scholarly journals Effects of Developmental Programming Caused by Maternal Nutrient Intake on Postnatal Performance of Beef Heifers and Their Calves

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1072
Author(s):  
Agustí Noya ◽  
Isabel Casasús ◽  
Javier Ferrer ◽  
Albina Sanz
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Antral Follicle ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Antral Follicle Count ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Maternal Undernutrition ◽  
Esterified Fatty Acids ◽  
Offspring Growth ◽  
Physiological Profiles

In this study, we evaluated the effects of maternal subnutrition in early pregnancy on the growth and reproductive performance of female offspring during their rearing, first gestation, and lactation. We inseminated 21 Parda and 15 Pirenaica multiparous cows and assigned them to a CONTROL (100% of nutrition requirements) or SUBNUT (65%) diet until day 82 of gestation. Cows were fed 100% requirements afterward. During the rearing of female offspring, growth, physiological profiles and ovarian follicular dynamic were studied. At 16 months old, heifers were inseminated. After first calving, dam–calf weights were recorded during lactation. Heifers born from CONTROL cows were heavier at weaning (four months old) than heifers born from SUBNUT cows, but this difference disappeared at the end of rearing and during the first gestation and lactation periods. All heifers reached puberty at a similar age and live weight. During rearing, SUBNUT heifers had higher concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, urea, and cholesterol and a lower antral follicle count than CONTROL, but no difference was found in their fertility rate. After heifer first calving, dam–calf weights were similar among groups. In conclusion, maternal undernutrition reduced offspring postnatal gains at weaning, compromising metabolic status and follicle population during rearing but did not impair performance in the first gestation and lactation periods of beef heifers.

scholarly journals Relationship of Conception Rate with Antral Follicle Count, Nutritional Parameters and Animal Behavior in Brahman Cows Submitted to TAI

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (5-esp.) ◽  
pp. 455-461
Author(s):  
Maria Eduarda Scheel Bomtempo ◽  
Marcela Bortoletto Cerezetti ◽  
Fábio Lucas Zito de Moraes ◽  
Renan Carlos Vicentin de Campos Silva ◽  
Elis Lorenzetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Animal Behavior ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Antral Follicle ◽  
Antral Follicle Count ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Relationship Of

Melhorar o desempenho reprodutivo é importante para aumentar a lucratividade das propriedades. Assim, nós avaliamos a contagem de folículos antrais (CFA), o escore de condição corporal (ECC), o peso vivo e o comportamento animal sobre à taxa de concepção de vacas Brahman submetidas à inseminação artificial em tempo-fixo (IATF). Vacas (n=122) receberam um protocolo convencional de IATF de três manejos (D0, 8 e 10) a base de estrógeno e progesterona, além do monitoramento da expressão de estro antes da inseminação. O ECC e o comportamento animal foram avaliados em todos os dias do protocolo, o peso foi mensurado no D0 e no diagnóstico de gestação (D40) e a CFA no D0. Para análise, estabeleceu-se os grupos de CFA (baixa, intermediária e alta), do comportamento (calma, inquieta e agitada), do peso (ganhando, mantendo e perdendo) e do ECC (ganhando, mantendo e perdendo). A taxa de concepção geral foi de 50%, e não esteve associada (p>0,05) a classificação da CFA (baixa/52,6%, intermediária/50,9% e alta/45,4%), do peso (ganhando/43,0%, mantendo/54,7% e perdendo/47,1%), do ECC (ganhando/44,0%, mantendo/54,3% e perdendo/37,5%) e do comportamento (calma/43,0%, inquieta/54,7% e agitada/47,1%). No entanto, a baixa CFA apresentou maior (p=0,05) proporção de animais com alta intensidade de estro (94,7%) e foi observado maior escore de reatividade (p=0,001) no primeiro dia de manejo da IATF em relação aos outros dias. Vacas com baixa CFA resultaram em maior proporção de expressão de estro e o primeiro dia de manejo da IATF determinou uma maior reatividade animal em relação aos outros dias do protocolo.   Palavras-chave: Condição Corporal. Inseminação Artificial. Performance Reprodutiva. Peso Vivo.    Abstract Improving reproductive performance is important to increase farm profitability. The  relationship of antral follicle count (AFC), body condition score (BCS), weight, and animal behavior on the conception rate in cows submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI). Cows (n=122) received a conventional TAI protocol of three managements (D0, 8, and 10) based on estrogen and progesterone, in addition to monitoring estrus expression before insemination. The BCS and behavior score were assessed every day of the TAI protocol. Weight was measured at D0 and in the pregnancy diagnosis (D40), and AFC was determined at D0. For analysis, the groups were established according to AFC (low, intermediate, and high), behavior animal (calm, restless, and agitated), weight variation (gaining, maintaining, and losing), and BCS variation (gaining, maintaining, and losing). The overall conception rate was 50%, and it was not associated with (P>0.05) the AFC classification (low/52.6%, intermediate/50.9%, and high/45.4%), weight variations (gaining/43.0%, maintaining/54.7%, and losing/47.1%), BCS variations (gaining/44.0%, maintaining/54.3%, and losing/37.5%) and animal behavior (calm/43.0%, restless/54.7%, and agitated/47.1%). However, the low AFC showed a higher (P=0.05) proportion of animals with high intensity of estrus expression (94.7%). In addition, a higher score for animal reactivity (P=0.001) was noted on the first day of the management of TAI protocol than to the other days of the hormonal protocol. The low AFC resulted in a higher proportion of cows with high estrus expression and the management practices for TAI determined a greater animals reactivity at the beginning of the breeding program.   Keywords: Body Condition. Artificial Insemination. Reproductive Performance. Live Weight.

