Resynchronization of follicular wave using long-acting injectable progesterone or estradiol benzoate at 14 days post-TAI in Bos taurus x Bos indicus beef heifers

Author(s):  
Camila Cupper Vieira ◽  
Hirya Fernandes Pinto ◽  
Vanessa Buss ◽  
Bruno Gonzalez de Freitas ◽  
Bruna Martins Guerreiro ◽  
...  
2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 177 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ramos ◽  
L. Cutaia ◽  
P. Chesta ◽  
G. A. Bó

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of the timing of fixed-time AI (FTAI) in relation to the removal of an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (1 g of progesterone, DIB, Syntex SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina) on pregnancy rates in Bos indicus × Bos taurus cross-bred heifers. In experiment 1, 285 Bonsmara × zebu cross-bred heifers, between 18 and 24 months of age and with a body condition score (BCS) between 3.0 and 3.5 (1-5 scale) were used. On the day of initiation of treatment (Day 0), the heifers’ ovaries were palpated (92% of them had a CL) and they received a new DIB plus 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB; Syntex SA) and 250 μg of cloprostenol (Ciclase DL, Syntex SA). On Day 8, DIB devices were removed and all heifers received 250 μg of Ciclase plus 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate (ECP; Cipiosyn, Syntex SA). At that time the heifers were randomly divided to receive FTAI between 48 to 49 h, 53 to 54 h, or 58 to 59 h after DIB removal. The heifers underwent FTAI with semen from 4 bulls by 2 inseminators. In experiment 2, 260 heifers from the same group as those used in experiment 1 (87% with a CL) were treated exactly as those in experiment 1, except that previously used DIB was inserted on Day 0. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 days post-fixed-time AI by ultrasonography. The data were analyzed by logistic regression, taking into account the effect of time of FTAI, semen, and inseminator on pregnancy rates. In experiment 1, pregnancy rates were lower (P = 0.04) in the heifers undergoing FTAI between 48 and 49 h after DIB removal (46/95, 48.4%) than those undergoing FTAI 53 to 54 h (61/99, 61.6%) or 58 to 60 h (57/91, 62.6%) after DIB removal. However, no differences in pregnancy rates were found (P = 0.72) in experiment 2 between the 3 treatment groups, with 39/91 (42.9%) for the 48 to 49 h group, 45/89 (50.6%) for the 53 to 54 h group, and 35/89 (43.8%) for the 58 to 59 h group. There was no effect of the semen or inseminator (P > 0.2) in either experiment. We conclude that when Bos indicus × Bos taurus beef heifers are synchronized with new DIB devices and ECP, higher pregnancy rates are obtained in heifers undergoing FTAI late (between 53 to 60 h after DIB removal) than in those undergoing FTAI early (48 to 49 h after DIB removal). However, time of insemination does not apparently affect pregnancy rates when Bos indicus × Bos taurus beef heifers are synchronized with previously used DIB devices and ECP.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 212
Author(s):  
C. C. Vieira ◽  
V. Buss ◽  
A. M. Oliveira ◽  
M. E. R. Costa ◽  
B. G. Freitas ◽  
...  

