233 ANTI-MÜLLERIAN HORMONE AS A PREDICTIVE ENDOCRINE MARKER FOR SUPEROVULATORY RESPONSE AND EMBRYO PRODUCTION IN BEEF CATTLE

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 248
Author(s):  
K. Center ◽  
D. Dixon ◽  
R. Rorie
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Blood Sample ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Donor Cows

A study investigated the use of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and/or follicle counts as a predictor of subsequent superovulatory response and embryo production in 79 beef cows. Before initiation of superovulation, ultrasonography was used to scan the ovaries of each donor cow to record the number of 3 to 5 mm follicles present, and a blood sample was collected for measure of serum AMH. At the time of embryo collection, the ovaries of donor cows were palpated to estimate the number of corpora lutea (CL) present on each ovary. Recovered embryos were evaluated for stage of development and morphological quality. Across cows, serum AMH ranged from 0.013 to 0.898 ng mL–1, with a mean of 0.293 ng mL–1. The distribution of AMH concentrations was divided into quartiles (AMH Q1 through Q4, with Q1 the lowest and Q4 the highest, ng mL–1) for analysis (ANOVA). Number of donors/collections in AMH Q1 through Q4 was 26, 22, 24, and 24, respectively. Donor cows in AMH Q4 had a greater (P < 0.001) number of 3- to 5-mm follicles at the start of superovulation than did donors in either Q1 or Q2. At embryo collection, cows in AMH Q3 and 4 had more (P < 0.001) palpable CL than cows in AMH Q1. The mean number of embryos recovered from donor cows in AMH Q4 (20.1 ± 1.8) was greater (P < 0.001) than those recovered from cows in either AMH Q1 (9.8 ± 1.8) or 2 (9.4 ± 1.9), but similar to that of AMH Q3 (15.5 ± 1.8). Percentages of recovered embryos classified as transferrable, degenerate, or unfertilized were similar (P ≥ 0.275) across AMH quartiles. Analysis indicated that AMH was positively correlated (P < 0.001) with mean follicles (r = 0.458), CL (r = 0.452), and embryos recovered (r = 0.430). To determine if follicle counts at the start of superovulation are predictive of superovulatory response, the distribution of follicle counts was divided into quartiles (F Q1 through Q4, with Q1 the lowest and Q4 the highest) for analysis. Donor cows with higher follicle counts (F Q3 and 4) at the start of superovulation had more (P < 0.001) palpable CL at embryo collection than donor cows in F Q1 or 2. More (P < 0.001) embryos (20.0 ± 2.2 v. 9.6 ± 1.8 and 11.6 ± 1.6) were recovered from cows with the highest follicle counts (F Q4) compared with cows having lower (F Q1 and 2) follicle counts, respectively. The percentage of transferable embryos and unfertilized ova were similar (P ≥ 0.688) across follicle count quartiles. As was noted for AMH, mean number of follicles at the start of superovulation was positively correlated (P < 0.001) with mean CL (r = 0.556) and mean embryos (r = 0.423) but not percentages of viable or degenerate embryos or unfertilized oocytes (P ≥ 0.153). Results confirm that relative AMH concentration was positively correlated with number of small antral follicles in the ovaries of cows and might be used to either predict superovulatory response or possibly adjust superovulatory regimen to improve superovulatory response. Further study is needed to determine the effectiveness of using either AMH concentration or follicle counts to adjust superovulatory regimens.

315 RETURN TO ESTRUS AND OVULATION FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF PROSTAGLANDIN IN SUPEROVULATED BEEF COWS

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 304 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Garzon ◽  
M. Ramos ◽  
A. Tribulo ◽  
G. A. Bó
Keyword(s):  
Single Injection ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Dominant Follicle ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Luteal Regression ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Donor Cows

