scholarly journals Comparison of mRNA for IGFs and their binding proteins in the oviduct during the peri-oestrous period between dairy heifers and lactating cows

Reproduction ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 142 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theerawat Swangchan-Uthai ◽  
Siobhan W Walsh ◽  
Sarah L H Alexander ◽  
Zhangrui Cheng ◽  
Mark A Crowe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Dominant Follicle ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Lh Surge ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Igf Binding ◽  
Igf Binding Protein

The oviduct provides the environment to support gamete maturation, fertilisation and early embryo development. As there is a high incidence of early embryonic death in lactating dairy cows, this study compared expression of IGF family members in the oviduct between lactating Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (n=16, 81±2.4 days in milk) and nulliparous heifers (n=16, age 1.6±0.07 years) at three stages of the oestrous cycle: A) newly selected dominant follicle in the luteal phase, B) follicular phase before the LH surge and C) pre-ovulatory phase after the LH surge. Expression ofIGF1,IGF2, IGF binding protein 2 (IGFBP2),IGFBP3andIGFBP6mRNA was determined in the ampulla of the oviduct. Oviduct side (ipsilateral or contralateral) with respect to the dominant follicle did not affect gene expression. Expression ofIGF1and all threeIGFBPsincreased significantly between the luteal and the pre-ovulatory phases, with no further significant alteration post-LH surge. Concentrations of circulating IGF1 were higher in heifers than in cows, as was the mRNA expression ofIGF1,IGFBP3andIGFBP6. The pre-LH surge rise inIGFBP2mRNA was only observed in heifers.IGF2expression was not influenced by either age or stage of cycle. These three IGFBPs are generally considered to inhibit IGF action. These results indicate tight regulation of IGF bioavailability in the oviductal environment around oestrus, with pronounced differences between cows and heifers, which are likely to influence early embryonic development. Further studies are required to assess the implications for embryo survival.

The effect of sward surface height on grazing behaviour by lactating holstein-friesian cows

1995 ◽  
Vol 1995 ◽  
pp. 26-26
Author(s):  
M. J. Gibb ◽  
A. J. Rook ◽  
C. A. Huckle ◽  
R. Nuthall
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Intake Rate ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Biting Rate ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Grazing Behaviour ◽  
Friesian Cows

Sward surface height (SSH) has been shown to have an effect on the performance of dairy cows. However, to understand precisely how cows adapt to such differing sward conditions, it is necessary to study the interactions between bite mass, biting rate, and thus intake rate, and time spent grazing. An experiment was therefore designed to examine grazing behaviour and intake by lactating cows at three sward heights.

scholarly journals Effect of restricted feeding in the far-off period on performance and metabolic status of dairy cows

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-100
Author(s):  
Włodzimierz Nowak ◽  
Robert Mikuła ◽  
Ewa Pruszyńska-Oszmałek ◽  
Barbara Stefańska ◽  
Paweł Maćkowiak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Restricted Feeding ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Fibre Diet ◽  
System Recommendation ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Ad Libitum Feeding

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate experimentally the effects of restricted or ad libitum feeding in the far-off period on performance of dairy cows. Two groups of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows having 19 animals in each group were allotted to two planes of nutrition in the far-off period from -56 to -22 days. The ADLIB group was fed ad libitum (DMI 12.9 kg) while in the RES group the dry matter intake was restricted by 3 kg DM compared to the average dry matter during the last 7 days in the ADLIB group. Average daily energy intake decreased from 8.90 UFL in the ADLIB to 6.83 UFL in the RES group. In the close-up period and after parturition, the cows of both groups were given the same diet. In restrictively fed cows, there was a tendency to a greater decrease in BCS during both the dry period (P=0.09) and lactation (P=0.07). After parturition milk production, fertility indices and blood concentration of IGF-1, insulin and glucose were not significantly affected by the far-off treatment. In the RES group, lower BHBA 3 days before calving and on day 5 of lactation and lower NEFA on day 28 of lactation were recorded. Also in this group higher levels of glucose 3 days before calving, triiodothyronine (T3) on days -30 and 5, and thyroxine (T4) on days -3 and 28 were observed. It is concluded that restricted feeding in the far-off period positively affected blood indicators of lipomobilization during the transition period, but had little effect on performance of lactating cows. In spite of low energy, high-fibre diet offered ad libitum in the faroff period resulted in the energy overfeeding compared to the INRA system recommendation.

