Seasonal fertility differences in synchronised dairy cows: Ultrasonic, metabolic and endocrine findings

2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orsolya Balogh ◽  
Hedvig Fébel ◽  
Gyula Huszenicza ◽  
Margit Kulcsár ◽  
Zsolt Abonyi-Tóth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
High Plasma ◽  
Nonesterified Fatty Acid ◽  
Plasma Nefa ◽  
Reducing Ability ◽  
Igf I

The aim of this study was to identify relationships among seasonal differences of fertility, metabolic parameters and appearance of irregular luteal forms in high-yielding dairy cows. Holstein-Friesian cows were put on the Provsynch regimen in winter (n = 10) and in summer (n = 10). Blood sampling (starting 35 days post partum) and rectal ultrasound examinations (starting post insemination) were carried out once a week in each examination period. Metabolic [plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and serum beta-carotene] and endocrine parameters [plasma thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and insulin levels] were measured. In summer, two cows were excluded from the study because of metritis and none of the remaining animals became pregnant, but 6 of the 8 cows had irregular luteal forms (ILF) on their ovaries. In winter, one cow was excluded because of metritis and 6 of the 9 cows became pregnant, while 2 of the 3 open cows had irregular luteal forms. In summer the mean plasma NEFA and BHB concentrations were significantly higher, while serum carotene and plasma IGF-I concentrations were significantly lower than in winter. The high plasma NEFA concentration found in summer seemed to be in association with the lower body condition score (BCS) caused by depressed appetite. In conclusion, statistical analysis supports the hypothesis that increased plasma NEFA and BHB and decreased plasma IGF-I concentrations may result in reduced fertility in summer. These changes may be associated with the more frequent appearance of ILFs and probably have a negative effect on ovarian function and/or oocyte quality.

Physiological Adaptations to Milk Production that Affect the Fertility of High Yielding Dairy Cows

2004 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 37-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. J. Taylor ◽  
D. E. Beever ◽  
D. C. Wathes
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Expected Time ◽  
Physiological Adaptations ◽  
Igf I

SummaryThe high yielding dairy cow is expected to produce a substantial milk output every year and at the same time to conceive and maintain a pregnancy to term. To fulfil lifetime production potential a balance between yield, fertility and other influential factors has to be achieved. Any inability on the part of the management system to identify and rectify problems or on the part of the cow to cope with metabolic demands invariably results in economic or welfare issues. Our studies of high yielding dairy cows have revealed that some animals are capable of normal reproductive function whilst others are classic repeat breeders (requiring 3+ services per conception) or simply fail to rebreed. It is well established that the somatotrophic axis (growth hormone and insulin-like growth factors) drives lactation in ruminants but it is also intimately involved in reproductive processes. An awareness of metabolic adaptations to lactation that impact on reproduction in dairy cows is needed for appropriate management.The objective of our studies was to explore the metabolic profiles of high yielding dairy cows to identify factors influencing their ovarian function and fertility, hence to characterise the physiological adaptations involved. Our studies revealed different relationships between progesterone profile categories and metabolic status post partum. Delayed ovulation (DOV) or persistent corpora lutea (PCL) may be an appropriate response to a nutritional state or physiological situation and it may therefore be inaccurate to refer to these as ‘abnormal’. Whilst associated with high milk yields, not all profile categories detrimentally affected fertility parameters. Delayed ovulation postcalving (DOV1) was identified as the most prevalent abnormal profile encountered in first lactation high yielding cows. This may have occurred because the cows were not yet physically mature and unable to sustain both milk production and growth. The condition lasted long enough (71 ± 8.3 days from calving) to have a detrimental impact on their overall fertility parameters and was associated with significant physiological changes, representative of tissue mobilisation. Although the incidence of persistent luteal phases (PCL1 and PCL2) in dairy cows is increasing, this condition was not found to have any substantial detrimental effects on fertility or production parameters of the primiparous or multiparous cows in these studies. The main reproductive problems in our high yielding primiparous and multiparous cows appeared to be a failure to ovulate and conceive at the expected time or to maintain a pregnancy. These situations were associated predominantly with high milk yields and low concentrations of plasma IGF-I. A failure to ovulate appears to occur when body reserves are mobilised to maintain milk yield at the expense of reproduction and seems most likely to occur in primiparous high yielding cows or those experiencing GH-resistance (low IGF-I) due to excessive body condition loss, reduced feed intakes and factors such as stress and disease. More detailed investigations of dietary means of increasing IGF-I and optimising insulin concentrations, targeted at important reproductive times, are required in high yielding dairy cows, to aid in their management.

scholarly journals Relationship between metabolic hormones and ovulation of dominant follicle during the first follicular wave post-partum in high-producing dairy cows

