high numbers of embryos of excellent quality. Increasing circulating insulin and/or glucose concentrations improves ovarian follicular growth, which may improve the response to superovulation. The measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) can help predict an animal’s response to superovulation treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether increasing circulating insulin concentrations, through propylene glycol (PG) drenches, could improve in vitro embryo production in oestrus-synchronised superovulated heifers with different AMH profiles. Holstein heifers were grouped according to pre-experimental AMH concentrations as low (L) or high (H). The PG drench increased circulating insulin and glucose concentrations and reduced β-hydroxybutyrate and urea concentrations compared with the control group. AMH was a good predictor of follicle and oocyte numbers at ovum pick-up (OPU), and of oocyte and embryo quality (AMH H > AMH L). PG in the AMH H group increased the number of follicles and blastocyst quality above that in the control group, but did not improve these parameters in the AMH L group. These results indicate that short-term oral PG supplementation modifies an animal’s metabolic milieu and is effective in improving in vitro embryo production, after superovulation–OPU, more markedly in heifers with high rather than low AMH concentrations.


Reproduction ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (5) ◽  
pp. 813-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronaldo L A Cerri ◽  
Heloísa M Rutigliano ◽  
Ricardo C Chebel ◽  
José E P Santos

Length of dominance of the ovulatory follicle and exposure to oestradiol (OE2) during proestrus can affect fertility. Lactating cows had their oestrous cycle pre-synchronized and were subjected to one of the four synchronization treatments. Cows in the oestrus detection (OD) treatment received GnRH on day 6 of the oestrous cycle, PGF2α7 days later, and were inseminated at detected oestrus. The remaining cows were subjected to the Ovsynch (OVS) protocol (day 0 GnRH, day 7 PGF2α, day 9 GnRH, and timed artificial insemination (AI) 12 h later) starting on day 3 (OVS3) or day 6 (OVS6 and OVS6E) of the oestrous cycle. Cows in the OVS6E treatment received an injection of 0.5 mg oestradiol cypionate 36 h before AI. Ovaries were examined by ultrasonography and blood was sampled for progesterone and OE2concentrations. Uteri were flushed 6 days after AI and recovered embryos–oocytes evaluated. Diameter of the ovulatory follicle at AI differed (P<0.01) among treatments, and it was the largest for OVS3 cows, which also had extended (P<0.01) length of follicular dominance. During proestrus, OD and OVS6E cows had increased (P<0.01) OE2concentrations. Fertilization was not altered by treatments, and maximum fertilization was achieved when the number of accessory spermatozoa was >7. Proportions of viable embryos in relation to embryos and embryos–oocytes recovered were smaller for OVS3 cows (P<0.01) than the other treatments, and embryos from OVS3 cows also had fewer (P<0.01) blastomeres and tended (P=0.09) to have a lower proportion of live blastomeres. Extending the period of follicle dominance did not alter fertilization but reduced (P<0.001) embryo quality. Embryo quality was compromised even when the dominance of the ovulatory follicle was extended by only 1.5 days.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (02) ◽  
pp. 28-35
Author(s):  
Hai T. Nguyen

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of propylene glycol (PG) on prevention and treatment of ketosis in dairy cows from 09/2018 to 03/2019. The study consisted of 2 experiments using a total of 126 multiparous dairy cows in a HF crossbred herd. Cows in both experiments were randomly assigned to treatments in a randomized complete block design. In Exp. 1, 96 cows without ketosis disease (BHBA < 1.4 mmol/L) were assigned to 2 groups (48 cows/group), including (1) untreated control group (no PG) and (2) treatment group (oral PG for 3 consecutive days after parturition). In Exp. 2, 30 ketotic cows (BHBA ≥ 1.4 mmol/L) were divided into 3 groups (10 cows/group), including (1) cows provided with glucose + vitamin B12 + dexamethasone (TT1), (2) cows treated with PG for 3 days (TT2), and (3) combination of TT1 and TT2 (TT3). The results of the Exp. 1 showed that the proportion of ketotic cows was lower (P < 0.01) in the PG-treated group (18.75%) than in the control group (47.92%). The PG treatment also reduced (P < 0.01) the blood ketone concentration of cows as compared with the control without PG use (0.89 vs. 1.22 mmol/L). In the Exp. 2, after treatment the reduction of blood ketone concentration was much greater (P < 0.01) in TT3 cows (1.97 mmol/L) than in TT2 cows (1.30 mmol/L) and TT1 cows (1.23 mmol/L). The percentage of cows recovered from ketosis was greatest in TT3 (90%), followed by TT2 (60%), and then TT1 (50%) (P > 0.05).


2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (8) ◽  
pp. 483-487
Author(s):  
Mustafa Salman ◽  
Gülay Çiftçi ◽  
Alper Çiftçi

The aim of this study was to determine the serum oxidative status, antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stress index, as well as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine profiles, of dairy cows fed rumen-protected choline during the transition period. A total of thirty dairy cows allotted to one control and two experimental groups (10 animals per group) were fattened from 3 weeks prior to the expected calving date until 3 weeks postpartum. The control group was fed a basal diet, and treatment groups 1 and 2, were fed a basal diet containing 60 g/head/day and 120 g/head/day or rumen-protected choline, respectively. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) levels for the control group and treatment groups 1 and 2 at the time of parturition were 0.56±0.029ab, 0.45±0.028b, and 0.59±0.036a, respectively. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Rumen-protected choline supplementation did not have a significant effect on TAS levels in the third week before parturition and in the first and third weeks of lactation. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) between the groups in terms of total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) or creatinine levels. Serum ALT levels were significantly different (P<0.05) between the groups at parturition and in the first week of lactation, but not significant (P>0.05) for the other periods. In addition, the serum AST level was significantly different (P<0.05) between the groups in the first and third weeks of lactation, but not significantly different (P>0.05) for the other periods. After removing the effect of groups, time-dependent changes were significant (P<0.001) for all parameters. The highest values for TAS, TOS and OSI were obtained in the third week before parturition. The values for these parameters decreased during parturition and after the postnatal period. The lowest values for serum ALT and creatinine occurred at parturition. Rumen-protected choline supplementation did not have a significant effect on serum TAS and TOS levels during the transition period. There is a need for further studies of animals with known metabolic profiles, malnourished animals, and those with high milk yields or metabolic disorders.


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