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of administering 1 or 2 doses of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) at the time of ova/embryo collection on luteal regression and return to oestrus and ovulation in donor cows. In Experiment 1, 14 Angus cows were blocked at the time of embryo collection by the number of corpora lutea (CL) determined by rectal palpation [6 to 10 CL (n = 6), 11 to 15 CL (n = 4), >15 CL (n = 4)] and were randomly assigned to 2 groups to receive a single injection of 500 µg of sodium cloprostenol (PGF, Ciclase, Syntex S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina) on the day of embryo collection (Day 0) or a single injection of PGF on Day 0 and a second injection of PGF 24 h later. All cows were bled daily to determine progesterone concentrations by RIA and ultrasonically scanned daily (Falco 100, Pie Medical, Maastricht, the Netherlands) for 19 days after embryo collection, to determine ovulation of a newly recruited dominant follicle. In Experiment 2, 47 superovulated Angus cows were blocked by CL numbers [1 to 4 CL (n = 5), 5 to 10 (n = 11), 11 to 15 (n = 13), >15 CL (n = 18)] and treated as in Experiment 1. In this experiment, cows were bled and scanned on Days 0 (i.e. embryo collection), 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 19. The interval from embryo collection to luteal regression (i.e. plasma progesterone <1 ng mL–1) and to ovulation was analysed using ANOVA. Proportions were compared by Chi-square test. In Experiment 1, the mean (± SEM) number of CL in donor cows was 11.9 ± 2.0, and the effect of CL numbers on luteal regression, oestrus, and ovulation was not significant (P > 0.5). The interval from treatment to luteal regression was not affected by PGF treatment (1 PGF: 2.0 ± 1.2 days; 2 PGF: 2.4 ± 1.0 days). Furthermore, 6/7 animals (85.7%) were observed in oestrus in both groups, and 6/7 (85.7%) and 4/7 (57.1%) ovulated within 19 days in the 1 PGF and 2 PGF groups, respectively (P > 0.2). The interval to oestrus and ovulation did not differ among groups (7.0 ± 0.7 days and 8.5 ± 0.6 days v. 9.7 ± 0.5 days and 10.0 ± 0.7 days, for 1 PGF and 2 PGF, respectively; P > 0.1). In Experiment 2, the mean number of CL in donor cows did not differ from that in Experiment 1 (13.9 ± 1.1; P > 0.37), and the effect of CL numbers on luteal regression and ovulation was not significant (P > 0.7). Although luteal regression occurred earlier (P = 0.03) in the 2 PGF group (4.1 ± 0.6 days) compared with the 1 PGF group (5.3 ± 2.2 days), no differences were detected between PGF groups in any of the other parameters. The proportion of cows in oestrus and the interval to oestrus was 19/24 (79.2%) and 7.2 ± 0.4 days v. 18/23 (78.3%) and 7.2 ± 0.3 days for cows in the 1 PGF and 2 PGF groups, respectively (P > 0.7). Finally, the proportion of cows ovulating within 19 days after collection and the interval to ovulation were 20/24 (83.3%) and 10.3 ± 0.4 days v. 21/23 (91.3%) and 10.1 ± 0.4 days for cows in the 1 PGF and 2 PGF groups, respectively (P > 0.4). In summary, treatment with PGF at the time on embryo collection results in luteal regression in 4 to 5 days and ovulation of a new dominant follicle in 80 to 90% of the donors within 19 days. The addition of a second PGF treatment did not shorten the interval to oestrus and ovulation.

scholarly journals An index framework founded on the future profit potential of female beef cattle to aid the identification of candidates for culling

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fíona L Dunne ◽  
Donagh P Berry ◽  
Margaret M Kelleher ◽  
Ross D Evans ◽  
Siobhan W Walsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Population Distribution ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Transition Matrices ◽  
Individual Female ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Carcass Performance ◽  
Expected Longevity ◽  
Profit Potential

Abstract Meticulous culling decisions, coupled with careful breeding decisions, are fundamental to shifting a population distribution in the favorable direction and improving profit per cow. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of easy-to-use dynamic tools to aid in culling decisions in beef cattle. The motivation for the present study was to develop a monetary-based culling tool, here referred to as the Beef Female’s Profit Potential (BFPP), to identify females for culling. The BFPP reflects the expected lifetime profitability of an individual female in a herd for the expected remainder of her lifetime; this profit included that of the beef female herself as well as her progeny. The BFPP index framework was composed of 4 subindexes reflecting the value of an animal: (1) as a nulliparae (this was voided if the cow had already calved), (2) for the remainder of her current parity, (3) summed across each of her expected remaining parities, and (4) when she is retained within the herd and not voluntarily culled. Each subindex was comprised of different components reflecting both genetic and non-genetic effects associated with each female. Transition matrices predicting the expected longevity of each female and their expected month of calving were also utilized in calculating the expected remaining lifetime profitability of each female. The BFPP index was validated on 21,102 beef cows as well as their harvested progeny from 875 herds by stratifying the cows, within herd, into 4 strata based on their BFPP. The mean of the within-herd correlation between the BFPP and the Irish national replacement (i.e., breeding) index was, on average, 0.45 indicating the shortcomings of the breeding index as a culling tool. Cows within the top BFPP stratum had a genetic expectation of accruing almost an additional €36 profit per calving, relative to cows within the worst stratum; when validated on the cow’s own calving interval and survival performance as well as their progeny’s carcass performance, the actual phenotypic value was estimated to be an additional €32 profit per calving. A proportion of this additional profit was due to the harvested progeny of the high BFPP cows having, on average, heavier, more conformed carcasses with less fat cover relative to their poor BFPP contemporaries. This BFPP framework is a useful and easy-to-use tool to aid in producer decision making on the choice of females to voluntarily cull but also on which replacement heifers to graduate into the mature herd.