Reproduction ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 133 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiho Kawashima ◽  
Saori Fukihara ◽  
Mayumi Maeda ◽  
Etsushi Kaneko ◽  
Carlos Amaya Montoya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Follicular Growth ◽  
Dominant Follicle ◽  
Follicular Wave ◽  
Igf I

Recent studies suggest that IGF-I is a crucial regulatory factor in follicular growth during earlypost-partumperiod. The aim of the present study was to determine in detail the changing profiles of metabolic and reproductive hormones in relation to ovulation of the dominant follicle (DF) of the first follicular wavepost-partumin high-producing dairy cows. Plasma concentrations of related hormones in 22 multiparous Holstein cows were measured from 4 weeks pre-partum to 3 weekspost-partum, and the development of DF was observed with colour Doppler ultrasound. Thirteen cows showed ovulation by 15.2 dayspost-partum. Anovulatory cows showed higher GH and lower IGF-I levels than those in ovulatory cows during the peri-partum period. Each DF developed similarly, and a clear blood flow in the follicle wall was observed despite ovulation or anovulation. In addition, detailed endocrine profiles were analyzed in 9 out of the 22 cows. Five cows showed an increase in plasma oestradiol-17β (E2) with follicular growth followed by E2 peak, LH surge and ovulation. In these cows, plasma IGF-I concentrations remained high until 10 dayspost-partumfollowed by a gradual decrease. Subsequently, the insulin level increased together with the E2 peak towards ovulation. These profiles were not observed in anovulatory cows. In conclusion, our data strongly support the concept that IGF-I and insulin represent ‘metabolic signals’ of the resumption of ovarian functionpost-partumin high-producing dairy cows. Moreover, we provide the first visual evidence that both ovulatory and anovulatory DFs of the first follicular wavepost-partumare similarly supplied with active blood flow.

Relationships between luteal activity, fertility, blood metabolites and body condition score in multiparous Estonian Holstein dairy cows under different management

2008 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaak Samarütel ◽  
Andres Waldmann ◽  
Katri Ling ◽  
Hanno Jaakson ◽  
Tanel Kaart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Ketone Bodies ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Blood Metabolites ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
On Farm

The objective was to compare the relationships between luteal activity and fertility, and relate these parameters to metabolic indices and body condition changes in multiparous Estonian Holstein cows on two commercial dairy farms under different management and levels of production and nutrition (higher, H, n=54 (71 lactations) and lower, L, n=39 (39 lactations)). For statistical analysis cows were categorized according to their milk progesterone (P4) profiles as follows: normal ovarian function; delayed start of cyclicity (DC) (interval from calving to first luteal response (P4⩾5 ng/ml up to and more than 50 d respectively, followed by regular cyclicity); cessation of luteal activity (prolonged interluteal interval, P4<5 ng/ml, with a duration of ⩾14 d between two adjacent luteal phases); prolonged luteal activity (P4 levels ⩾5 ng/ml for ⩾20 d without preceding insemination). The Mixed procedure of the SAS system was used to compare milk production traits, blood metabolites (ketone bodies, non-esterified fatty acids, total cholesterol) and aspartate aminotransferase, body condition scores (BCS) and fertility parameters between the two farms, and also fertility parameters between the farms within P4 categories. Differences in milk fat/protein ratio, ketone body levels and BCS indicated a deeper negative energy balance (NEB) during the first month after calving on farm L. On both farms nearly 50% of the recently calved dairy cows suffered from ovarian dysfunction during the post-partum period. Delayed start of cyclicity was the most prevalent abnormal P4 profile, 25% and 28% on farms H and L, respectively. Prolonged luteal activity accounted for one-third of atypical ovarian patterns on farm H, and cessation of luteal activity on farm L. On farm L, DC cows had lower BCS values from day 10 to day 90 after calving compared with normal cows (P<0·01) and cows lost more BCS (1·2 units) during the 40 d after calving than normal resumption cows (0·75 units; P<0·05). On farm H with moderate NEB the delayed start of ovulation post partum did not impair subsequent reproductive performance.

scholarly journals Effect of dietary-induced increases in circulating insulin concentrations during the early postpartum period on reproductive function in dairy cows

Reproduction ◽  
2002 ◽  
pp. 419-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
JG Gong ◽  
WJ Lee ◽  
PC Garnsworthy ◽  
R Webb
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
Selection For