Improving reproductive performance in lactating dairy cows by synchronising ovulation or inducing oestrus

2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gy. Gábor ◽  
J. P. Kastelic ◽  
S. Pintér ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Preliminary Trial ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows ◽  
Considerable Promise ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Prostaglandin F

Lactating crossbred Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (n = 331) were started on an Ovsynch regimen 68 ± 8.2 days after calving; 200 µg GnRH intramuscularly (i.m.) on Days 0 and 9, and 35 mg prostaglandin F2a i.m. on Day 7. Thirty-eight and 31 cows (11.5 and 9.4%, respectively) were in oestrus on Days 0 to 6 and 7 to 8, respectively, and inseminated, and the remainder were fixed-time inseminated (on Day 10). For these three groups, pregnancy rates (60-65 days after breeding) were 31.6, 38.7 and 34.0%, respectively (P = 0.82) and calving rates were 100, 100 and 89.9% (P = 0.23). In a preliminary trial, twelve lactating cows (45 to 60 days postpartum) with inactive ovaries were given 1500 IU eCG i.m.; 10 were in oestrus within 10 days after treatment (and inseminated) and eight of these were pregnant (30 days after breeding). The Ovsynch program resulted in acceptable reproductive performance in cyclic cows and eCG treatment has considerable promise for inducing oestrus in anoestrous cows.

scholarly journals Selection of the Dominant Follicle and Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-Binding Proteins: Evidence that Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A Contributes to Proteolysis of IGF-Binding Protein 5 in Bovine Follicular Fluid

Endocrinology ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 144 (2) ◽  
pp. 437-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Rivera ◽  
J. E. Fortune
Keyword(s):  
Proteolytic Activity ◽  
Plasma Protein ◽  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Dominant Follicle ◽  
Igf Binding Proteins ◽  
Igf Binding ◽  
Igf Binding Protein

Development of a dominant follicle is associated with decreased intrafollicular low molecular weight IGF-binding proteins (namely IGFBP-2, -4, and -5) and increased proteolysis of IGFBP-4 by pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A). In addition to IGFBP-4 proteolytic activity, bovine follicular fluid contains strong proteolytic activity for IGFBP-5, but not for IGFBP-2. Here we show that the IGFBP-5 protease present in bovine follicular fluid is a neutral/basic pH-favoring, Zn2+ metalloprotease very similar to the previously described IGFBP-4 protease. We hypothesized that immunoneutralization and immunoprecipitation with anti-PAPP-A antibodies would result in abrogation of the IGFBP-4, but not the IGFBP-5, proteolytic activity in follicular fluid. As expected, anti-PAPP-A antibodies were able to neutralize and precipitate the IGFBP-4, but not the IGFBP-5, proteolytic activity of human pregnancy serum, which was used as a positive control for PAPP-A. Surprisingly, immunoneutralization and immunoprecipitation of follicular fluid from bovine preovulatory follicles with anti-PAPP-A antibodies abrogated both IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-5 proteolysis. Quantitative results derived from phosphorimaging revealed a complete inhibition of both IGFBP-4 and -5 proteolysis by follicular fluid incubated for 2 or 5 h in the presence of anti-PAPP-A antibodies. After 18 h of incubation, anti-PAPP-A antibodies still inhibited IGFBP-5 degradation, although with an efficiency lower than that for IGFBP-4 degradation. Both proteolytic activities have identical electrophoretic mobility, and a single band (∼400 kDa) was detected by Western immunoblotting of bovine follicular fluid with anti-PAPP-A antibodies. Proteolysis of IGFBP-5 was readily detectable in follicular fluid from dominant follicles and was negligible in subordinate follicles from the same cohort. These results suggest that an active intrafollicular IGFBP-4/-5 proteolytic system, in which PAPP-A is the major protease involved, is an important determinant of follicular fate.