179 COMPARISON OF OOCYTE AND EMBRYO PRODUCTION AMONG BOS TAURUS, BOS INDICUS, AND INDICUS-TAURUS DONOR COWS

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 248 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. F. Pontes ◽  
K. C. F. Silva ◽  
A. C. Basso ◽  
C. R. Ferreira ◽  
G. M. G. Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Efficiency ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Total N ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Donor Cows

In recent years, Brazil has become the leading country in the world for the number of embryos produced in vitro (Thibier M 2009 IETS Embryo Transfer Newsletter 22, 12-19). This is partly due to the large numbers of Bos indicus animals in Brazil, making up about 80% of the total cattle. The mean oocyte production per ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration from Bos indicus is higher than those for European breeds (Pontes JHF et al. 2009 Theriogenology 71, 690-697). In the present study, we analyzed 5407 ovum pick ups (OPU) and compared the average production of total (n = 90,086) and viable (n = 64,826) oocytes and the number of embryos produced in vitro from Gir (Bos taurus indicus), Holstein (Bos taurus taurus), 1/4 Holstein × 3/4 Gir, and 1/2 Holstein-Gir crossbreed cows. To obtain oocytes, OPU was repeated from 4 to 7 times (mean = 5.7 ± 2.4) in each donor cow aged from 3 to 7 years (mean = 5.0 ± 2.3) during a 12-mo period. COCs (n = 90,086) obtained were classified according to the presence of cumulus cells and the oocyte cytoplasm aspect (homogeneous or heterogeneous/fragmented). The viable oocytes (n = 64,826) were in vitro matured for 24 h at 38.8°C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. Since this was a commercial programm, frozen sexed semen (2 × 106 mL-1) from Gir (n = 8) or Holstein (n = 7) sires previously tested for high efficiency was used for IVF. Fertilization was carried out (18-20 h) and the presumed embryos were cultured for 7 days in the same conditions as were used for IVM. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. On average, 16.7 ± 6.2 oocytes were obtained per OPU/IVF procedure and 71.96% were considered viable. The mean numbers of total oocytes per OPU/IVF procedure were 17.1 ± 4.4 for Gir cows (n = 617), 11.4 ± 3.9 for Holstein cows (n = 180), 20.4 ± 5.8 for 1/4 Holstein × 3/4 Gir (n = 44), and 31.4 ± 5.6 for 1/2 Holstein-Gir crossbreed females (n = 37, P < 0.01). The mean numbers of viable oocytes per OPU/IVF procedure were 12.1 ± 3.8 for Gir cows, 8.0 ± 2.6 for Holstein cows, 16.8, ± 5.0 for 1/4 Holstein × 3/4 Gir, and 24.3 ± 4.7 for 1/2 Holstein-Gir crossbreed females (P < 0.01). The average number of embryos produced by OPU/IVF were 3.2 (n = 12,243/3378) for Gir cows, 2.2 (n = 2426/1138) for Holstein cows, 3.9 (n = 1033/267) for 1/4 Holstein × 3/4 Gir, and 5.5 (n = 1222/224) for 1/2 Holstein-Gir. The average number of embryos produced per IVF session from 1/2 taurus × indicus donor cows was greater (P < 0.01) than from Bos indicus cows. The number of recoverable and viable oocytes and the number of embryos produced in vitro from Bos indicus donors were higher than from Bos taurus females. Therefore, the highest oocyte yield and the greatest embryo production were obtained from 1/2 taurus × indicus females. This work was supported by In Vitro Brasil.

