scholarly journals 180EFFECT OF TIME OF ECG TREATMENT ON PREGNANCY RATES IN BOS INDICUS×BOS TAURUS RECIPIENTS SYNCHRONIZED WITH PROGESTERONE VAGINAL DEVICES AND TRANSFERRED WITHOUT ESTRUS DETECTION

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 212
Author(s):  
L.F. Nasser ◽  
E.L. Reis ◽  
A.M. Oliveira ◽  
G.A. Bo ◽  
P.S. Baruselli
Keyword(s):  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Bovine Embryo ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Estrus Detection ◽  
Treatment Interaction

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 >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.

39 EFFECT OF TIME OF FIXED-TIME AI ON PREGNANCY RATES IN ZEBU CROSS-BRED BEEF HEIFERS TREATED WITH PROGESTERONE RELEASING DEVICES AND ESTRADIOL CYPIONATE

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 177 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ramos ◽  
L. Cutaia ◽  
P. Chesta ◽  
G. A. Bó
Keyword(s):  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
To Receive

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.

20 PREGNANCY RATES IN SUCKLED BEEF COWS SYNCHRONIZED WITH PROGESTERONE INTRAVAGINAL DEVICES AND RECEIVING eCG FOURTEEN DAYS AFTER BREEDING

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 168 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Cutaia ◽  
M. Ramos ◽  
P. Chesta ◽  
G. A. Bó
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Condition Score

An experiment was designed to test the following hypotheses: (1) the administration of 400IU of eCG (Novormón, Syntex SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina) 14 days after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) increases pregnancy rates in cross-breed Zebu × Bonsmara suckled cows synchronized with progesterone releasing devices (DIB 0.5, 0.5 g of progesterone, Syntex SA); and (2) pregnancy rates in cows treated with estradiol or GnRH, combined with a DIB device, are not different. Primiparous suckled cows (n = 260), between 60 and 120 days postpartum (DPP) and with a body condition score between 2.0 and 2.5 (1 to 5 scale) were used. At the beginning of the experiment (Day 0), all cows were examined by rectal palpation (only 11% had a CL), received a DIB device, and were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatment groups. Cows in the E2 group received 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) intramuscularly (i.m.) at DIB insertion and those in the two GnRH groups received 100 μg of gonadorelin (GDR Gonasyn, Syntex SA) at the same time. On Day 7, DIB devices were removed and all cows received 500 μg of cloprostenol (Ciclase DL, Syntex SA) plus 400 IU of eCG (i.m.). Cows in the E2 group received 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate (ECP, Cipiosyn, Syntex SA) and underwent FTAI administered by one technician, using semen from 1 of 2 bulls between 52 and 56 h later. Cows in the GnRH groups received a dose of 100 μg of gonadorelin (full GnRH group) or 50 μg of gonadorelin (1/2 GnRH group) at the time of the FTAI (52 to 56 h after DIB removal). Fourteen days after FTAI cows in the 3 groups were further subdivided (3 × 2 factorial) to receive or not 400 IU of eCG i.m. Pregnancy was determined 30 days after FTAI using real-time ultrasonography. Data were analyzed by logistic regression, taking into account the effect of the synchronization treatment, eCG or noteCG, 14 days after FTAI and sire used. No differences in pregnancy rates were found (P = 0.16) among treatment groups (E2: 39/87, 43.7%, full GnRH: 38/92, 41.3%, and 1/2 GnRH: 25/81, 30.9%). However, there was a significant (P = 0.02) effect of eCG treatment 14 days after FTAI (eCG: 60/127, 47.2% v. no eCG: 41/133, 30.8%). Furthermore, bull A (77/155, 47.1%) resulted in higher pregnancy rate (P = 0.009) than bull B (28/107, 26.2%), but there were no significant interactions between bull and synchronization treatment or eCG administration 14 days after FTAI (P > 0.1). We conclude that the application of 400 IU of eCG 14 days after FTAI increases pregnancy rates in suckled Bos taurus × Bos indicus primiparous cows with fair to poor body condition score synchronized with progesterone releasing devices. Furthermore, the use of estradiol ester or GnRH at DIB insertion and removal did not affect pregnancy rates.