The effect of the exposure of pregnant cattle to oestradiol benzoate (EB) or injectable long-acting progesterone (iP4), as well as their use for early resynchronisation of non-pregnant (NP) females within the second week after timed AI (TAI), is yet to be assessed. This study aimed to assess the pregnancy rate and embryonic loss of cross-bred Bos taurus×Bos indicus beef heifers in response to an EB- or iP4-based resynchronisation strategy implemented 14 days after the first TAI. A total of 677 cyclic heifers (Braford and Brangus; 24 months old) were subjected to an EB/P4 synchronisation protocol for the first TAI (Day 0=TAI). On Day 14, all heifers received a new P4 intravaginal device (1g, Sincrogest, Ourofino Saúde Animal) and were randomly assigned to two groups: EB (1mg intramuscularly, Sincrodiol; n=339) or iP4 (75 mg intramuscularly, Sincrogest Injetável; n=338). On Day 22, P4 devices were removed and heifers underwent colour Doppler ultrasonography evaluation. Non-pregnant females were identified by the assessment of structural regression of the corpus luteum, as previously reported by our group. On Day 22, NP heifers received 1mg of oestradiol cipionate (SincroCP), 250µg of sodium cloprostenol (Sincrocio), and 200IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (SincroeCG), and they were inseminated on Day 24. On Day 22, the diameter of the preovulatory follicle (POF) was also recorded. Pregnancy was diagnosed via B-mode ultrasonography on Days 35-40 and 54. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software (ver. 9.2, SAS Institute Inc.). The MIXED procedure was used to evaluate the POF diameter, and the GLIMMIX procedure was used to develop a multivariate model including treatment, breed, age, farm (1-7), and possible interactions of treatment with farm, breed, and age to evaluate the binomial data (pregnancy rates and embryonic loss). In NP heifers, the diameter of the POF on Day 22 did not differ (P>0.05) between the EB (9.77±0.25mm) and iP4 (9.92±0.22 mm) groups. Exposure to EB or iP4 on Day 14 post-TAI did not influence pregnancy rates as assessed on Day 22 (56.3% (191/339) vs. 60.1% (203/338)) and on Days 35-40 (49.6% (168/339) vs. 53.3% (180/338)). In addition, embryonic loss between Days 22 and 35-40 was not different between the EB (12%, 23/191) and iP4 (11.3%, 23/203) groups. On the other hand, pregnancy rates in heifers submitted to the second TAI were greater (P=0.01) in the EB group (45.95%, 68/148) than in the iP4 group (31.85%, 43/135). In conclusion, improved pregnancy rates can be achieved using 1mg of EB associated with a P4 intravaginal device on Day 14 of the resynchronisation protocol without affecting the first TAI pregnancy rates and embryonic loss. However, further investigation is warranted to assess the lower pregnancy rates obtained in response to the association of iP4 and P4 device. This research was supported by FAPESP (2015/10606-9; 2019/15514-6), Graduate Studies Support Program (PAPG-UNIPAMPA), and Ourofino Saúde Animal.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 300
Author(s):  
T. Miyauchi ◽  
C. A. C. Fernandes ◽  
E. R. Oliveira ◽  
B. F. L. Alves ◽  
J. H. M. Viana

Transvaginal guided follicle aspiration (TGFA) is the main technique used in Brazil to recover oocytes for in vitro embryo production (IVP) in bovine. Different protocols have been proposed to synchronize follicular emergence in oocyte donors, but most of them were developed for use in European breeds of cattle, which show many differences in ovarian physiology when compared with Zebu breeds. The aim of this study was to compare different protocols for preparation of Gyr (dairy zebu breed) oocyte donors. The TGFA were performed in a donor management facility located in Minas Gerais State, southeast Brazil. Pluriparous cycling Gir cows (n = 42) were used as donors. All cows underwent 3 treatments: G1 (control), no treatment before TGFA; G2, 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) for follicular wave synchronization given i.m. 5 days before TGFA; and G3, norgestomet auricular implants given 9 days and 2 mg of EB plus 0.53 mg of cloprostenol given 5 days before TGFA. The interval between TGFA in the same donor was greater than 30 days. All procedures were made by the same technician, using a portable ultrasound device, disposable 19G or 20G needles, and a vacuum pressure of 80 mm Hg. The aspirated follicular fluid was collected in 50-mL Falcon tubes and sent to the laboratory for COC identification and classification under 50 × magnification. Recovered oocytes were classified according to cumulus cell layers and cytoplasm morphology. The total number of oocytes and viable COC recovered and the procedure length (min), including time spent for TGFA and laboratory manipulation, were compared. Data were evaluated by ANOVA, and means compared by Tukey’s test. A total of 126 TGFA sessions were performed, with recovery of 2,809 oocytes (20.31 ± 12.32 of COC and 14.83 ± 7.97 of viable COC per cow/session; mean ± SD). The total number of recovered oocytes and viable COC recovered were lower in G1 compared with G2 and G3 (15.18 ± 11.07 v. 21.18 ± 9.71 and 24.68 ± 9.03; and 9.53 ± 7.22 v. 16.97 ± 6.47 and 18.84 ± 8.90, respectively; P < 0.05) There was no difference (P > 0.05) between G2 and G3 on the number of oocytes or viable COCs recovered. The procedure length, however, was longer in G1 and G2 compared with G3 (49.6 ± 15.1 and 46.9 ± 13.4 v. 35.8 ± 13.1 min, respectively; P < 0.05) The shorter procedure length in G3 was probably associated with the reduced number of cows showing no corpora lutea (38/42, 90%), which resulted in reduction of bleeding and clot formation in the aspirated fluid. These results show that (1) previous follicular wave synchronization by EB can improve the number and quality of recovered oocytes; (2) the absence of corpora lutea does not increase the number of recovered COC and viable COC, but reduces the time spent in the procedure. Intervet Schering Plough Animal Health.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 293 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. U. Gimenes ◽  
M. L. Ferraz ◽  
A. Araujo ◽  
P. Fantinato Neto ◽  
M. R. Chiarati ◽  
...  