Although it has become increasingly clear that fertility in modern dairy cattle is declining in association with increased milk yields, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. The first ovulation post partum is delayed in dairy cows undergoing selection for genetic merit for milk yield in association with lower circulating insulin concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether feeding a diet to increase circulating insulin concentrations can overcome this delay in the first ovulation post partum. The experiment was a 2 x 2 factorial design (n = 10 per group) involving diet and genetic merit for milk yield. The dietary treatment started on the day of calving and lasted for 50 days. Plasma samples were collected each day and ovarian ultra-sonography was performed three times a week during the experimental feeding period. Milk yield was recorded each day, and body weight and body condition score were determined each week. Milk samples were collected three times a week from day 50 to day 105 post partum, and reproductive performance data were recorded for all the cows as part of the routine farm practice. The dietary treatment induced significant differences in plasma insulin concentrations in both high and low genetic merit cows. Although high genetic merit cows produced more milk, lost more body weight and had lower body condition scores during the experiment, no significant effect of diet was observed on these measurements. The high insulin inducing diet increased the proportion of cows ovulating within 50 days of calving and reduced the intervals from calving to first ovulation, and tended to reduce the intervals from calving to first service and to conception. These fertility parameters were also more favourable in low than in high genetic merit cows, but no interaction between diet and genetic merit was observed for any of these parameters. Genetic merit, but not diet, also affected the number of services required per conception and the conception rate. In conclusion, these results have confirmed that genetic selection for high milk yield is associated with a decrease in reproductive performance in dairy cows. More importantly, this study has demonstrated that it is possible to alleviate this problem by nutritional manipulation.

13 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EARLIER POSTPARTUM CYCLICITY AND SUBSEQUENT REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN DAIRY COWS: A FIELD TRIAL

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
I. H. Kim ◽  
H. C. Lee ◽  
H. G. Kang
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Logistic Analysis ◽  
The Relationship

Earlier postpartum cyclicity based on hormonal analysis was related to the subsequent fertility, although it has not been clarified under field conditions. This field study examined the relationship between the detection of corpus luteum (CL) at the first post partum month and subsequent reproductive performance in dairy cows. Holstein dairy cows underwent ultrasonography (Sonoace 600 with 7.5 MHz linear-array transducer; Medison Co. Ltd., Korea) at 30 (±7) days postpartum to determine the existence of CL in ovaries and then divided into 2 groups based on the existence of CL; the CL group (n = 156) or the non-CL group (n = 281). At the same time of ultrasonography, all cows were scored for body condition. Cows received the normal herd reproductive management program including oestrous detection or synchronization, or synchronization of ovulation in the breeding period. Pregnancy was determined per rectum 60 days after artificial insemination by both ultrasonography and palpation. Reproductive performance data were collected for a minimum of 210 days postpartum. Reproduction data between the CL and non-CL groups were evaluated by t-test, chi-square test, or logistic regression using an SAS program (Version 9.1: SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The proportion of cows with CL in ovaries at 30 (±7) days postpartum was 35.7% of all cows. The number of days to first insemination after calving was more delayed (P < 0.0001) in the non-CL group (100.1 ± 2.7 days) than in the CL group (80.9 ± 2.9 days), while the pregnancy rate to first insemination did not differ (P > 0.05) between the CL group (44.2%) and the non-CL group (45.9%). The CL group had higher pregnancy proportions (PP) within 60 (odds ratio, OR = 2.3; P = 0.0063), 90 (OR = 1.6; P = 0.04), and 120 days (OR = 1.5; P = 0.05) postpartum than the non-CL group; however, the PP within 150 or 210 days postpartum did not differ between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Besides, logistic analysis revealed that cows with body condition score (BCS) ≥3.00 were more likely to have CL (OR = 1.8; P = 0.015) compared with cows with BCS ≤ 2.75, while primiparous cows were less likely to have CL (OR = 0.6; P = 0.0085) compared with multiparous cows. In addition, cows that underwent ultrasonography later than 30 days postpartum were more likely to have CL (OR = 1.6; P = 0.0192) compared with cows that underwent ultrasonography earlier. In conclusion, the earlier cyclicity based on the detection of CL using ultrasonography at the first postpartum month, which might be in part due to a higher BCS, predicts an enhanced reproductive performance in dairy cows, particularly during the early and early-mid lactations. This work was supported by the research grant of the Chungbuk National University in 2010.

scholarly journals The GH/IGF-I axis in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) pouch young

2003 ◽  
Vol 176 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
MC Saunders ◽  
RT Gemmell ◽  
JD Curlewis
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Fetal Liver ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
High Plasma ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Plasma Gh ◽  
Igfbp 3