scholarly journals PSI-27 Effect of antral follicle count on time intervals to estrus and ovulation in crossbred beef heifers

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 472-472
Author(s):  
Maria K Chavez ◽  
Shelby L Rosasco ◽  
Matthew C Herrington ◽  
Joslyn K Beard ◽  
Adam F Summers
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Antral Follicle ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Antral Follicle Count ◽  
Prediction Tool ◽  
Estrus Synchronization ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Antral Follicles

Abstract While genetics are an unreliable indicator of fertility, antral follicle count (AFC) has recently been recognized as a useful fertility prediction tool in heifers. The aim of this study was to determine if AFC exerts an effect on response to synchronization, time to estrus (TTE), and/or time to ovulation (TTO). Twenty-five crossbred heifers were classified by AFC, either high (> 25 antral follicles), moderate (16–24 antral follicles), or low (< 15 follicles) and utilized in two experiments. In experiment 1, heifers were subjected to the Select Synch + CIDR fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. After synchronization, estrus activity was monitored every 3 h until standing estrus was observed. Heifers were examined at 12 and 18 h after observation of standing estrus and every 3 h thereafter to monitor ovulation. In experiment 1, the proportion of heifers that responded to the protocol was not significant (P = 0.71) among classification groups. Time to estrus and time to ovulation were similar between groups (P > 0.90). In experiment 2, heifers were placed with bulls for 60 d and were monitored for signs of estrus every 3 h. Results of experiment 2 indicated that response to estrus synchronization was similar across groups (P = 0.46). Time to estrus was greater (P = 0.04) in the high AFC group than in the low or moderate AFC groups. This may be attributed to lower concentrations of circulating gonadotropins in high AFC heifers, resulting in decreased intrafollicular estradiol. Differences in TTE results between experiment 1 and experiment 2 may be explained by increased reproductive function as heifers continued to mature during the study. These results suggest that differences in TTE may be related to AFC. Additional research is needed to corroborate these results and inform the creation of differing FTAI protocols based on AFC.

Should fertile women quit drinking alcohol to produce better quality oocytes?

Zygote ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Burcu Ozbakir ◽  
Pinar Tulay
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Antral Follicle ◽  
Antral Follicle Count ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Social Drinkers ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Healthy Women ◽  
Significant Difference

Summary Alcohol consumption has long been shown to affect both fetal health and pregnancy. In this study, antral follicle count, maturation level of oocytes including morphological assessment and number of metaphase I (MI), metaphase II (MII) and germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes obtained from young women (age < 30 years old) with or without alcohol consumption were investigated. In total, 20 healthy women who were social drinkers and 36 healthy women who do not consume alcohol were involved in this study. Women in both study and control groups were undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. The antral follicle count and the number and quality of the oocytes retrieved were evaluated and recorded. In total, 635 antral follicles, 1098 follicles and 1014 oocytes with 820 MII, 72 MI and 78 GV stage oocytes were collected from the social drinkers. In the control group, 628 antral follicles, 1136 follicles and 1085 oocytes with 838 MII, 93 MI and 102 GV stage oocytes were evaluated. The results of this study showed that the antral follicle count was very similar in both groups. The number of oocytes and MII stage oocytes was slightly higher in the control group, although it was not a significant difference. This study showed that although the consumption of alcohol may have adverse effects post-implantation, it may not have a solid effect during oogenesis in young women. The results of this study are especially important in clinical settings as some women who are social drinkers undergo in vitro fertilization treatments.

scholarly journals Effects of Hydrosalpinx on Endometrial Implantation Failures: Evaluating Salpingectomy in Women Undergoing in vitro fertilization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Palagiano ◽  
Mauro Cozzolino ◽  
Filippo Maria Ubaldi ◽  
Chiara Palagiano ◽  
Maria Elisabetta Coccia
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Oocyte Retrieval ◽  
Ovarian Response ◽  
Antral Follicle ◽  
Antral Follicle Count ◽  
Endometrial Receptivity ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Ultrasonographic Guidance