240 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEAK NUMBER OF ANTRAL FOLLICLES AND FOLLICULAR WAVES, HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS, SUPEROVULATORY RESPONSE, AND EMBRYO QUALITY IN BEEF HEIFERS

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 228 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Ward ◽  
P. Lonergan ◽  
F. Jimenez-Krassel ◽  
J. J. Ireland ◽  
A. C. O. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
High Group ◽  
Estrous Cycles ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Peak Number ◽  
Follicular Waves ◽  
The Mean

Recent studies in dairy cattle demonstrate that the number of antral follicles during follicular waves is highly variable among animals, but highly repeatable within individuals, and the numbers of follicles during waves are inversely associated with serum FSH concentrations (Burns et al. 2005 Biol. Reprod. 73, 54-62). The aims of this study were to determine (1) serum FSH and estradiol concentrations during follicular waves in beef heifers categorized according to peak number of antral follicles per wave, and (2) the relationship between this categorization and superovulatory response. Estrous cycles of crossbred beef heifers (n = 90) were synchronized with two i.m. injections of PGF2� 11 days apart; animals were scanned daily for 5 days beginning 24 h after the second PG injection to determine the number of follicles during the first follicle wave in two or three consecutive estrous cycles. Heifers were grouped based on the peak number of follicles e 3 mm per wave in diameter (Low: d 15 follicles, n = 12; High: e 25 follicles, n = 11). Intermediate animals were excluded. Heifers were then re-synchronized and blood samples taken every 8 h up to Day 7 to characterize FSH and estradiol profiles. Subsequently, animals were superovulated (pFSH, Folltropin�; Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada), inseminated, and flushed on Day 7; this procedure was repeated twice. All values for hormone concentrations were aligned relative to the peak FSH value. A mixed model, repeated-measures approach was used to determine if serum FSH and estradiol concentrations were different between groups. Differences in recovery rate (number of oocytes/embryos recovered compared to number of corpora lutea) and proportion of transferable embryos were analyzed using Chi-square analysis. The mean (�SE) peak postovulatory FSH concentration was lower (P d 0.03) for animals with high numbers of follicles. No differences in estradiol concentrations were observed. The mean superovulatory response (number of corpora lutea) was higher (P d 0.05) in the High group than in the low group (17.6 � 3.6 vs. 8.5 � 1.1). While there was no difference in the recovery rate of embryos (62 vs. 60%), significantly more (P d 0.05) oocytes/embryos (10.6 � 2.7 vs. 4.7 � 0.7) and transferable embryos (5.4 � 1.3 vs. 3.8 � 0.8) were recovered per animal in the High group. Of the embryos recovered, the proportion of transferable quality was higher for animals in the Low group (80 vs. 51%; P d 0.05). In conclusion, the number of antral follicles during a follicular wave in beef heifers is inversely related to peak postovulatory FSH concentration, but is unrelated to estradiol concentration. In addition, while the superovulatory response and number of transferable embryos were greater in animals with a high number of antral follicles, embryo quality, measured as the proportion of transferable embryos per donor, was reduced. We conclude that cattle with relatively high numbers of follicles per wave respond best to standard superovulation protocols. However, the reason the proportion of high quality embryos is reduced in cattle with high vs. low numbers of follicles per wave is unknown.

scholarly journals GnRH or estradiol benzoate combination with CIDR improves in-vivo embryo production in bovines (Bos indicus and Bos taurus) under subtropics

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12077
Author(s):  
Khalid Mahmood ◽  
Muhammad Zahid Tahir ◽  
Mahboob Ahmad Butt ◽  
Shazia Mansoor Qureshi ◽  
Amjad Riaz
Keyword(s):  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Varied Response ◽  
Donor Cows

Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) technology is a potential technique to upgrade livestock species’ genetics. The varied response to super-stimulatory treatments remains one of the limiting factors to this technology’s widespread use. The present study was aimed to improve the superovulation response and in-vivo embryo production by using controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-GnRH or CIDR-EB (Estradiol Benzoate) along with conventional superovulation protocol in Holstein Frisian (HF): Bos taurus; n = 42) and Crossbred (XB: Cholistani (Bos indicus) × HF; n = 28) cows. In the CIDR-GnRH/CIDR-EB treatment, CIDR was implanted in the cows after confirming the presence of a corpus luteum (CL) on the 8th day after estrus. 2 ml GnRH (Lecirelin acetate 0.0262 mg/ml) or 2 mg EB was also administered in CIDR-GnRH/CIDR-EB groups, respectively. Both groups were given super-stimulatory treatment from the 11th day after estrus (FSH in tapering doses twice a day for four consecutive days). On day 13, two doses of 2 ml prostaglandin (75 µg/ml of dextrorotatory cloprostenol) were administered (am: pm), and CIDR was removed the following day. Two artificial inseminations (AI) of the cows were performed (12 h apart) on the 15th day. No CIDR and GnRH/E.B were given in the control group, but the remaining superovulation protocol was the same. Later on, seven days after the first AI, non-surgical embryo flushing was done. The transferable embryos produced from three different superovulation protocols were then transferred into the recipient cows (n = 90) for determining their fertility. Statistical analysis revealed that the number of super-estrus follicles (SEF), multiple corpora lutea (MCL), ovulation/fertilization percentage, fertilized structures recovered (FSR), and transferable embryos (TEs) remained significantly higher (p < 0.05), and days taken for return to estrus (RTE) after embryo collection remained significantly lower (p < 0.05) in CIDR-GnRH (n = 18) and CIDR-EB (n = 15) groups as compared to the control (n = 37). The comparison between XB and HF cows revealed that the TEs production in CIDR-GnRH (XB = 5 vs HF = 13) and CIDR-EB (XB = 6 vs HF = 9) based superovulation protocols were 11.60  ±  4.08 vs 04.31  ±  0.98 and 09.33  ±  1.78 vs 05.22  ±  1.36, respectively. TEs production in XB cows (n = 5) of the CIDR-GnRH group was significantly higher (11.60  ±  4.08) than other groups. On the other hand, the days taken for RTE after embryo collection remained significantly lower (p < 0.05) in HF cows of treatment groups. However, the fertility of TEs was neither affected significantly (p > 0.05) by the superovulation protocol used nor by breed differences among donor cows. In conclusion, using CIDR-GnRH or CIDR-EB along with conventional superovulation protocol may enhance the efficiency of MOET programs in cattle. Furthermore, XB donor cows demonstrated a better performance than HF donor cows under subtropical conditions.

416 DOSE TITRATION FOR SUPERSTIMULATION OF BRANGUS AND BONSMARA DONORS WITH Folltropin®-V BY A SINGLE INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 365 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Rogan ◽  
A. Tríbulo ◽  
H. Tríbulo ◽  
R. Tríbulo ◽  
D. Carballo Guerrero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
Crossover Design ◽  
Dose Titration ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Release Formulation ◽  
Single Intramuscular Injection ◽  
Effect Of Treatment ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Estradiol 17Β ◽  
Donor Cows

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the superovulatory response of Brangus and Bonsmara donor cows to different dosages of Folltropin®-V (Bioniche Animal Health Inc., Belleville, Ontario, Canada) given by a single i.m. injection or twice-daily i.m. injections. In Experiment 1, Brangus cows (n = 12) were superstimulated by 6 treatments (2 × 3 factorial) in a crossover design (i.e. all cows received the 6 treatments and all treatments were represented on each day). On Day 0, cows received 5 mg of estradiol-17β plus 50 mg of progesterone and a Cue-Mate® (Bioniche Animal Health Inc.). On Day 4, cows were superstimulated with 300, 260, or 200 mg of NIH-FSH-P1 Folltropin®-V (Bioniche Animal Health Inc.) in twice-daily decreasing doses over 4 days or diluted in a slow release formulation (SRF; Bioniche Animal Health) and given in a single i.m. injection. The single injection was prepared by diluting the Folltropin®-V lyophilized powder in 1 mL of saline followed by mixing with 9 mL of the SRF in the syringe immediately before administration. In the am and pm of Day 6, all cows received PGF2, and Cue-Mates® were removed in the pm. Cows received 12.5 mg of porcine LH (Lutropin®-V; Bioniche Animal Health Inc.) in the am of Day 8 and were inseminated 12 and 24 h later. Ova/embryos were collected on Day 15 and data were analyzed by ANOVA. There was no effect of treatment (i.e. single v. twice-daily injections; P > 0.2) nor a treatment by dosage interaction (P < 0.6) on the mean (± SEM) number of total ova/embryos or transferable embryos (13.1 ± 1.9 and 7.5 ± 1.2 v. 15.5 ± 1.7 and 7.6 ± 1.0 for single v. twice-daily injections, respectively). The total number of ova/embryos did not differ among Folltropin®-V dosages (15.0 ± 2.3, 15.7 ± 2.0, and 12.1 ± 2.5 for 300, 260, and 200 mg, respectively; P > 0.4). However, the number of transferable embryos tended (P < 0.09) to be higher in donors receiving 260 mg (9.5 ± 1.6) than 200 mg (5.2 ± 0.8), with 300 mg (7.9 ± 1.5) intermediate. In Experiment 2, Bonsmara cows (n = 16) were superstimulated by 4 treatments (2 × 2 factorial) in a crossover design similarly to Experiment 1, except that 2 dosages of Folltropin®-V (200 and 300 mg) were evaluated. There were no significant effects of dosage of Folltropin®-V (P > 0.9), treatment (P > 0.3), or interaction (P < 0.4) on embryo production. The total number of ova/embryos and transferable embryos were 11.9 ± 2.0 and 7.2 ± 1.1 v. 11.1 ± 1.1 and 7.6 ± 0.7 for single and twice-daily injections, respectively, and 11.9 ± 1.9 and 7.6 ± 1.0 v. 11.1 ± 1.3 and 7.2 ± 0.8 for 300 and 200 mg of Folltropin®-V, respectively. Superstimulation of Brangus and Bonsmara cows with a single i.m. injection of Folltropin®-V diluted in a SRF resulted in comparable embryo production to twice-daily administration of Folltropin®-V over 4 days. While 260 mg seems to be the most appropriate dosage for Brangus donors, 200 mg seems to be adequate for Bonsmara donors.