Bovine embryo transfer recipient synchronisation and management in tropical environments

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro S. Baruselli ◽  
Roberta M. Ferreira ◽  
Manoel F. Sá Filho ◽  
Luiz F. T. Nasser ◽  
Carlos A. Rodrigues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Bovine Embryo ◽  
Tropical Environments ◽  
Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone ◽  
Animal Handling ◽  
Repeat Breeder

Numerous studies have shown that it is possible to manipulate follicular and luteal dynamics, thereby eliminating the need for oestrus detection in embryo transfer (ET) programmes. Fixed-time ET (FTET) protocols are based on the use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and prostaglandin (PG) F or progesterone/progestogen (P4)-releasing devices and oestradiol. The FTET protocols increases the proportion of recipients transferred, and therefore pregnancy rates, compared with the use of PGF followed by ET 7 days after oestrus. Furthermore, the addition of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) to the P4 and oestradiol-based FTET protocols results in an even higher proportion of recipients transferred, and thus higher pregnancy rates. The beneficial effect of eCG treatment may be related to increased growth of the dominant follicle and increased plasma P4 concentrations during the subsequent luteal phase. In Bos taurus × Bos indicus recipients, pregnancy rates were positively correlated with the diameter of the corpus luteum (CL) and the number of CL at ET. When repeat-breeder Holstein cows were used as recipients, FTET protocols increased number of recipients transferred and pregnancy rates compared with the traditional PGF-based synchronisation protocols. In conclusion, the use of FTET protocols eliminates the need for the detection of oestrus and results in a greater proportion of recipients transferred and satisfactory pregnancy rates. Thus, FTET optimises the use of recipients, reducing labour and animal handling and facilitating the use of ET.

207 INFLUENCE OF THE INTERVAL BETWEEN THAWING TO TRANSFER ON PREGNANCY RATES OF FROZEN - THAWED DIRECT-TRANSFER EMBRYOS

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 220
Author(s):  
G. A. Bo ◽  
L. C. Peres ◽  
D. Pincinato ◽  
M. de la Rey ◽  
R. Tribulo
Keyword(s):  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Direct Transfer ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of the interval between thawing to deposition of the embryo into the uterine horn on pregnancy rates of in vivo-produced frozen–thawed embryos in 1.5 M ethylene glycol (direct transfer). Data were collected from 1122 embryo transfers performed in the same farm (Estancia El Mangrullo, Lavalle, Santiago del Estero, Argentina) during the spring and summer of 2004/05 and 2005/06 (6 replicates, ambient temperature between 20 and 40�C). Recipients used in all replicates were non-lactating, cycling, multiparous Bos taurus � Bos indicus crossbred cows with body condition score between 3 and 4 (1 to 5 scale) that were synchronized using fixed-time embryo transfer protocols. Briefly, the synchronization treatments consisted of the insertion of a Crestar ear implant (Intervet, Sao Paulo, Brazil) or a progesterone-releasing device (DIB; Syntex SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina), plus 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB; Syntex) intramuscularly (IM) on Day 0, and 400 IU of eCG (Folligon 5000; Intervet, or Novormon 5000; Syntex) IM plus 150 �g d-cloprostenol IM (Preloban; Intervet, or Ciclase; Syntex) on Day 5. Progestin devices were removed on Day 8 and all cows received 1 mg of EB IM on Day 9. All cows were examined by ultrasonography on Day 16 and those with a luteal area >76 mm2 (by calculating the area of the CL minus the area of the cavity) received, on Day 17, frozen–thawed embryos by nonsurgical transfer. All embryos were Grade 1, and all were frozen in 1.5 M ethylene glycol at the Embryo Plus Laboratory (Brits, South Africa). After being stored in liquid nitrogen, the embryos were plunged directly (no air thawing) in a 30�C water bath for 30 s, and then transferred to the recipient cows by either one of two technicians. Based on the interval between thawing and transfer, the transfers were classified as being in one of 3 groups: Group 1: <3 min; Group 2: 3 to 6 min; and Group 3: 6 to 16 min. The main reason for delayed transfers beyond 6 min was the replacement of one recipient for another because of difficulty in threading the cervix (1% of the total transfers) or a recipient falling down into the chute or with very bad disposition and behavior. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography 28 to 35 days after fixed-time embryo transfer, and data were analyzed by logistic regression. There were no effects of replicate, technician, CL area, recipient body condition score, embryo stage, and time from thawing to transfer on pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates in the 3 thawing to transfer intervals were: Group 1: 215/385, 55.8%; Group 2: 372/655, 56.8%; Group 3: 42/82, 51.2%; P > 0.6. These results may be interpreted to suggest that there is no significant effect of time from thawing to transfer (up to 16 min) in direct transfer embryos using Bos taurus � Bos indicus recipients transferred at a fixed time.

