Lack of effect of melatonin on ovarian function and response to estrous synchronization and fixed-time AI during the nonbreeding season in lactating dairy buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Estrous synchronization (ES) protocols for fixed-time AI (FTAI) have been mainly developed for Bos taurus cattle assuming that usage in Bos indicus cattle results in similar outcomes. Unexplained variation in the reproductive outcomes of these treatments in extensively managed Bos indicus herds has limited the adoption of FTAI. The aim was to evaluate the ovarian function in heifers treated with different doses of progesterone (P4). Brahman (n = 30) and Brahman-cross (n = 34; 3/4 to 7/8 Brahman) heifers weighing an average of 285 kg (248 to 323 kg) and 307 kg (250 to 363 kg), respectively, were allocated at random to 1 of 4 treatment groups: 1) full-dose Cue-Mate (CM100; two P4-impregnated pods, 1.56 g of P4; Bioniche Animal Health Aust/Asia, Armidale, NSW, Australia; n = 17); 2) half-dose Cue-Mate (CM50; one P4-impregnated pod; 0.78 g of P4; n = 15); 3) half-dose Cue-Mate + 300IU of eCG (CM50+G; Pregnecol, Bioniche Animal Health, Aust/Asia; n = 14) i.m. at Cue-Mate removal; and 4) double PGF2α group (PG; n = 18). Heifers in the P4-treated groups received 1 mg of EB (estradiol benzoate; Ciderol; 1 mg mL-1; Genetics Australia, Bacchus Marsh, Victoria) at Cue-Mate insertion (Day -10) and 24 h after Cue-Mate removal (Day -1) and 250 μg of PGF2α (Cloprostenol, Estromil, Ilium Veterinary Products, Smithfield, Australia) i.m. at Cue-Mate insertion (Day -10) and removal (Day -2). Heifers in the PG group received 500 μg of PGF2α on Day -16 and Day -2 i.m. Ovarian function was evaluated twice daily by transrectal ultrasonography on Day -1, Day 0 (expected estrus), and Day 1, and once daily on Days 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 of the synchronized and return cycles. Concurrent blood samples were collected to determine plasma P4 concentrations. A one-way ANOVA was used to analyze follicle diameter variables and Fisher’s Exact test was used to analyze all other data reported (StataCorp 2007, College Station, TX, USA). There was no difference (P = 0.31) in the diameter of the dominant follicle 54 to 56 h post-Cue-Mate removal (the time FTAI would be conducted) in the CM100 (11.5 ± 1.1), CM50 (13.3 ± 1.5), CM50+G (13.7 ± 1.5), or PG (14.5 ± 0.7) groups. Synchrony of ovulation in ovulating heifers did not differ (P < 0.05) between the P4-treated groups with 12/13 (CM100), 11/12 (CM50), and 9/12 (CM50+G) heifers ovulating within 53 to 77 h after Cue-Mate removal, but was lower (P < 0.02) for the PG group (1/5). Individual heifer P4 profiles revealed that 2/15, 1/15, 3/12, and 0/5 of heifers that ovulated in the CM100, CM50, CM50+G, andPG groups, respectively, failed to re-ovulate in the return cycle. Also, 1/15, 3/15, 1/12, and 0/5 of heifers that ovulated in the CM100, CM50, CM50+G, and PG groups, respectively, developed a CL that persisted into the return cycle. This study shows the potential benefits of using intravaginal devices containing a lower amount of P4 to induce synchronized ovulation in Brahman heifers, consistent with the findings of Carvalho et al. (2008 Theriogenology 69, 167).