scholarly journals Effect of immunization against the alpha N (alphaN) and alpha C (alphaC) peptides of the alpha43 subunit of inhibin on antral follicular growth and atresia and the patterns of gonadotrophin secretion in ewes

Reproduction ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 707-718 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Dhar ◽  
BW Doughton ◽  
E Pruysers ◽  
RW Brown ◽  
JK Findlay
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Follicular Growth ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Gonadotrophin Secretion ◽  
Preovulatory Follicles ◽  
Early Follicular Phase ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

The aims of this study were to investigate the role of inhibin in the distribution of healthy and atretic antral follicles and the secretion patterns of gonadotrophins. Ewes were actively immunized against either alphaN or alphaC of the inhibin alpha subunit with a primary injection and three booster injections. The control ewes received adjuvant only. The ovaries were removed either before or at 24 h after hCG administration in a synchronized follicular phase 48 h after removal of intravaginal progesterone pessaries. Morphological observations were made on every fifth section of the complete ovary (one per ewe) stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The mean number of corpora lutea observed per ewe with corpora lutea was not significantly different in ewes immunized against alphaN (2.4; alphaN-immunized ewes) or alphaC (2.6; alphaC-immunized ewes), and control (2.4) ewes, although some corpora lutea appeared cystic in the immunized ovaries. Compared with luteal phase concentrations, mean basal FSH concentrations in the early follicular phase were significantly increased in the alphaC-immunized ewes, similar in alphaN-immunized ewes and reduced in control ewes. No differences were observed in any of the LH parameters. Before hCG treatment, healthy antral follicles > 1 mm in diameter were not observed in any of the 52 follicles in the aC-immunized ewes and were observed in one of 37 follicles from alphaN-immunized ewes compared with 19 of 28 follicles in control ewes (P < 0.0001). For healthy antral follicles < 1 mm in diameter, there were 72 of 85 follicles in the alphaC-immunized ewes, 79 of 81 follicles in the alphaN-immunized ewes and 81 of 82 follicles in the control ewes. Similar results were obtained in healthy antral follicles < 1 mm in diameter at 24 h after hCG administration. In contrast to the control ewes, no healthy preovulatory follicles (> 6 mm in diameter) were observed in alphaN- and alphaC-immunized ewes either before or 24 h after hCG administration. Two newly formed corpora lutea from alphaC-immunized ovaries contained retained oocytes compared with none in control and alphaN-immunized ovaries. In conclusion, immunization against alphaN and alphaC may result in disruption of the normal processes of antral follicular growth and maturation independent of the concentrations of FSH and LH.