100 COMPARISON OF PREGNANCY RATES OF FRESH IN VITRO-PRODUCED BOS INDICUS EMBRYOS PRODUCED IN THE SAME LABORATORY BUT COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED IN PANAMA OR THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 164
Author(s):  
L. F. Nasser ◽  
S. C. Feliú ◽  
E. Rodríguez ◽  
K. Mojica ◽  
E. G. Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Disease Status ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Bovine Embryo ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Essential Variable ◽  
Laboratory Facility

Because of Panama's stricter sanitary status, a specialised protocol was developed with the Department of Agriculture in the Dominican Republic to legalize the exchange of biological materials (oocytes/embryos). This protocol allows the team of specialised technicians, currently working in Born® Animal Biotechnology's Panamanian facility, to operate using the same in vitro bovine embryo production system (IVP, In vitro Brasil®) to service Dominican producers. Because the donors are not located at a specific centre with controlled sanitary management, a special protocol was developed in which blood tests were done to certify that the entirety of the herd at each client's farm was free of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, DBVD, leptospirosis, leucosis, brucellosis, and tuberculosis. As timing during IVP is an essential variable that can have detrimental effects on the final results, precautions were taken to ensure that the oocytes arrived at the Panamanian laboratory facility within 24 h of aspiration. A portable incubator was used to transport oocytes and embryos during the import and export portions of the procedure. A comparison of pregnancy rates based on oocyte source and recipient transfers from September 2012 until May 2013 was analysed with ?2 (Table 1). The number of embryos produced in Panama was significantly higher than in the Dominican Republic, which was likely due to the larger number of donors and oocytes from the Panama herd. However, pregnancy rate was higher in the Dominican Republic likely because of the health status of the Dominican recipients, which were free of the diseases mentioned above. Recipients were the same type and breed and under similar management conditions in both countries. The disease status aspect will be examined with greater numbers of animals in the future. The data suggest that the present IVP and recipient management protocols could serve as a model for other Central American and Caribbean countries under similar management systems. Table 1.In vitro embryo production and pregnancy rates of Bos indicus embryos transferred in Panama or the Dominican Republic (September 2012 through May 2013)

scholarly journals 166 EFFECT OF TREATMENT WITH hCG OR GnRH AT THE TIME OF EMBRYO TRANSFER ON PREGNANCY RATES IN COWS SYNCHRONIZED WITH PROGESTERONE VAGINAL DEVICES, ESTRADIOL BENZOATE, AND eCG

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 234 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Tribulo ◽  
E. Balla ◽  
L. Cutaia ◽  
G.A. Bo ◽  
P.S. Baruselli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Pregnancy Status ◽  
To Receive

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.

scholarly journals 34 Reproductive management of beef females in tropical and sub-tropical environments

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 37-37
Author(s):  
Nicola Oosthuizen ◽  
Pedro Levy Piza Fontes ◽  
G Cliff Lamb
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Reproductive Management