Factors affecting fertilisation and early embryo quality in single- and superovulated dairy cattle

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Sartori ◽  
Michele R. Bastos ◽  
Milo C. Wiltbank
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Embryo Yield ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
High Feed

Data on fertilisation and embryo quality in dairy cattle are presented and the main factors responsible for the low fertility of single-ovulating lactating cows and embryo yield in superovulated dairy cattle are highlighted. During the past 50 years, the fertility in high-producing lactating dairy cattle has decreased as milk production increased. Recent data show conception rates to first service to be approximately 32% in lactating cows, whereas in heifers it has remained above 50%. Fertilisation does not seem to be the principal factor responsible for the low fertility in single-ovulating cows, because it has remained above 80%. Conversely, early embryonic development is impaired in high-producing dairy cows, as observed by most embryonic losses occurring during the first week after fertilisation. However, in superovulated dairy cattle, although fertilisation failure is more pronounced, averaging approximately 45%, the percentage of fertilised embryos viable at 1 week is quite high (>70%). Among the multifactorial causes of low fertility in lactating dairy cows, high feed intake associated with low concentrations of circulating steroids may contribute substantially to reduced embryo quality. Fertilisation failure in superovulated cattle may be a consequence of inappropriate gamete transport due to hormonal imbalances.

86 EFFECT OF LACTATION ON EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT DURING THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD IN DAIRY COWS

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Maillo ◽  
U. Besenfelder ◽  
V. Havlicek ◽  
M. Garrett ◽  
A. K. Kelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Metabolic Profile ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Early Embryo Development ◽  
Lactating Cows

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of lactation and associated metabolic profiles on the ability of the reproductive tract of postpartum dairy cows to support early embryo development. Twenty-one age-matched primiparous Holstein cows were used. Immediately after calving, half of the cows were dried off while the remainder were milked twice daily. To characterise the metabolic profile of the cows, jugular blood samples were taken twice weekly starting 15 days before calving until Day 100 postpartum. At the same time, bodyweight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were recorded. In Experiment 1, around Day 60 postpartum, the oestrous cycles of all cows were synchronized and sixty-five 2- to 4-cell in vitro-produced embryos were endoscopically transferred on Day 2 (Day 0 = oestrus) to the oviduct ipsilateral to the corpus luteum. On Day 7, the oviduct and uterus were flushed endoscopically and the number of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage was recorded. In Experiment 2, around Day 95 postpartum, cows were re-synchronized and 15 to 20 in vitro-produced blastocysts were transferred to the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum. On Day 14, conceptuses were recovered by flushing the reproductive tract at slaughter and were measured. Jugular blood samples were taken daily from Day 0 to 7 (Exp. 1) or 14 (Exp. 2) to measure serum concentrations of progesterone. Data were analysed by ANOVA. Concentrations of NEFA and β-HB were higher (P ≤ 0.05) and glucose, insulin and IGF-1 were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in lactating compared with dry cows. BW and BCS were significantly higher in the non-lactating cows throughout the postpartum period. Recovery rates in both experiments were similar between groups (Exp. 1: 63.9 ± 7.2 vs 65.6 ± 8.6 and Exp 2: 33.3 ± 9.6 vs 39.8 ± 9.6 for dry and milking cows, respectively). In Exp. 1, of the structures recovered, significantly more developed to the blastocyst stage in the dry than in lactating cows (49.3 ± 3.8 vs 32.6.3 ± 4.4, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). Progesterone concentrations did not differ between groups. In Exp. 2, no differences were observed in terms of conceptus dimensions on Day 14 (n = 152). Progesterone concentrations were higher in lactating cows from Day 9 to 14 (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, this study provides evidence that at 60 days postpartum, the reproductive tract of lactating cows is compromised in its ability to support early embryo development compared with age-matched parous non-lactating cows; however, by 95 days postpartum there was no apparent difference in conceptus development, consistent with less metabolic stress as indicated by the metabolic profile. Funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI/07/SRC/B1156) and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (AGL2009-11810). VM was supported by an STSM award from the COST Action FAO7O2.