One important factor in the success of ovum pickup (OPU)/IVP in Bos taurus is the follicular status at OPU concerning the dominance period (Hendriksen et al. 2000 Theriogenology 53, 11-20). The hypothesis of the present study is that OPU performed after follicle deviation, when follicles show a mild level of atresia, improves competence for IVP in Nelore (NE), Holstein (HO), and buffaloes (BU). Objectives were to determine effects of OPU done at different times of synchronized follicular wave (1, 3, or 5 d after expected emergence) and of genetic group (NE, HO, and BU) on IVP. A total of 27 heifers (9 of each genetic group) were maintained in contemporary nutritional and environmental conditions during experiment, in a cross-over design, performed in 6 replicates. Recovered oocytes with at least one cumulus cell layer were matured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% of FCS plus 50 μM of cysteamin and 0.3 mM of cystine, at 38.5°C with 5% CO2 in air for 24 h. IVF was done with 2 × 106 spermatozoa per mL of NE (for bovine oocytes) or BU semen (for BU oocytes), for 20 h at the same incubator conditions of IVM. After IVF, presumptive zygotes were denuded and cultured in SOF under the same previous atmosphere conditions. Medium was changed 3 d after IVF when cleavage rate (CR) was assessed. Blastocyst (BR) and hatching rates (HR) were evaluated 7 and 9 days after IVF, respectively. About 50% of hatched blastocysts were fixed until nuclei counting. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the Proc Mixed model. No effects of interaction or time of synchronization were observed in any of the variables. Concerning genetic group, NE had better results than HO and BU (mean ± SEM / heifer / replicate), respectively, for visualized follicles (41.0a ± 2.1, 22.1b ± 1.3, 18.8b ± 0.9), total oocytes (37.1a ± 2.5, 15.4b ± 1.2, 14.8b ± 1.0), oocytes at IVM (30.8a ± 2.4, 10.7b ± 1.0, 7.9b ± 0.7), oocytes at IVC (18.7a ± 0.8, 8.0b ± 0.5, 7.5b ± 0.4), cleaved embryos (15.4a ± 0.7, 4.6b ± 0.4, 4.4b ± 0.3),CR(81.8a, 59.1b, 62.3b), blastocysts on Day 7 (5.1a ± 0.6, 1.0b ± 0.2, 0.6b ± 0.1), BR (25.8a, 13.6b, 9.1b), and hatched blastocysts on Day 9 (2.6a ± 0.4, 0.3b ± 0.1, 0.3b ± 0.1). Recovery rate and HR were greater for NE (89.4 and 50.6%, respectively) than for HO (73.3 and 23.2%), but neither differed from BU (82.8 and 31.9%). Also, the percentage of viable was greater for NE (83.0) than for HO (66.9) and BU (53.1). No effects were observed for nuclei counting (NE = 176.6 ± 5.3, HO = 168.9 ± 13.7 and BU = 206.1 ± 23.1). Results demonstrate that Nelore had a better efficiency for IVP than Holstein and buffaloes. OPU performed at different times of synchronized follicular wave did not influence IVP, conversely to the initial hypothesis of this study. FAPESP (06/59550-6, 07/04782-2), Tortuga Cia Zootecnica®, Santa Adele and São Caetano Farms, LMMD, PCAPS, HOVET (Dr. Ubiraem Schalch), VRA, VNP (Prof. Dr. Francisco de Palma Rennó).


