112 Follicular dynamics and oestrus response of Alpine goats with oestrus/ovulation synchronized during the early transitional reproductive phase using gonadotrophin given early or late

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
E. Loetz ◽  
M. Rojas
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Transrectal Ultrasound ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Reproductive Phase ◽  
Preovulatory Follicles ◽  
Array Probe ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Follicular Size ◽  
Fsh Bioactivity ◽  
Linear Array Probe

Oestrus and ovulation synchronization (E/OS) regimens for fixed-timed breeding are useful when consistently eliciting ovulation. Early synchronization in the reproductive season promotes unreliable oestrus behavioural and physiologic response due to insufficient ovarian priming. In ruminants, equine (eCG) or human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) has FSH bioactivity or elicits ovulation, correspondingly. Hence, 120 and 60IU of eCG and hCG, respectively, are included in goat E/OS regimes. This experiment addresses the time when eCG/hCG (CG) is given relative to progestagen (P4) withdrawal and its effect on oestrus and ovulation. Fourteen non-lactating, Alpine breed goats, ranging from 1 to 6 kiddings, averaging±s.d. 3.9±2.0 years of age, and 56.3±5.0kg of bodyweight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) of 2.6±0.2, were evaluated early in the transitional reproductive phase (12h daylight:12h darkness). E/OS was accomplished with 12 day of P4 (200 mg) exposure by intravaginal insert. Three treatments were evaluated: Traditional (T; n=4) did not receive CG and served as the control group; early (E; n=5) received CG 24h before P4 removal; and reverse (R; n=5) received PGF2α 24h before P4 withdrawal as well as CG concurrent with P4 withdrawal. Oestrus response to E/OS was evaluated 24h after breeding using epididymectomized bucks. Ovaries were scanned by transrectal ultrasound (Aloka SSD-500V/7.5-MHz linear array probe) for 4 consecutive days starting with the first i.m. injection of 1.0mL of PGF2α or 1.5mL of CG. Images were digitized (MediCapture™) for later morphometry. The absence of effect (P>0.05) from concomitant variables age, BW, BCS, and parity was ascertained using a logistic regression model (JMP/SAS v15; SAS Institute Inc.). Ovulation, defined as the disappearance of the largest (>7mm) preovulatory follicle on a subsequent observation, was 100, 80, and 100%; and the average±s.e. number of ovulations per goat was 2±0.41, 1±0.32, and 1.3±0.49 (P>0.05). Table 1 summarises follicular size documented of 122 observations of ovulatory areas. Graafian follicle location was not different for left or right ovaries (P>0.05). Oestrus behavioural response to each E/OS treatment (T, E, or L) up to 24h after P4 removal was 50, 80, and 80% (P>0.05), respectively. In summary, oestrus response and ovulation were not affected by the variables studied. In this experience the timing of CG was not relevant. Table 1. Mean diameter (±SE; mm) of nonovulatory and preovulatory follicles on left (L) and right (R) ovaries E/OS protocol Non- and preovulatory Nonovulatory Preovulatory L R L R L R Traditional 6.4±0.6 5.5±0.6 4.8±0.4 4.5±0.4 7.7±0.4 8.9±0.3 Early 5.2±0.3 5.5±0.4 4.9±0.2 4.4±0.3 8.4±1.2 8.1±0.2 Reverse 6.6±0.5 5.3±0.6 5.1±0.4 4.4±0.5 8.7±0.3 8.1±0.2 Overall 5.7±0.19 4.7±0.14 8.3±0.14

PSVII-26 Follicular growth in beef cows when using a low dose of FSH and hCG at the time of CIDR removal in a 7-day co-synch + CIDR protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 237-238
Author(s):  
Daniella C Heredia ◽  
Oscar A Ojeda-Rojas ◽  
Federico Tarnonsky ◽  
Angela Maria M Gonella-Diaza ◽  
Nicolas Di Lorenzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Dose ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Transrectal Ultrasound ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Estrus Synchronization ◽  
Prostaglandin Analog ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Synchronization Protocol