Effect of chronic FSH administration on ovarian follicular development, ovulation rate and corpora lutea formation in sheep

1993 ◽  
Vol 138 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. P. McNatty ◽  
N. L. Hudson ◽  
D. A. Heath ◽  
L. Shaw ◽  
L. Blay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Aromatase Activity ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT This study in ewes examined the effects on ovarian function of a pulsatile regimen of ovine FSH (NIADDK-oFSH-17) administered over a 24- to 28-day period beginning on day 1 of the oestrous cycle (day 0 = oestrus). The FSH (1·66 μg or 5·00 μg) was administered i.v. over a 1-min interval once every hour throughout the treatment period. In other ewes ovine LH (NIDDK-oLH-23) was administered (10 μg once every 2 h) for 24–28 days together with oFSH (1·66 μg/h). Compared with untreated controls (n = 19 ewes), FSH alone at both doses (n = 19 ewes/dose) as well as the FSH +LH treatment (n=10) led to significant increases in the plasma concentrations of FSH (P <0·01), ovarian weight (P <0·05) and ovulation rate (P <0·01) but there was no change in the mean weight of individual corpora lutea (CL). Exogenous FSH at the high but not the low dose alone or with LH stimulated a significant overall increase in plasma inhibin concentrations (P <0·05). The geometric mean (and 95% confidence limits) ovulation rates in the high FSH (i.e. 5·00 μg/h), low FSH (i.e. 1·66 μg/h), low FSH+LH, and control treatment groups were 15·3 (9·3, 24·8), 3·7 (2·1, 6·0), 3·7 (2·5, 5·8) and 1·4 (1·2, 1·7) respectively. The FSH or FSH+LH treatments did not alter the total numbers of antral follicles (≥1 mm diameter). However, the high but not the low FSH or low FSH + LH treatment led to significant increases in the mean numbers of large follicles (i.e. >4·5 mm diameter; P<0·01) and a higher proportion of non-atretic antral follicles. Highly significant linear relationships were found between the mean plasma concentrations of FSH or inhibin and the ovulation rate (FSH: r=0·74, P<0·0001; inhibin: r=0·93, P<0·0001). Highly significant linear relationships were also found between the plasma concentrations of FSH or inhibin and the number of large follicles (i.e. >4·5 mm diameter; FSH, r=0·78, P<0·0001; inhibin, r=0·80, P<0·0001) and between the plasma concentrations of inhibin and the number of granulosa cells in large follicles (r=0·78, P<0·0001). After the high FSH but not the low FSH treatment there were significant increases in both FSH- and LH-induced responsiveness in granulosa cells with respect to cyclic AMP synthesis in vitro. In the high FSH treatment group, granulosa cells from 1–2·5 mm diameter follicles were responsive to LH whereas, in the low FSH or FSH + LH treatment groups and the controls, granulosa cells were not responsive to LH until the follicles were >4·5 mm in diameter. FSH or FSH+ LH treatment did not lead to increases in aromatase activity in granulosa cells (i.e. when expressed on a per cell basis) or to increases in oestradiol in follicular fluid. Collectively these results show that chronic increases in plasma FSH concentrations influence, in a dose–responsive manner, the size distribution of antral follicles, the proportion of non-atretic follicles, the number of follicles with peak aromatase activity and the ovulation rate, without altering the total number of antral follicles, the granulosa cell composition of individual follicles or the sizes of individual CL. Exogenous FSH treatment at high but not low doses enhanced the sensitivities of granulosa cells to both FSH and LH in vitro. Increases in plasma FSH also led to higher concentrations of plasma inhibin as a consequence of an increase in the number of large follicles and thus the number of granulosa cells. Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 138, 315–325

230 SUPEROVULATORY RESPONSE OF BEEF COWS WITH OR WITHOUT A CORPUS LUTEUM AT THE TIME OF INSERTION OF A PROGESTERONE RELEASING DEVICE

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 227
Author(s):  
A. Tríbulo ◽  
J. Garzón ◽  
H. Tríbulo ◽  
R. Tríbulo ◽  
D. Rogan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Mixed Models ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Random Variable ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Transfer Programs ◽  
Intravaginal Device ◽  
Donor Cows