2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 155
Author(s):  
L. D. P. Sinedino ◽  
B. T. Gerhardt ◽  
J. A. Moura ◽  
A. P. Dourado ◽  
I. L. Goulart ◽  
...  

Physiological and behavioral differences between Bos taurus and Bos indicus can influence the response to a fixed AI protocol. The objective of this study was to examine the reduction of the usual dose of 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) to 1 mg at the beginning of a fixed-time AI protocol, aiming at follicular regression. In a second step, we evaluated the effect of EB on follicle development during follicular pre-deviation and dominance. The experiment was performed at Monte Verde Farm (Uberaba, MG, Brazil). Twenty-two cows (n = 10 heifers and n = 12 nonlactating cows) underwent an estrous synchronization protocol with a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (P4; Sincrogest®, Ouro Fino Animal Health, São Paulo, Brazil) and received 1 (G1mg, n = 11) or 2 mg (G2mg, n = 11) of EB (Sincrodiol®, Ouro Fino Animal Health), on a random day (designated Day 0). Follicular dynamics was monitored once per day by ultrasonography from Day 0 to 4 with blood sample collections. In a second step, females received 2 mg of EB on Day 3 (GD3, pre-deviation, n = 4) or Day 5 (GD5, dominance, n = 4) of the estrous cycle (Day 0 was the ovulation). Following these treatments, follicular development was monitored daily for 6 days with blood sample collections. The statistical analysis was conducted using the SAS System for Windows 2 (2003; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The explanatory variables included in the statistical model were the dose of EB, animal category (cows and heifers), and their interaction. The mean test was used to compare intervals from EB treatment to follicular atresia and follicular wave emergence using ANOVA. Progesterone concentrations between groups were compared using the Wilcoxon test. Independently of animal category or stage of the estrous cycle, both EB doses (1 or 2 mg) induced follicular atresia in 2.2 ± 0.9 and 2.1 ± 1.2 days (P > 0.05), respectively. Emergence of a new follicular wave was observed, from Day 0 to 4, in 64% (7/11) of females from G1mg and in 45% (5/11) from G2mg, and the interval between treatment and follicular emergence was 3.4 ± 0.8 and 3.0 ± 1.0 days (P > 0.05), respectively. Plasma progesterone concentrations of the 22 animals increased from 2.1 ± 2.0 ng mL–1 to 7.6 ± 3.0 ng mL–1 by 24 h after the device insertion (P < 0.05), reaching peak concentration (8.0 ± 3.0 ng mL–1) by 48 h after treatment beginning, decreasing to 6.4 ± 2.5 ng mL–1 by 72 h, and remaining constant up to 96 h. Estradiol benzoate injection at follicle pre-deviation (GD3) caused follicular atresia (2.0 ± 1.4 days) and emergence of a new follicular wave in 3.7 ± 0.1 days in all animals (4/4). However, EB injection during follicle dominance (GD5) did not synchronize a new follicular wave and follicles persisted during the time of monitoring. Furthermore, EB applied at dominance hastened luteolysis in 50% (2/4) of the treated animals. In conclusion, a reduced dose of EB (1 mg) at the beginning of the protocol with P4 effectively induces follicular atresia. To synchronize a wave emergence at any stage of the estrous cycle, EB must be associated with an exogenous source of progesterone.