Abstract The aim of the study was to compare the growth of the periovulatory follicle in crossbreed cows receiving either a low dose of hCG (150 IU; Chorulon®, Merck) or a low dose of FSH (20 mg)Folltropin®, Vetoquinol) vs. a control group when applied at CIDR removal during an estrus synchronization protocol. At d0, a CIDR (Eazi-Breed CIDR®, Zoetis) was placed, a dose of GnRH (Factrel®, Zoetis) was applied i.m. and transrectal ultrasound was conducted to evaluate cyclicity status. On d7, cows (n = 79) were randomly assigned to three treatments (Control n = 27, FSH n = 26, and hCG n = 26) according to body condition score (1 to 9 scale) and cyclicity status. On the same day, CIDR was removed, a dose of prostaglandin analog (Lutalyse HighCon Injection®, Zoetis) was administered i.m. and an Estrotect™ patch was placed between the hip and tail head. Transrectal ultrasound was conducted to evaluate the diameter of the preovulatory follicle (DPF) at d7 and every 12h from d8 until ovulation was detected. Five cows that did not ovulate were removed from the study. Data were analyzed using GLIMMIX and LIFETEST procedures (SAS). The diameter at ovulation was not different among treatments (Control: 13.02 ± 0.53 mm; FSH: 12.38 ± 0.54 mm; hCG; 11.69 ± 0.47 mm; P = >0.10). Also, the time to ovulation was not different among treatments (P = 0.65; Figure 1a). However, cows of the control group presented estrus signs earlier than FSH and hCG groups (P = 0.02, Figure 1b). In conclusion, the use of a low dose of hCG or FSH at the time of CIDR removal did not increase the DPF or the time to ovulation.

scholarly journals Safety Study on Ketoprofen in Pigs: Evaluating the Effects of Different Dosing and Treatment Scheme on Hematological, Hepatic, and Renal Parameters

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 30
Author(s):  
Luis Emilio Fazzio ◽  
Santiago José Raggio ◽  
Juan Facundo Romero ◽  
Juver Membrebe ◽  
Antonio Humberto Hamad Minervino
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Safety Study ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Treatment Scheme ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Biochemical Evaluation ◽  
Different Doses

A safety study on ketoprofen 10% was carried out on pigs using a different dosing and treatment scheme. Forty healthy crossbreed pigs with similar age, weight, and body condition score were distributed into five treatment groups. The pigs were intramuscularly injected once with different doses of ketoprofen: 3 mg/kg (group 1X), 6 mg/kg (group 2X), 9 mg/kg (group 3X). In addition, the 3 mg/kg dosis was administered on three consecutive days (group 1X ext.). Intramuscular injections of saline solution were used in control group (CTL). The pigs were clinically examined throughout the trial and blood samples were taken for hematological and biochemical evaluation on days −4 (before treatment), +3, +7, and +14 (the end of the trial). Any unusual behaviour or clinical signs were reported as potential toxic effects of ketoprofen. Serum measurements showed that none of the ketoprofen doses produced changes in renal or hepatic biochemical parameters, liver enzymes, or total bilirubin. Likewise, hematological assessment indicated no altered parameters or hematocrit percentage in the study groups. These results demonstrate that ketoprofen has no adverse effects in pigs when the doses and scheme evaluated in this study are applied.

scholarly journals Luteogenesis and Embryo Implantation Are Enhanced by Exogenous hCG in Goats Subjected to an Out-of-Season Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocol

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 429
Author(s):  
Jorge A. Bustamante-Andrade ◽  
César A. Meza-Herrera ◽  
Rafael Rodríguez-Martínez ◽  
Zurisaday Santos-Jimenez ◽  
Oscar Ángel-García ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Implantation Rate ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Efficiency Index ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Interesting Approach