Diet selection in dairy cows: effect of training on choice of dietary protein level

1996 ◽  
Vol 1996 ◽  
pp. 64-64
Author(s):  
B.J. Tolkamp ◽  
M. Burger ◽  
I. Kyriazakis ◽  
J.D. Oldham ◽  
R.J. Dewhurst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dietary Protein ◽  
Diet Choice ◽  
Mixed Feed ◽  
Dietary Protein Level ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Low Protein ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Friesian Cows

An experiment was carried out to determine the ability of lactating cows to select a diet from two similar feeds differing in the ratio of metabolisable protein to energy (MP/ME) content and to investigate the effect of training through previous access to feeds separately on diet choice.Holstein-Friesian cows (n=36), 1-5 months in lactation, yielding 37 (s.d.=5) kg of milk were housed in a cubicle shed equipped with 28 computer linked Hokofarm feeders which can be programmed to give or deny specific animals access and record intake, meal size and meal duration. All feeds were mixtures of grass silage and pelleted concentrates. Approximately 75 % of daily offer was given in the morning and topping up occurred during afternoon milking. After adapting to feeders and feed for at least two weeks, intake was recorded in week 1 when all feeders contained a standard mixed feed calculated to contain 8.3 g MP/MJ ME. In weeks 2-7 a low protein (lp) and a high protein (hp) feed were offered in 14 feeders each (in the order 7 lp, 7 hp, 7 lp, 7 hp).

scholarly journals Isolation of the cDNA encoding the acid labile subunit (ALS) of the 150 kDa IGF-binding protein complex in cattle and ALS regulation during the transition from pregnancy to lactation

2006 ◽  
Vol 189 (3) ◽  
pp. 583-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin W Kim ◽  
Robert P Rhoads ◽  
Nthabisheng Segoale ◽  
Niels B Kristensen ◽  
Dale E Bauman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Ribonuclease Protection Assay ◽  
Hepatic Expression ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Igf Binding ◽  
Acid Labile Subunit ◽  
Igf Binding Protein ◽  
Acid Labile

During the transition from pregnancy to lactation, dairy cows experience a 70% reduction in plasma IGF-I. This reduction has been attributed to decreased hepatic IGF-I production. IGF-I circulates predominantly in multi-protein complexes consisting of one molecule each of IGF-I, IGF binding protein-3 and the acid labile subunit (ALS). Recent studies in the mouse have shown that absence of ALS results in accelerated turnover and severely depressed concentration of plasma IGF-I. These observations suggest that reduced plasma ALS could be a second factor contributing to the fall of plasma IGF-I in peri-parturient cows. This possibility has not been studied due to the lack of bovine ALS reagents. To address this, we isolated the bovine ALS cDNA and used its sequence to develop a ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) and a bovine ALS antiserum. Using the RPA, ALS mRNA abundance was approximately fivefold higher in liver than in lung, small intestine, adipose tissue, kidney and heart, but was absent in muscle and brain. The antiserum detected the highest ALS levels in plasma followed by ovarian follicular fluid, lymph and colostrum. A portion of colostrum and follicular fluid ALS appears to be synthesized locally as ALS mRNA was found in mammary epithelial cells and ovarian follicular cells. Finally, we measured plasma ALS in dairy cows during the peri-parturient period (days −35 and +56 relative to parturition on day 0). Plasma ALS dropped by 50% between late pregnancy and the first day of lactation and returned to prepartum levels by day +56. To determine whether this reflected a change in hepatic expression, ALS mRNA was measured in liver biopsies collected on days −35, +3 and +56. ALS mRNA expression was significantly lower on day +3 than on day −35, but recovered completely by day +56. Finally, we examined the ability of GH to increase plasma ALS abundance at selected times before and after parturition (weeks −5, −2, +1 and +5). GH increased plasma ALS at weeks −5, −2 and +5, but not at week +1. Identical effects of GH were seen when the response considered was plasma IGF-I. We conclude that the decline in plasma ALS after parturition is a consequence of hepatic GH resistance and contributes to the associated reduction of plasma IGF-I.

scholarly journals Follicle selection in cattle and horses: role of intrafollicular factors