Commercial embryo transfer programs require frequent superovulation of embryo donors. Although early reports suggested that donor cows require 60 to 90 days to recover from superovulation, recent information suggests that this interval could be reduced to 25 to 30 days. Because donor cows reovulate at variable intervals after embryo collection, some donors do not have an ultrasonically detectable corpus luteum (CL) when frequent superovulation programs are initiated. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the influence of the presence of a CL at the time of initiating treatments on superovulatory response of beef donors that had been previously collected once and then were collected every 28 to 35 days 2 or 3 times. The data were from 190 collections performed in 48 Angus, 36 in 10 Brangus and 74 in 20 Bonsmara donors. On Day 0, all cows were ultrasonically examined for the presence of a CL (Falco 100 Vet, 8-MHz transducer, Pie Medical, the Netherlands) and were treated with 5 mg of oestradiol-17β and 50 mg of progesterone IM and a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (Cue-Mate, Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada). On Day 4, donors were superstimulated with Folltropin-V (Bioniche Animal Health), in twice-daily injections over 4 days or diluted in 20 mg mL–1 hyaluronan and given by a single IM injection. Folltropin-V dosages used were 300 or 400 mg (Angus), 260 or 300 mg (Brangus), or 200 or 300 mg (Bonsmara). On Day 6, all cows received 2 doses of PGF2α 12 h apart and Cue-Mates were removed in the p.m. In the a.m. of Day 8, cows received 12.5 mg pLH (Lutropin-V; Bioniche Animal Health) and were inseminated 12 and 24 h later. Ova/embryos were collected nonsurgically on Day 15 and evaluated following IETS guidelines. For each breed, superovulatory response (i.e. mean number of CL) and embryo data were evaluated by ANOVA for mixed models, using CL, FSH dose and treatment as fixed variables and cow identification as a random variable. Forty-six (24.2%) Angus donors, 4 (11.1%) Brangus donors and 5 (6.8%) Bonsmara donors did not have a CL at the time of initiating FSH treatment. There was no significant effect of FSH dose or treatment protocol on superovulatory response and the presence or absence of a CL did not influenced embryo production (P > 0.31). Mean (± SEM) number of CL, ova/embryos and transferable embryos were 13.2 ± 0.5, 12.4 ± 0.7 and 6.1 ± 0.4 in Angus donors with a CL vs 13.0 ± 0.7, 11.5 ± 0.9 and 5.6 ± 0.7 for those without a CL (P > 0.37); 14.8 ± 1.2, 14.2 ± 1.6 and 8.4 ± 1.1 for Brangus donors with a CL vs 15.2 ± 3.1; 11.2 ± 3.3 and 5.7 ± 2.8 for those without a CL (P > 0.34); and 13.2 ± 0.8, 11.2 ± 1.0 and 7.4 ± 0.5 for Bonsmara donors with a CL vs 17.4 ± 3.7, 13.6 ± 6.5 and 9.2 ± 4.3 for those without a CL (P > 0.16). In summary, the presence or absence of a CL did not affect embryo production in donor cows superstimulated every 28 to 35 days using a progesterone-releasing device and FSH. Study was supported by Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada.

Effect of the El Nińo phenomenon on the ovarian responsiveness and embryo production of donor cows

2003 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Bényei ◽  
A. Gáspárdy ◽  
S. Cseh
Keyword(s):  
El Niño ◽  
El Nino ◽  
Cold Season ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Lilliefors Test ◽  
Humidity Index ◽  
Hot Season ◽  
Higher Temperature ◽  
Donor Cows

The effects of different Temperature Humidity Index (THI) values in cold, hot and El Niño (EN) climates on superovulation and embryo production were analysed on Holstein Friesian donor cows. There were significant differences in the THI among the three climates. The average temperature in the EN period was 6°C higher than in the summer period of the previous 30 years. The number of corpora lutea (CL) and embryos were log- and back-transformed, Kolmogorov-Smirnoff test was used for normality and Lilliefors test was applied for significance. In the cold season THI was 70.74 ± 1.35 and the average number of CL was 9.84 ± 4.37. In the hot season the THI was 73.99 ± 0.72 and the average number of CL was 9.70 ± 4.49. When the THI, in the EN period, increased up to 79.74 ± 4.01, the superovulation response was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced (average number of CL = 5.22 ± 2.53). The embryo production result showed a similar tendency. In the hot period the average number of embryos obtained was 5.87 ± 2.98. However, in the EN period it decreased to 4.21 ± 2.05. Higher temperature reduced embryo quality. The proportion of live embryos (%) was 59.2 ± 37.4 in the cold and 38.2 ± 38.5 in the EN periods of the year (P < 0.01). However, ovarian sensitiveness showed adaptation to summer environment while the heat stress, which was more severe in the EN period, negatively affected the superovulation response and embryo production.

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