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of two doses of hCG (100 and 300 IU) applied at two different times (7 and 14 d) after a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol (FTAI) upon some variables involved in the embryonic implantation rate in goats during the natural deep anestrous season (April, 25° north). The experimental units considered crossbred, multiparous, anovulatory goats (n = 69, Alpine, Saanen, Nubian x Criollo), with average body weight (43.6 ± 5.7 kg) and body condition score (1.86 ± 0.28 units) located in northern–semiarid Mexico (25° N, 103° W). Once the goat’s anestrus status was confirmed, goats were subjected to an estrus induction protocol. Upon estrus induction confirmation, goats (n = 61) were subjected to a FTAI procedure. Immediately after the FTAI, the goats were randomly distributed to five experimental groups: (1). G100-7 (n = 13) 100 IU, hCG 7 d post-FTAI, (2). G100-14 (n = 12) 100 IU hCG, 14 d post-FTAI, (3). G300-7 (n = 12) 300 IU, hCG, 7 d post-FTAI, (4). G300-14 (n = 12) 300 IU hCG 14 d post-FTAI, and (5). Control group, CONT (n = 12) 0.5 mL saline, 7 and 14 d post-FTAI. The response variables conception rate (39.36 ± 0.23), fertility rate (27.96%), prolificacy rate (1.1 ± 0.29 kids), ovulation rate (0.74 ± 0.20 corpus luteum) corpus luteum diameter (10.15 ± 0.59 mm), embryo number (1.58 ± 0.20), and embryo implantation rate (48.96%), did not differ between treatments. However, while the variables fecundity rate (67%), embryo efficiency index-1 (33.99 ± 0.20%), and embryo efficiency index-2 (27.94 ± 0.30%) were favored by the G300-14 treatment, the corpus luteum area was favored (p < 0.05) by both G300-7 (113.30 ± 0.19 mm2) and G300-14 (103.04 ± 0.17 mm2). Such reproductive strategy emerges as an interesting approach, not only to enhance the out-of-season reproductive outcomes, but also to boost one of the main rulers defining the global reproductive efficiency of a heard, namely, the embryo implantation efficiency.

scholarly journals Tylosin injectable for the treatment of porcine proliferative enteropathy in experimentally inoculated pigs

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 168-174
Author(s):  
Luisa V.A. Otoni ◽  
Michelle P. Gabardo ◽  
Núbia R. Macêdo ◽  
Mariane M. Wagatsuma ◽  
Marina M. Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Etiologic Agent ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lawsonia Intracellularis ◽  
Medication Group ◽  
Proliferative Enteropathy ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT: Porcine proliferative enteropathy (PPE) is one of the most common enteric diseases in growing and finishing pigs. PPE is characterized by reduced growth performance, accompanied or not by diarrhea. PPE is highly prevalent in several countries of the Americas, Europe and Asia, causing high economic losses in swine herds. The most common form of PPE control in pigs is antibiotic therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate a new product based on tylosin injectable (Eurofarma Laboratórios S.A.) to control PPE in experimentally inoculated animals. Sixty 5-week-old pigs with mean weight of 9.5kg were divided into two experimental groups of 30 animals: medication and control. All pigs were challenged with Lawsonia intracellularis, the etiologic agent of PPE, on day zero. Fecal score, body condition score, and behavior were daily evaluated. Pigs were weighted on days -2, 13 and 21 of the experiment. Pigs in the Medication Group received tylosin injectable 13 days after inoculation, in three doses with a 12-hour interval between them. Pigs in the Control Group received injectable saline solution following the same protocol. In the Control Group, 23pigs presented with diarrhea before day 13. After day 13, the number of diarrheic animals in this group was reduced to 17. In the Medication Group, 26 pigs presented with diarrhea in the initial period, and in the period after medication, only 11 animals had diarrhea. The score of gross intestinal PPE lesions in the Medication Group was lower than that in the Control Group (p=0.031). The Medication Group also showed lower score for Lawsonia intracellularis antigen-labeling by immunohistochemistry compared with that of the Control Group (p=0.032), showing lower level of infection. These results demonstrate that tylosin injectable (Eurofarma Laboratórios S.A.), administrated in three doses (1mL/20kg) every 12 hours, was effective for the control of PPE in experimentally inoculated pigs.