Reproduction ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 132 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
M A Beg ◽  
O J Ginther
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
Dominant Follicle ◽  
Follicular Wave ◽  
Igf System ◽  
Igf I ◽  
The Future ◽  
Igf Binding ◽  
Preparatory Stage ◽  
Igf Binding Protein ◽  
Follicle Selection

The eminent event in follicle selection during a follicular wave in monovular species is diameter deviation, wherein one follicle continues to grow (developing dominant) and other follicles (subordinates) begin to regress. In cattle, the IGF system, oestradiol and LH receptors are involved in the intrafollicular events initiating deviation as indicated by the following: (1) concentrations of free IGF-I and oestradiol in the follicular fluid and number of LH receptors in the follicular wall increase more dramatically in the future dominant follicle than in the future subordinate follicles before the beginning of deviation and (2) ablation of the largest follicle (LF) or injection of recombinant human IGF (rhIGF)-I into the second LF at the expected beginning of deviation increases the concentrations of oestradiol in second LF before the expected beginning of deviation between second LF and third LF. In horses, an increase in free IGF-I, oestradiol, inhibin-A and activin-A is greater in the future dominant follicle than in other follicles before the beginning of deviation. However, free IGF-I is the only one of these four factors needed for the initiation of deviation in horses as indicated by the following: (1) ablation of LF at the expected beginning of deviation increases the concentrations of free IGF-I in second LF before the beginning of deviation between second LF and third LF but does not increase the other factors; (2) injection of rhIGF-I into second LF at the expected beginning of deviation causes second LF to continue to grow and become a codominant follicle and (3) injection of IGF-binding protein-3 into LF at the expected beginning of deviation causes LF to regress and second LF to become dominant. Thus, the dramatic changes in the IGF system in LF compared to other follicles before the beginning of deviation play a crucial role in the events that lead to the beginning of diameter deviation in both cattle and horses. Oestradiol and LH receptors also play a role in cattle. These intrafollicular events prepare the selected follicle for the decreasing availability of FSH and increasing availability of LH. The other follicles of the wave have the same future capability but do not have adequate time to attain a similar preparatory stage.

scholarly journals Effect of the metabolic environment at key stages of follicle development in cattle: focus on steroid biosynthesis

2012 ◽  
Vol 44 (9) ◽  
pp. 504-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. W. Walsh ◽  
J. P. Mehta ◽  
P. A. McGettigan ◽  
J. A. Browne ◽  
N. Forde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Follicle Development ◽  
Preovulatory Follicle ◽  
Dominant Follicle ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Steroid Biosynthesis ◽  
Lh Surge ◽  
Lactating Cows

Cellular mechanisms that contribute to low estradiol concentrations produced by the preovulatory ovarian follicle in cattle with a compromised metabolic status are largely unknown. To gain insight into the main metabolic mechanisms affecting preovulatory follicle function, two different animal models were used. Experiment 1 compared Holstein-Friesian nonlactating heifers ( n = 17) and lactating cows ( n = 16) at three stages of preovulatory follicle development: 1) newly selected dominant follicle in the luteal phase (Selection), 2) follicular phase before the LH surge (Differentiation), and 3) preovulatory phase after the LH surge (Luteinization). Experiment 2 compared newly selected dominant follicles in the luteal phase in beef heifers fed a diet of 1.2 times maintenance (M, n = 8) or 0.4 M ( n = 11). Lactating cows and 0.4 M beef heifers had higher concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate, and lower concentrations of glucose, insulin, and IGF-I compared with dairy heifers and 1.2 M beef heifers, respectively. In lactating cows this altered metabolic environment was associated with reduced dominant follicle estradiol and progesterone synthesis during Differentiation and Luteinization, respectively, and in 0.4 M beef heifers with reduced dominant follicle estradiol synthesis. Using a combination of RNA sequencing, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and qRT-PCR validation, we identified several important molecular markers involved in steroid biosynthesis, such as the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein ( STAR) within developing dominant follicles, to be downregulated by the catabolic state. Based on this, we propose that the adverse metabolic environment caused by lactation or nutritional restriction decreases preovulatory follicle function mainly by affecting cholesterol transport into the mitochondria to initiate steroidogenesis.

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