Abstract Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle diverged from an evolutionary standpoint more than 110,000 years ago. Since then, Bos indicus cattle have undergone genetic adaptations beyond the commonly discussed increased thermo-tolerance and parasite resistance. Several physiological differences exist between Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle, and it is important to consider these differences when establishing reproductive management strategies. It has been well described that Bos indicus cattle have a delayed onset of puberty and longer periods of postpartum anestrus, yet through the utilization of estrus synchronization protocols these challenges can be attenuated. However, when Bos indicus females are exposed to these protocols, they are known to have smaller dominant follicles, lower expression of estrus, and decreased pregnancy rates to artificial insemination (AI) when compared to Bos taurus females. These factors can be overcome through the utilization of estradiol and progesterone based synchronization protocols, which improve follicular dynamics and yield acceptable pregnancy rates to assisted reproductive technologies in cattle adapted to tropical or subtropical conditions. However, the use of estrogens for synchronization purposes is not permitted in the United States, and cattle producers need to rely on GnRH-based protocols. Another key difference between subspecies, is that Bos indicus females have greater antral follicle counts than Bos taurus females, which proves beneficial for in vitro embryo production. Therefore, an opportunity exists to explore the greater productivity of donors in embryo production in order to improve genetics in herds that utilize these breeds.

scholarly journals Considerations for reproductive management of bos indicus-influenced beef heifers

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
James William Cameron Locke
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
The United States ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Reproductive Management ◽  
Natural Service

The Bos indicus species of beef cattle presents a number of unique reproductive challenges, especially with regard to those that influence reproductive efficiency including timely attainment of puberty, response to certain pharmaceutical drugs used to control estrus and ovulation, and response to physiological stressors. Cattle of this biological type comprise a substantial percentage of the beef cattle population in southern regions of the United States because of their ability to withstand high ambient temperatures and relative humidity. Additionally, Bos indicus cattle are regarded to exhibit increased parasite and disease resistance, resulting in improved production in subtropical climates as compared to Bos taurus cattle in those same regions. Research utilizing composite breeds of Bos taurus and Bos indicus beef heifers has been limited in the United States, and adoption of reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination and estrus synchronization has been sluggish compared to Bos taurus cattle in other regions of the country. To help answer a number of questions about this biological type, an experiment was designed to evaluate reproductive performance of Bos indicus-influenced heifers (n = 1,456). Weights and reproductive tract scores (RTS; Scale 1-5) were obtained for heifers prior to assignment of one of five treatments: Non-synchronized + natural service (NS); melengestrol acetate + natural service (MGA + NS; 0.5 mg x animal-1 x d-1); 14-d controlled internal drug release + natural service (CIDR + NS; 1.38g progesterone); 14-d MGA-PG + fixed-time AI (FTAI); and 14-d CIDR-PG + FTAI. Heifers in the three NS treatments were exposed to fertile bulls for 65 d, beginning 10 d after progestin removal for CIDR + NS and MGA + NS groups. Heifers in FTAI treatments were administered PGF2[alpha] (PG; 25 mg, IM) 16 or 19 d following CIDR or MGA removal. Fixed-time AI was performed 66 and 72h after PG for CIDR-PG and MGA-PG treatments, respectively. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; 100[mu]g, i.m.) was administered at FTAI. Estrus detection aids were applied at PG for heifers in FTAI treatments and evaluated at AI. Heifers in FTAI treatments were exposed to fertile bulls 12 d following FTAI. Blood samples were collected and ovarian ultrasounds performed at PG administration and FTAI to compare serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone and to evaluate follicular dynamics among a subset of heifers assigned to FTAI treatments. Pregnancy status was determined at the end of a 65-d breeding period. Data were analyzed using PROC FREQ and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS. Mean concentrations of estradiol at AI differed between MGA- versus CIDR-treated heifers (P = 0.04; 8.2 versus 6.6 pg/ml), however estrous response after PG (52% versus 53%) and pregnancy rates after FTAI (40%) did not differ between MGA- and CIDR-PG treatments, respectively. Across all treatments, pregnancy rates were compared on 21, 30 and 60 d of the breeding period based on pubertal status (prepubertal RTS = 1 and 2; peripubertal RTS = 3; pubertal RTS = 4 and 5). Pregnancy rates differed at each time point based on pretreatment pubertal status (P [less than or equal to] 0.02) and weight (P [less than or equal to] 0.05). No differences were apparent with regard to progestin type at any time point, although higher pregnancy rates (P [less than or equal to] 0.004) were observed among NS treatments than FTAI followed by NS exposure at Days 30 and 60. This experiment is the largest comprehensive field trial conducted in the United States and reported in the literature involving Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers utilizing estrus synchronization prior to natural service or FTAI. This study reinforced results from previous studies, however raises a number of questions yet to be answered for heifers of this biological type. These data should be used as a basis for improvements in reproductive management of Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers prior to their first breeding season, and creates a number of possibilities for future research trials that build upon results reported in this thesis. Selection, management, and post-weaning to pre-breeding development of Bos indicus-influenced replacement beef heifers should involve the cooperative efforts of beef producers, veterinarians, and research scientists to further investigate methods to improve reproductive efficiency and genetic merit of these herds.