Effect of α-tocopherol acetate and zinc supplementation on body condition, energy metabolites and milk production in Karan Fries cows

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pankaj Kumar Maurya ◽  
Anjali Aggarwal ◽  
A. K. Singh ◽  
B. K. Chaudhari
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Experimental Animals ◽  
Tocopherol Acetate ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Karan Fries

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of α-tocopherol acetate and zinc on body condition, energy metabolites and milk production in Karan Fries cows. Sixteen pregnant Karan Fries cows were selected two months before expected date of calving. The experimental animals were randomly divided in to two groups namely control group (eight cows) and treatment group (eight cows). Treatment group cows were supplemented with α-tocopherol acetate @ 1000 IU/day/cow and zinc @ 60 ppm/day/cow. Blood samples were collected on the days -60, -45, -30, -15, -7, 0, +7, +15, +30, +45 and +60 with respect to expected date of calving. The body weight and body condition score of all the experimental animals was recorded on the day of blood collection. After calving milk yield of the experimental animals was recorded till 60 days in milk. At parturition, body weight and body condition score differ significantly (P<0.001) in treatment group than control group (448.00 vs. 416.33 Kg and 4.42 vs. 4.17, respectively). The overall mean (±SEM) of plasma glucose was found to be significantly (P<0.001) higher in treatment group as compared to control group (62.39±1.23 vs. 57.44±1.59 mg/dl). The overall mean of non-esterified fatty acids was found to be significantly (P<0.001) lower in treatment group as compared to control group (197.10±3.38 vs. 239.21±3.48 μM/L). The overall mean of milk yield was found significantly (P<0.001) higher in treatment group as compared to control group (20.48±1.16 vs. 16.94±1.38 Kg/day i.e. 20.90%). The results of this study indicated that supplementation of antioxidants like α-tocopherol acetate and zinc have beneficial effects on milk production along with improved body condition and metabolic status of the animals.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Fermented Oat and Black Soldier Fly Larva as Food Ingredients in Senior Dog Diets

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3509
Author(s):  
Kangmin Seo ◽  
Hyun-Woo Cho ◽  
Julan Chun ◽  
Junghwan Jeon ◽  
Chanho Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Skin Condition ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Black Soldier Fly ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Daily Food ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Group A

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of fermented oat (FO) and black soldier fly larva (BSFL) as food ingredients for dogs. A total of 20 spayed female dogs were divided into four treatment groups, with 5 dogs per group. The four treatment groups consisted of a control group, a diet with 10% FO, one with 5% BSFL, and one with 10% FO and 5% BSFL, and each experimental food was fed for 12 weeks. The feeding of FO and/or BSFL did not affect the daily food intake, body weight, body condition score, fecal score, or skin condition of the dogs. In all the experimental groups, no significant differences in serum IgG, IL-10, or TNF-α levels were observed upon the feeding of FO and/or BSFL. Some hematological (white blood cell and basophils) and serum biochemical parameters (phosphorous, globulin, and alkaline phosphatase) showed significant differences with FO and/or BSFL feeding compared to the control group, but they were within the normal reference range. No adverse clinical signs related to these parameters being affected by FO and BSFL were observed. The feeding of BSFL for 12 weeks reduced the serum cholesterol level (p < 0.05) at the end of the experiment. Our findings suggest the suitability of FO and BSFL as food materials for dogs.

scholarly journals Peri-Conceptional undernutrition in twin bearing ewes: Effect on early fetal growth and birth weight

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. 419
Author(s):  
Ricardo Vicente-Pérez ◽  
Yolanda Osorio-Marín ◽  
María De los Angeles López-Baca ◽  
Leonel Avendaño-Reyes ◽  
Abelardo Correa-Calderón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Maternal Body ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Nutritional Restriction ◽  
Mating Time

A total of 48 Katahdin x Pelibuey multiparous ewes were used to evaluate the e ect of nutritional restriction (40 %) before (30 d, RT), after (50 d, TR) or both periods (80 d, RR) compared with a control group on maternal body status, early fetal growth and lamb birth weights. Only twin bearing ewes were selected at d 50 of pregnancy for fetal measurements by ultrasonography and record of birth weight. Compared with control ewes, lower (p < 0.05) weight and body condition score had RT and RR ewes at mating time, likewise, TR and RR ewes at d 50 post-conception. There were mainly di erences between fetuses from control and RT ewes, being higher (p < 0.05) the vesicular, abdominal and fetal area, as well as crown-rump length and birth weight for RT fetuses. In conclusion, preconception undernutrition positively altered the early fetal growth and lamb birth weights in hair ewes pregnant with twins. 