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Parenteral Copper Administration at the Beginning of a Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocol in Beef Cattle: Effect on Ovarian Function and Pregnancy Rates

Biological Trace Element Research ◽

10.1007/s12011-021-02795-y ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Juan Patricio Anchordoquy ◽

Santiago Nicolás Lorenti ◽

Gustavo Sebastián Polero ◽

Nicolás Agustín Farnetano ◽

Diana Esther Rosa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Ovarian Function ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Pregnancy Rates

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Estrous synchronization and fertility of cross-bred dairy cows using prostaglandin F2α and gonadotropin releasing hormone

Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine ◽

10.31248/jasvm2021.291 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 171-175

Author(s):

Abubakr O. Ismail ◽

◽

Erneo B. Ochi ◽

Ambrose S. Jubara ◽

Bakri Ahmed A/Rahim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Prostaglandin F2α ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone ◽

Pregnancy Rates ◽

Releasing Hormone ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Estrous Synchronization ◽

Descriptive Statistical Analysis

A comparative hormonal study of prostaglandin, gonadotropin releasing hormone and their combination was conducted on 30 randomly selected cross-bred dairy cows of SEMEX project for artificial insemination in Hillat Kuku, Khartoum North, Sudan. The study attempts to determine the response of the animals to hormonal induction and synchronization of estrous as well as fertility following fixed time artificial insemination. Three treatment groups of 10 cows each were undertaken. Groups 1, 2 and 3 involved administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and a combination of PGF2α + GnRH, respectively. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. The results revealed that all the three protocols induced and synchronized estrous were almost synchronous in all the treated groups. However, protocol 3 revealed a significantly (p<0.05) better result of 70% pregnancy rate compared to other two protocols that equally provided 50% pregnancy rates. The study resolves that protocol 3 be highly recommended to change the mindset of farmers about the spread of reproductive technology in Sudan. Protocols 1 and 2 provided acceptable pregnancy rates that can be enhanced with the improvement of management.

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Effects of reproductive tract development and hormonal treatment on estrous synchronization in heifers

Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture ◽

10.9755/ejfa.2020.v32.i3.2061 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 198

Author(s):

Jorge Alonso Peralta-Torres ◽

Jesús Ricardo Aké-López ◽

Carlos Luna-Palomera ◽

José Candelario Segura-Correa ◽

Oswaldo Margarito Torres-Chablé ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Reproductive Tract ◽

Bos Indicus ◽

Hormonal Treatment ◽

Hormone Treatment ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Estradiol Benzoate ◽

Visual Observation ◽

Estrous Synchronization ◽

Tropical Conditions

Evaluation of the reproductive tract development (RTD) is a criterion rarely used when heifers are included in estrous synchronization programs. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of RTD (mature and immature) and hormonal treatment (EC and EB) on estrous expression rate and pregnancy rate in Bos indicus heifers under tropical conditions. RTD was evaluated with an ultrasound and classified as mature (n=99) or immature (n=101). Heifers received an intravaginal device (DIB®; day 0), 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) and 250 µg of cloprostenol (PGF2α). The DIB was removed on day 7 post insertion, and 250 µg of PGF2α was applied and heifers were divided into two groups: One group of heifers received 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate (EC group), and on day 8, a second group of heifers received 1 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB group). Estrus was detected by visual observation, and all heifers were inseminated at a fixed-time (FTAI). Fifteen days after insemination, bulls were introduced to the treatment groups. Data were analyzed using general modeling and binary logistic regression procedures. The percentage of estrus was similar for both mature and immature heifers (P>0.05), however, the heifers treated with EB had 17% animals in estrus, than the heifers that received EC (P <0.05). The pregnancy rate after FTAI (74.8%) and total pregnancy (FTAI + natural mating = 91.9%) was greater for the group of heifers with a mature reproductive tract (P<0.05). The hormone treatment had not effect (P>0.05) on the pregnancy rate. In conclusion, the heifers with mature reproductive tracts had the highest pregnancy rate after artificial insemination and total pregnancy. Hormonal treatment did not influence the pregnancy rate.