scholarly journals Influence of Injectable Progesterone on the Pregnancy Rate of Heifers Receiving Bovine Embryos

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caio Cezar Da Silva ◽  
Hélton Aparecido Garcia Gregianini ◽  
Jennifer Teodoro Ferreira Gregianini ◽  
José Antônio Dell’Aqua Junior ◽  
Jefferson Viana Alves Diniz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Physiological State ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Bovine Embryos

Background: In vitro embryo production (IVEP) allows the spread of superior animal genetics, but pregnancy rates show a high variability with this biotechnique. In the initial stage of pregnancy, progesterone plays a fundamental role in uterine preparation, acting on embryonic growth, implantation, and development. However, on the day of the IVEP transfer to the recipients, progesterone levels may be lower than that expected, influencing the uterine environment and, consequently, the pregnancy rate. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the pregnancy rate in heifers after the administration of injectable progesterone (P4) in the fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) protocol.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment was conducted inside a rural property near the city of Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. The experimental group consisted of 232 animals, including 78 zebuine (Bos indicus) and 154 mixed (½ blood B. indicus and ½ blood B. taurus) animals, aged between 16 and 24 months, with a mean weight of 300 and 330 kg for zebuine and mixed animals, respectively. The selected animals were previously synchronized using the progesterone-estrogen-prostaglandin-estrogen protocol. Embryo transfer was performed on day 18 of the protocol, which was 9 days after the removal of intravaginal progesterone implant. On day 15 of the protocol, that is, 144 h (6 days) after the device removal, the animals were randomly distributed into two experimental groups: Control Group (CG; 0.5 mL of 0.9% saline solution, intramuscular) and Treated Group (P4G; 0.5 mL of injectable P4, 150 mg, intramuscular). Chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis of the pregnancy rate at a 5% probability. After 23 days of embryo transfer, pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography. The general pregnancy rate, considering all groups (CG and P4G) and breeds included, was 55.17% (128/232). The pregnancy rates of the P4G and CG groups, regardless of breeds, were 55.08% (65/118) and 55.26% (63/114), respectively, with no statistical difference (P = 0.8344). Angus animals presented a similar pregnancy rate in the P4G and CG groups of 54.93% (39/71) and 57.83% (48/83), respectively. Furthermore, similar results were found for the Nellore breed, with no difference in pregnancy rate between the CG (55.81%, 24/43) and P4G (48.57%, 17/35) groups.Discussion: The strategy of using P4 to increase the pregnancy rate is very widespread in fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols, although differences still exist. The literature presents zero or negative effects, as in this study, when exogenous P4 was used to increase endogenous P4 concentrations and, consequently, the pregnancy rate. However, some studies demonstrated the beneficial effects of increasing blood P4 concentrations, and that the increased fertility depends on the method and time of P4 supplementation and the animal’s physiological state. In this context, the fact that the injectable progesterone supplementation did not increase the pregnancy rate in this study is justified mainly by factors such as the animal category used (heifers), time of P4 supplementation (day 4 after ovulation), biotechnology used (FTET), and the heterogeneous characteristics related to phases of the estrous cycle of heifers. Supplementation with 150 mg of injectable long-acting progesterone intramuscularly did not interfere in the pregnancy rate of Angus and Nellore heifers receiving bovine embryos.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document