196 Embryo production using follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or FSH+equine chorionic gonadotropin in beef donors

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 223
Author(s):  
J. L. Barajas ◽  
A. Cedeño ◽  
S. Andrada ◽  
J. A. Ortega ◽  
J. M. Oviedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Dose ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Crossover Design ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Santa Fe ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Dose 300Mg

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the superovulatory response and embryo production in beef donors using 8 twice-daily injections of FSH or an alternative protocol in which the last 4 FSH injections were replaced with a single injection of eCG. In Exp. 1, 12 mature Bonsmara donor cows, with a body condition score between 3 and 4 (1 to 5 scale) were superstimulated twice every 46 days in a crossover design (i.e. in each experiment all cows received 2 treatments and the 2 treatments were equally represented in each replicate). On Day 0 a.m., all donors received an intravaginal device with 1.2g of progesterone (Diprogest 1200®, Zoovet, Santa Fe, Argentina), along with 50mg of progesterone i.m (Progestar®, Zoetis, Buenos Aires, Argentina) and 5mg of oestradiol-17β (17βOestradiol®, Rio de Janeiro, Argentina) IM. On Day 4 a.m., the superstimulatory treatments were initiated and donors in the control group received 8 applications of FSH (Folltropin-V, Vetoquinol, Lure, France), IM (total dose: 300mg NIH-FSH-P1) in a twice-daily decreasing dosage schedule over 4 days (i.e. 60, 60, 50, 50, 30, 30, 10, and 10mg, respectively). Donors in the FSH+800 eCG group received only the first 4 applications of FSH (i.e. 60, 60, 50 and 50mg, respectively) and on Day 6 a.m. they received 800IU of eCG (Novormón®, Zoetis) IM in a single dose. All donors received 500μg of cloprostenol (Ciclase DL®, Zoetis) IM on Day 6 a.m. and p.m., and the intravaginal devices were removed on Day 7 a.m. All cows also received 100μg of gonadorelin acetate (GnRH, Gonasyn gdr, Zoetis) on Day 8 a.m. and were inseminated with frozen-thawed semen from 2 bulls 12 and 24h later. On Day 15, ova/embryos were collected and evaluated according to the IETS standards. The data were analysed by GLMM (Infostat, 2018). In Exp 2., 18 Bonsmara donors with similar conditions as those in Exp. 1 were superovulated twice in a crossover design. Cows in both groups received similar treatments to those in the FSH+eCG treatment of Exp. 1, except that the total dosage of FSH was 200mg (i.e. 60, 60, 40, and 40mg, respectively) and the eCG given on Day 6 a.m. was either 600IU (group 1) or 800IU (group 2). In Exp 1., the FSH (control) group had a higher (P&lt;0.01) number of fertilized oocytes, but there were no differences in the other end points evaluated (Table 1). In Exp. 2, no differences were found between FSH+800 eCG and FSH+600 eCG groups in any of the parameters evaluated. In conclusion, the replacement of the last 4 injections of FSH by a single dose of eCG decreases the number of treatments required in a superovulation program without negatively affecting the production of transferable embryos. Table 1.Embryo production (means±s.e.m.) in Bonsmara donors treated with FSH or FSH+eCG

scholarly journals Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) supplementation on healthy cat performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Fusi ◽  
Rita Rizzi ◽  
Michele Polli ◽  
Simona Cannas ◽  
Alberto Giardini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Probiotic Strain ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Dry Diet

BackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the probiotic strain Lactobacillusacidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on nutritional condition and faecal quality in cats.MethodsTen healthy adult cats from the same cattery were included (aged >9 months; male:female sex ratio=3:7). The animals were randomly assigned to a control group (CTR; n=5; male:female=1:4; room 1: 16 m2) and to a treated group (LACTO; n=5; male:female=2:3; room 2: 16 m2) receiving the same commercial dry diet. The LACTO group diet was supplemented with the probiotic (5 x 109 cfu/kg feed at least). A five-week experimental period was applied, and nutritional status was monitored by bodyweight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). Faecal quality was evaluated using faecal score (FS) and faecal moisture (FM) parameters. Plate counts of some faecal bacteria species were carried out. The data obtained were analysed using MIXED, GLM and NPAR1WAY procedures (SAS V.9.4; P≤0.05).ResultsThe two groups did not show differences in BW and BCS data. A clear effect of the probiotic supplementation on FM was recorded (LACTO 44 per cent v CTR group 46 per cent; P=0.04). FS in the LACTO group (3.35) was close to ideal values (2–3) in comparison with the CTR group (3.75). Positive effects of Lacidophilus D2/CSL have been recorded in terms of increase in faecal lactobacilli counts and reduction in faecal coli counts.ConclusionsThis study’s preliminary results describe how inclusion of Lacidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) probiotic strain in cats’ diets could effectively improve faecal quality parameters and consequently gut health in adult healthy cats.

Metabolic and endocrine profiles of primiparous beef cows grazing native grassland. 2. Effects of body condition score at calving, type of suckling restriction and flushing on plasmatic and productive parameters

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 862 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Soca ◽  
M. Carriquiry ◽  
M. Claramunt ◽  
G. Ruprechter ◽  
A. Meikle
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Cholesterol Concentration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Native Grassland ◽  
Endocrine Profiles ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Condition Score

The objective of the present experiment was to analyse the effect of body condition score (BCS) at calving, type of suckling restriction and flushing on metabolic and endocrine profiles, and productive and reproductive responses of primiparous beef cows grazing native grassland. Primiparous beef (n = 56) cows in anestrus classified by BCS at calving (low ≤3.5 and moderate ≥4; 1–8 visual scale) were assigned randomly to four treatments in a two by two factorial arrangement of type of suckling restriction and flushing. Type of suckling restriction started at 55 ± 10 days postpartum (DPP ± s.e.m.; Day 0 = initiation of the treatment) and consisted of applying nose plates to calves for 12 days (i.e. TS treatment) or 5 days of isolation of the cow–calf pair, followed by applying nose plates to calves for 7 days as calves were reunited with their mothers (i.e. IS treatment). Immediately after the suckling restriction treatments were finished, the breeding season started, and each cow received (flushing group) or not (control group) 2 kg/day (fresh basis) of whole-rice middling for 22 days. The BCS was superior in moderate-BCS cows through the experiment. The type of suckling restriction did not affect any plasma parameter, but insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations increased in all cows during suckling restriction. Cholesterol concentration was affected by flushing × day interaction (P < 0.05), while insulin and IGF-I concentrations were affected by the interaction among BCS at calving, flushing and days (P < 0.03). Flushing increased cholesterol concentration in both BCS groups at calving, while insulin and IGF-I concentrations increased during flushing only in moderate-BCS cows. Suckling restriction, flushing, and BCS at calving did not affect calf weight or milk production. Moderate BCS cows had a shorter postpartum anestrous interval (PPI) (98 vs 123 DPP; P < 0.01). Isolated type of suckling reduced postpartum anestrous interval when compared with TS treatment (97 vs 115 DPP, P < 0.05). Early pregnancy rate was greater in flushed than in control cows (0.8 vs 0.55, P < 0.01) and in moderate-BCS cows than in low-BCS cows (0.84 vs 0.46, P < 0.01). Total pregnancy rate was also greater in flushed and moderate cows and tended to be affected by the interaction between flushing and BCS at calving (P = 0.06; flushed cows: moderate = 1 vs low = 0.5, P < 0.08; and control cows: moderate = 0.8 vs low = 0.4, P < 0.09). These results confirmed the great value of suckling restriction and flushing during post-calving and relevance of BCS at calving as a link between energetic nutrition and metabolic and reproductive processes in primiparous beef cows grazing native grassland.

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