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Effects of extending the length of pro-oestrus in an oestradiol- and progesterone-based oestrus synchronisation program on ovarian function, uterine environment and pregnancy establishment in beef heifers

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd17473 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 30 (11) ◽

pp. 1541 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

J. J. de la Mata ◽

R. Núñez-Olivera ◽

F. Cuadro ◽

D. Bosolasco ◽

V. de Brun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ovarian Function ◽

Progesterone Receptors ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Conventional Group ◽

Dominant Follicle ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

Serum Progesterone ◽

Ovulatory Follicle ◽

Sexual Steroid ◽

Uterine Environment

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a strategy for extending pro-oestrus (the interval between luteolysis and ovulation) in an oestrus synchronisation protocol (named J-Synch) in beef heifers on follicular growth, sexual steroid concentrations, the oestrogen receptor ERα and progesterone receptors (PR) in the uterus, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 and pregnancy rates. In Experiment 1, heifers treated with the new J-Synch protocol had a longer pro-oestrus period than those treated with the conventional protocol (mean (± s.e.m.) 93.7 ± 12.9 vs 65.0 ± 13.7 h respectively; P < 0.05). The rate of dominant follicle growth from the time of progesterone device removal to ovulation was greater in heifers in the J-Synch than conventional group (P < 0.05). Luteal area and serum progesterone concentrations were greater in the J-Synch Group (P < 0.05) for the 12 days after ovulation. Progesterone receptor (PGR) staining on Day 6 after ovulation in the uterine stroma was lower in the J-Synch than conventional group (P < 0.05), and the expression of PR gene (PGR) and IGF1 gene tended to be lower in J-Synch-treated heifers (P < 0.1). In Experiment 2 (n = 2349), the pregnancy rate 30–35 days after fixed-time AI (FTAI) was greater for heifers in the J-Synch than conventional group (56.1% vs 50.7% respectively). In conclusion, our strategy for extending pro-oestrus (i.e. the J-Synch protocol) significantly improves pregnancy establishment in beef heifers. This improvement was related to an increased rate of growth of the dominant ovulatory follicle, greater progesterone concentrations during the ensuing luteal phase and different uterine patterns of PGR and IGF1, which may have favoured embryo development and pregnancy establishment.

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Efficacy of the Ovsynch protocol for synchronization of ovulation and fixed-time artificial insemination in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Theriogenology ◽

10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.02.004 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 64 (5) ◽

pp. 1049-1060 ◽

Cited By ~ 48

Author(s):

Vijay Paul ◽

B.S. Prakash

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Bubalus Bubalis ◽

Murrah Buffaloes

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Fatal Actinobacillosis in a Dairy Buffalo

Acta Veterinaria Brno ◽

10.2754/avb200675020247 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 75 (2) ◽

pp. 247-250 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

G. Muhammad ◽

M. Saqib ◽

M. Athar

Keyword(s):

Present Report ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Bubalus Bubalis ◽

Post Injection ◽

Provisional Diagnosis ◽

Colony Forming Unit ◽

Erythrocyte Sedimentation ◽

The Right ◽

Dairy Buffalo ◽

Intraperitoneal Inoculation

The present report describes a case of fatal actinobacillosis in a dairy buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Clinical signs included a large multilobular, firm abscess located caudo-ventral to the right ear base, submandiblar and prescapular lymphadenopathy, fever and dyspnoea. Haemogram revealed an accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and erythropenia. Provisional diagnosis of actinobacillosis was confirmed by the demonstration of a Gram-negative pleomorphic organism in pus, microscopic examination of a compression preparation of a sulphur granule as well as growth of the organism on blood agar. Intraperitoneal inoculation of pus in guinea pigs was fatal at around 48 hours post-injection. The LD50 of the Actinobacillus lignieresii isolate in mice was 104 colony forming unit per milliliter of Hank's balanced salt solution. The animal died 12 hours after the initiation of surgical drainage of the abscess and administration of iodide, antibiotics and steroids. Necropsy findings included interlobular pneumonia, pulmonary abscessation and mediastinal lympadenopathy that were ascribed to metastatic spread of the organisms to the lungs which probably led to the death of the animal. This case report appears to be the first documentation of fatal actinobacillosis in the dairy buffalo.