2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 242 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. U. Gimenes ◽  
N. A. T. Carvalho ◽  
M. F. Sá Filho ◽  
H. Ayres ◽  
J. R. S. Torres-Júnior ◽  
...  

In Holstein cows, the diameter of the dominant follicle (DF) at the time of follicle deviation is 8.5 mm and the subordinate follicle (SF) is 7.2 mm (Ginther et al. 1996 Biol. Reprod. 55, 1187–1194). However, follicular responsiveness to an ovulatory treatment occurs only with 10.0-mm-diameter follicles (Sartori et al. 2001 Biol. Reprod. 65, 1403–1409). The current study tested the hypothesis that, in Bos indicus (Nelore and crossbred Nelore � Gir) females, the follicular diameters at the time of deviation and ovulation responsiveness are smaller than those in Holstein cows. The experiment was performed in two phases. In the first phase, 12 Nelore heifers were previously synchronized with a protocol using progestagen and estradiol benzoate. After implant removal, all heifers were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography (Aloka SSD-500, Tokyo, Japan) every 12 h until Day 5 of the estrous cycle (Day 0 = Day of the ovulation) to assess the time of ovulation, the time of follicle deviation, and the follicular diameter at the deviation. In the second phase, 29 Bos indicus heifers (Nelore and crossbred Nelore � Gir) were previously synchronized with the same protocol as cited above. After the ovulations (Day 0), the follicles were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography every 24 h, until they reached the diameter of 7.0–8.4 mm (n = 9); 8.5–10.0 mm (n = 10); and &gt;10.0 mm (n = 10). In order to assess the ovulatory capacity, all animals were treated with 25 mg of LH (Lutropin-V�; Bioniche Animal Health, Inc., Belleville, Ontario, Canada) at these follicle diameter ranges. After the LH treatment, all animals were monitored by ultrasonography every 12 h for 48 h. ANOVA, Bartlett, and chi-square tests were used in the statistical analyses. In the first phase, the diameters of the DF and SF at the time of follicular deviation (61.9 � 4.9 h after ovulation) were 6.2 � 0.2 and 5.8 � 0.2 mm, respectively. In the second phase, the the average follicular diameters at the time of LH administration in the groups 7.0–8.4 mm, 8.5–10.0 mm, and &gt;10.0 mm were 7.6a � 0.1 mm, 9.6b � 0.1 mm, and 10.9c � 0.2 mm; and their ovulation rates were 33.3%a (3/9), 80.0%b (8/10), and 90.0%b (9/10), respectively (P &lt; 0.05). The interval from LH treatment to ovulation was 38.0 � 4.0 h, 31.5 � 2.7 h, and 30.0 � 2.0 h, respectively (P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, in Bos indicus heifers, follicle deviation occurred with smaller diameters than previously reported in Bos taurus breeds. In addition, Bos indicus heifers are able to ovulate in response to 25 mg of LH with smaller diameters compared to those of Bos taurus breeds. Moreover, in Bos indicus heifers, ovulatory capacity is acquired by follicles as small as 7.0–8.4 mm, but this responsiveness significantly increases after follicles reach 8.5–10.0 mm. This work was supported by FAPESP (Proc:03/10203-4); Bioniche Animal Health, Inc., Belleville, Ontario, Canada; and Tecnopec, S�o Paulo, Brazil.


2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 234 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Tribulo ◽  
E. Balla ◽  
L. Cutaia ◽  
G.A. Bo ◽  
P.S. Baruselli ◽  
...  