Plasma and pituitary GH concentrations and liver GH receptor (GHR), IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) mRNA expression were determined in brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) pouch young aged 12-150 days post-partum and in adults. Mean plasma GH concentrations were highest, measuring around 150 ng/ml, from 12 to 100 days post-partum, and thereafter declined so that by 150 days post-partum levels were not significantly different from those in adults (10.8+/-1.8 ng/ml (S.E.M.)). In contrast to plasma levels, pituitary GH content increased markedly throughout pouch life, with an 87-fold increase between 12 and 150 days post-partum. However, when expressed per gram body weight, pituitary content was relatively constant between 25 and 150 days post-partum, indicating that the decline in plasma GH after 100 days post-partum was not due to decreased synthesis and/or storage of GH in the pituitary gland. Expression of GHR, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 mRNAs was determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Liver GHR and IGF-I mRNA expression were low at 12 and 25 days post-partum and did not show sustained and significant increases (P<0.05) until 125 and 150 days post-partum. IGFBP-3 expression was also low at 12 days post-partum but then increased rapidly to a maximum at 50 days post-partum and thereafter declined. For all three mRNAs, liver expression at day 150 was not significantly different from that in adults. These patterns of gene expression for GHR and IGF-I suggest that the possum liver is resistant to the high plasma GH concentrations during early pouch life and in this way is similar to the fetal liver of some eutherian mammals.

Effect of Body Condition Score Variation on Milk Yield and Fertility in Post-partum Dairy Cows

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 647-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Formigoni ◽  
P. Pezzi ◽  
A. Gramenzi ◽  
G. Martino ◽  
E. Neri
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Condition Score

scholarly journals Effects of bovine somatotrophin (bST) on ovarian function in post-partum beef cows

1996 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 951 ◽  
Author(s):  
LP Andrade ◽  
SM Rhind ◽  
IA Wright ◽  
SR McMillen ◽  
PJ Goddard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Ovarian Follicle Development ◽  
Factor I ◽  
Glucose Injection ◽  
Igf I ◽  
And Function ◽  
Bovine Somatotrophin

The effects of bovine somatotrophin (bST) on ovarian follicle development and function and associated gonadotrophin profiles during the first nine weeks post partum were investigated in beef cows. Thirty-two cows (Shorthorn x Galloway) in moderately low body condition (BC) at calving were fed to maintain BC thereafter. At Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8 post partum, animals were injected with 320 mg bovine somatotrophin (bST) (T, treated; n = 17) or with the carrier oil only (C, control; n = 15). Ovulation occurred in 4 of 17 T cows and 0 of 15 C cows (P = 0.10) by nine week post partum. Treatment with bST did not affect the numbers of small (3-8 mm in diameter) or large (> 8 mm in diameter) follicles or the granulosa cell populations but enhanced the oestradiol (P < 0.05) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) content (P < 0.01) of large follicles by nine weeks post partum. It did not significantly affect the testosterone concentrations of large follicles. Circulating concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and IGF-I were higher in T cows than in C cows (P < 0.001) but were unrelated to gonadotrophin profiles or gonadotrophin receptor concentrations in the follicles. At Week 8, plasma insulin concentrations were higher in T cows than in C cows both before (P < 0.05) and after (P < 0.05) glucose injection. It is concluded that GH may play an important role in mediating the effects of nutritional state on ovarian function during the post-partum period, possibly through alteration of intrafollicular IGF-I concentrations.

scholarly journals Hormonal profile and body condition scoring in dairy cows during pre partum and post partum periods

2015 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mária Vargová ◽  
Vladimír Petrovič ◽  
Jana Konvičná ◽  
Marián Kadaši ◽  
Peter Zaleha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Hormonal Profile ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
The Mean

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of selected indicators of energy, hormonal profile, body condition score (BCS) and their relationships in dairy cows of the Slovak Pied Cattle from 3 weeks before parturition to 9 weeks after. Significant differences were found in the mean values of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) (P < 0.001) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) (P < 0.05). According to BCS results, the dry cows were overweight (4.42 ± 0.75 points). After calving the cows lost weight significantly, as the BCS was 3.25 ± 0.30 points at 9 weeks post partum (P < 0.001). The highest concentration of leptin was recorded before calving (26.80 ± 11.47 ng/ml). The concentrations of insulin and ghrelin did not change significantly (an increase in insulin concentrations from 580.8 ± 66.30 IU/ml to 625.50 ± 174.90 IU/ml and a decrease in ghrelin concentrations from 29.25 ± 4.82 pg/ml to 26.57 ± 5.35 pg/ml were found comparing 3 weeks to 1 week before parturition, respectively). Relationships between the hormones showed positive correlation between insulin and leptin (r = 0.220, P < 0.05), BCS and leptin (r = 0.360, P < 0.001), BCS and insulin (r = 0.232, P < 0.05) and negative correlation between leptin and ghrelin (r = -0.235, P < 0.05), BCS and ghrelin (r = -0.257, P < 0.05). These data provide evidence that the variations in the concentrations of leptin, ghrelin, and insulin are related to variations in the BCS. Negative correlation between leptin and ghrelin contributes to the argument that leptin negatively regulates ghrelin.

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