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107 Timing of progesterone exposure effects pregnancy rates following fixed time artificial insemination in postpartum beef cows

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz053.098 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 43-44

Author(s):

Anna L Smith ◽

Rebecca K Poole ◽

Kyle Mayberry ◽

McKayla A Newsome ◽

Harrison B Dudley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Beef Cows ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

Pregnancy Rates ◽

Estrous Synchronization ◽

Pregnancy Status ◽

Timed Artificial Insemination ◽

The Impact

Abstract Advancements in reproductive technologies have improved pregnancy rates in postpartum cows; however, undesirable consequences leading to reduced fertility still occur. Thus, the objectives were to determine if presence of a corpus luteum (CL) at the start of estrous synchronization (AIM1) or if the length of proestrus (interval from progesterone removal to a GnRH-induced LH surge; AIM2) alters fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) pregnancy rates. Cycling postpartum cows (n = 285) at two locations were synchronized using the CO-Synch+CIDR® FTAI protocol. Ultrasonographic measurements of luteal area were recorded at CIDR insertion. To determine the impact of proestrus length, cows were randomly assigned to either undergo CIDR removal at the time of PGF2a injection (long proestrus, n = 145), or CIDR removal 24 hours post PGF2a injection (short proestrus, n = 140). Blood samples were collected at CIDR insertion and at insemination for progesterone (P4) analysis. Pregnancy status to FTAI was assessed using ultrasonographic diagnosis at 30 d post insemination. Data were analyzed using a MIXED procedure of SAS and examined for effects of length of proestrus, P4 concentration, luteal area, sire, location, and age. Statistical significance was determined at P0.05) pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates were greater in cows with >1 ng/mL P4 compared to cows with 0.05). Cows > 4 y old had higher AI pregnancy rates compared to 2–3 y cows (70.2±7.4 vs. 51±5.8%, respectively; P > 0.05). Based on these data, incorporating a presynchronization program to ensure the presence of a functional CL at the start of a FTAI protocol may improve pregnancy success in postpartum beef cows.

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Milk progesterone profiles, blood metabolites, metabolic hormones and pregnancy rates in Awassi ewes treated by gestagen + eCG at the early breeding season

Veterinární Medicína ◽

10.17221/20/2009-vetmed ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 54 (No. 11) ◽

pp. 507-516 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

A. Marton ◽

V. Faigl ◽

M. Kerestes ◽

M. Kulcsar ◽

S. Nagy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ovarian Function ◽

Transition Period ◽

Late Summer ◽

Ovarian Response ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Conception Rate ◽

Metabolic Hormones ◽

Igf I ◽

Pre Treatment ◽

Almost All

The ovarian response to a standard chronogest + eCG treatment with plasma levels of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), thyroids, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), OH-butyrate (BHB) and urea-N (PUN) was studied in lactating Awassi ewes (n = 105) during the late-summer – early autumn transition period. The ewes were inseminated with diluted fresh semen after gestagen removal, and mated thereafter; 26 of them conceived at the fixed-time AI (fix AI; conception rate is calculated from lambing dates). Ovarian function was monitored by milk progesterone (P4) profiles. Before synchronization, the ovary was still acyclic in 33 and already cyclic in 72 ewes. Twenty-nine and 43 of the cyclic animals were in the follicular and luteal phases, respectively. After gestagen removal almost all (n = 104) ewes ovulated, although at AI elevated P4 levels related to the presence of partially luteinized follicles, and short-lived CL-s were observed in 10 and five animals (none of them re-conceived at the fixed time AI). Cycling ewes showed higher insulin and IGF-I levels than the acyclic animals, and those who had not conceived had higher PUN than the pregnant ones. The other metabolic parameters did not differ. Neither conception rate, nor the ovarian response was influenced by the pre-treatment.

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