Although several studies have investigated the relationship between circulating progesterone and pregnancy rates in cattle, the beneficial effect of treatments that increase progesterone concentrations, by insertion of a progesterone (P4) releasing device or induction of an accessory CL with hCG, GnRH, or LH treatment, has resulted in inconsistent effects on pregnancy rates in embryo recipients. An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of hCG or GnRH treatment, given at the time of embryo transfer without estrus detection, on pregnancy rates in recipients treated with intrauterine P4-releasing devices, estradiol benzoate (EB), and eCG. The experiment was performed in two replicates; non-lactating Bos taurus × Bos indicus crossbred beef cows with a body condition score between 2.5 to 3.5 (1-to-5 scale) were used (replicate 1, n = 180; replicate 2, n = 140). All cows received 1 g of P4 via a P4-releasing device (DIB, Syntex, Argentina) and 2 mg EB i.m. (Syntex) on Day 0, and 400 IU of eCG i.m. (Novormon 5000, Syntex) plus 150 μg d(+)cloprostenol i.m. (Ciclase, Syntex) on Day 5. DIBs were removed on Day 8 and all cows received 1 mg EB i.m. on Day 9. Recipients were not observed for signs of estrus, and those >1 CL, or a single CL with an area >256 mm2, received 195 Grade 1 and 46 Grade 2 frozen/thawed “direct transfer” embryos on Day 17. At the time of embryo transfer, recipients were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatment groups to receive 1500 IU hCG (Ovusyn, Syntex), 50 μg Lecirelina (GnRH, Gonasyn, Syntex), or no treatment (control) at that time. Ovarian ultrasonography was performed on Day 0 to determine ovarian status (only cows with a CL or a follicle >10 mm and uterine tone were used), on Day 17 to measure CL area, and 40 days after embryo transfer to determine pregnancy status. Data were analyzed by logistic regression and the effects of replication, technician, treatment, and embryo quality were considered in the model. From the 320 recipients treated with a DIB plus EB and eCG, 241 (75.3%) were selected to receive an embryo. Nine (3.7%) and 1 (0.4%) of the selected recipients had 2 and 3 CL, respectively. Pregnancy rates did not differ between replicates (replicate 1: 80/140, 57.1%; and replicate 2: 57/101, 56.4%; P = 0.84), technicians (technician 1: 65/118, 55.1%; and technician 2: 72/123, 58.5%; P = 0.64), or treatments (hCG: 43/80, 53.8%; GnRH: 45/83, 54.2%; and control: 49/78, 62.8% P = 0.99). However, pregnancy rates were higher (P = 0.001) in recipients receiving Grade 1 embryos (121/195, 62.1%) than in those receiving Grade 2 embryos (16/46, 34.8%). GnRH or hCG treatment at the time of embryo transfer did not increase pregnancy rates in recipients synchronized with P4 releasing devices, EB, and eCG. Research was supported by Syntex S.A., Estancia El Mangrullo S.A., and Agencia Cordoba Ciencia S.E.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Guimarães Silva ◽  
Leonardo Marin Ferreira Pinto ◽  
Nadark de Amorim Silva ◽  
Ana Clara Degan Mattos ◽  
Pablo Henrique Ambrósio ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Imron ◽  
Iman Supriatna ◽  
. Amrozi ◽  
Mohamad Agus Setiadi

<p class="abstrak2">Superovulation treatment on PO cattle (Bos indicus) was less responsive compared to Bos taurus breed. It might due to the difference of their follicular dynamic. This study was conducted to investigate the follicular dynamics and its repeatability in PO cattle. Follicular dynamics observations conducted on 9 cows trough ultrasound scanning every day. Observations of wave patterns repeatability were performed in 6 cows which its wave pattern already known on the next consecutive IOI.  Research result indicated that PO cattle had 3 (66%) and 4-waves (34%) pattern. The first wave of 3 and 4-waves pattern emerged on day -0.4+0.9 and 1.4+1.1 respectively.  The second wave of 3 and 4-wave pattern emerged on day 9.8+1.5 and 7.4+1.9 respectively.  The pattern of 3 waves has a longer follicle dominant duration (11.6+1.5 day) in the first wave of estrous cycle, compared with 4 waves pattern (10+2.92 and 7+1.00 day respectively). The growth rate of dominant follicle was not different significantly between the 3 and 4-waves pattern (0.87+0.23 and 0.94+0.25 mm/day respectively). Similarly, ovulatory follicle diameter between 3 and 4-waves pattern was also not different significantly (12.24+12.34 and 12.30+12.23 mm respectively). Observation of wave patterns repeatability in 6 PO cows indicated that PO cattle had high repeatability in follicular wave pattern (0.88) and the number of growing follicle was 0.91.  This study resulted data for dynamic of follicular development, wave pattern, its repeatability which be expected to design the protocol of superovulation treatment or other reproduction technologies based on follicular dynamic to improve its result in PO cattle.</p><p> </p>