AbstractHydrosalpinx is a disease characterized by the obstruction of the salpinx, with progressive accumulation in the shape of a fluid-filled sac at the distal part of the tuba uterina, and closed to the ovary. Women with hydrosalpinges have lower implantation and pregnancy rates due to a combination of mechanical and chemical factors thought to disrupt the endometrial environment. Evidence suggests that the presence of hydrosalpinx reduces the rate of pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology. The main aim of the present is review to make an overview of the possible effects of hydrosalpinx on in vitro fertilization (IVF). We conducted a literature search on the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Google Scholar data bases regarding hydrosalpinx and IVF outcomes. Hydrosalpinx probably has a direct toxic effect on sperm motility and on the embryos. In addition, the increasing liquid inside the salpinges could alter the mechanisms of endometrial receptivity. The window of endometrial receptivity is essential in the implantation of blastocysts, and it triggers multiple reactions arising from the endometrium as well as the blastocysts. Hydrosalpinx could influence the expression of homeobox A10 (HOXA10) gene, which plays an essential role in directing embryonic development and implantation. Salpingectomy restores the endometrial expression of HOXA10; therefore, it may be one mechanism by which tubal removal could result in improved implantation rates in IVF. In addition, salpingectomy does not affect the ovarian response, nor reduces the antral follicle count. Further studies are needed to establish the therapeutic value of fluid aspiration under ultrasonographic guidance, during or after oocyte retrieval, in terms of pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy.

scholarly journals Beef heifer fertility: importance of management practices and technological advancements

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Moorey ◽  
Fernando H. Biase
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Transcript Abundance ◽  
Antral Follicle ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Beef Heifer ◽  
Fertility Potential ◽  
Cow Calf

Abstract The development of replacement heifers is at the core of cow-calf beef production systems. In 2020, the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service reported 5.771 million beef heifers, 500 pounds and over, are under development for cow replacement. A compilation of data from several studies indicate that between 85% and 95% of these heifers will become pregnant in their first breeding season. Several thousands of heifers being raised for replacement may not deliver a calf on their first breeding season and result in economic losses to cow-calf producers. Many management procedures have been developed to maximize the reproductive potential of beef heifers. Such approaches include, but are not limited to the following: nutritional management for controlled weight gain, identification of reproductive maturity by physiological and morphological indicators, and the implementation of an estrous synchronization program. The implementation of management strategies has important positive impact(s) on the reproductive efficiency of heifers. There are limitations, however, because some heifers deemed ready to enter their first breeding season do not become pregnant. In parallel, genetic selection for fertility-related traits in beef heifers have not promoted major genetic gains on this particular area, most likely due to low heritability of female fertility traits in cattle. Technologies such as antral follicle counting, DNA genotyping and RNA profiling are being investigated as a means to aid in the identification of heifers of low fertility potential. To date, many polymorphisms have been associated with heifer fertility, but no DNA markers have been identified across herds. Antral follicle count is an indication of the ovarian reserve and is an indicator of the reproductive health of a heifer. We have been working on the identification of transcriptome profiles in heifers associated with pregnancy outcome. Our current investigations integrating protein-coding transcript abundance and artificial intelligence have identified the potential for bloodborne transcript abundance to be used as indicators of fertility potential in beef heifers. In summary, there is an ongoing pressure for reducing costs and increasing efficiency in cow-calf production systems, and new technologies can help reduce the long-standing limitations in beef heifer fertility.

scholarly journals Prevention of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: A Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinayak Smith ◽  
Tiki Osianlis ◽  
Beverley Vollenhoven
Keyword(s):  
Gnrh Agonist ◽  
Ovulation Induction ◽  
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Antral Follicle ◽  
Antral Follicle Count ◽  
Ovarian Hyperstimulation ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Broad Perspective ◽  
Single Method

The following review aims to examine the available evidence to guide best practice in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). As it stands, there is no single method to completely prevent OHSS. There seems to be a benefit, however, in categorizing women based on their risk of OHSS and individualizing treatments to curtail their chances of developing the syndrome. At present, both Anti-Müllerian Hormone and the antral follicle count seem to be promising in this regard. Both available and upcoming therapies are also reviewed to give a broad perspective to clinicians with regard to management options. At present, we recommend the use of a “step-up” regimen for ovulation induction, adjunct metformin utilization, utilizing a GnRH agonist as an ovulation trigger, and cabergoline usage. A summary of recommendations is also made available for ease of clinical application. In addition, areas for potential research are also identified where relevant.

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