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 212
Author(s):  
L.F. Nasser ◽  
E.L. Reis ◽  
A.M. Oliveira ◽  
G.A. Bo ◽  
P.S. Baruselli

It has been shown recently that treatments with progesterone (P4)-releasing devices combined with estradiol benzoate (EB) plus P4 on Day 0, eCG and PGF on Day 5 and a second application of EB one day after device removal (Day 9) can be used successfully to transfer bovine embryos at a self-appointed time, without the necessity of estrus detection. Although the treatment solved one of the major problems in recipient management, estrus detection, it requires handling the recipients at least five times for treatments and embryo transfer. An experiment was designed to evaluate whether reducing one day of handling, by the administration of eCG and PGF at the time of removal of the P4 device (Day 8), results in comparable pregnancy rates than giving eCG on Day 5. A secondary objective was to determine the effect of injectable P4 at the time of device insertion plus EB treatment. Crossbred Bos taurus×Bos indicus beef heifers (n=301) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups in a 2 by 2 factorial design. All Heifers received a P4 device (DIB, Syntex, Argentina) plus 2mg EB i.m. (Syntex) at unknown stages of the estrous cycle (Day 0), with or without 50mg of P4 given i.m. at the same time. Heifers were further subdivided to receive PGF (0.150mg d-cloprostenol, Prolise, Tecnopec, Sao Paulo, Brazil) and 400IU of eCG (Novormon, Syntex) i.m. on Days 5 or 8. In all heifers, DIB devices were removed on Day 8 and 1 mg EB was administered i.m. on Day 9. Day 10 was arbitrarily considered as the day of estrus. On Day 17, heifers were bled for plasma P4 concentrations and examined by ultrasonography to determine the number of CL and their diameter. Heifers that had &gt;1 CL or a single CL with diameter ≥18mm received an in vitro-produced (IVP) embryo by nonsurgical transfer performed by the same veterinarian. Pregnancy rates were determined by ultrasonography 30 days later. The effects of Day of eCG administration (Day 5 or Day 8), P4 of treatment (E2 or E2+P4) and the day-by-P4 treatment interaction on the numbers of CL and plasma P4 were analyzed by ANOVA, and the proportion of recipients selected and pregnant were analyzed using non-parametric tests (NPAR1WAY, SAS). There was no significant effect of P4 treatment or the P4-by-day of eCG interaction in any of the parameters evaluated. However, there was a significant effect of day of eCG administration on plasma P4 concentrations (Day 5=2.4±0.3 v. Day 8=1.7±0.2; P=0.03) and the number of CL (Day 5=1.4±0.1 v. Day 8=1.1±0.0; P=0.02) on Day 17. Furthermore, the proportion of recipients pregnant/treated tended (P=0.1) to be higher in heifers in the Day 5 Group (71/151, 47.0%) than in those in the Day 8 Group (61/150, 40.7%). Although delaying the eCG and PGF administration from Day 5 to Day 8 saves one trip through the chute for treatments, it resulted in lower plasma P4 concentrations and tended to decrease pregnancy rates in bovine embryo recipients synchronized with DIB devices and EB and transferred at a fixed time. Furthermore, the administration of injectable P4 at the time of DIB insertion did not affect pregnancy rates.


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