scholarly journals 243 PREGNANCY RATES IN THE FIELD AFTER THE TRANSFER OF BOVINE IVP EMBRYOS VITRIFIED BY THE CRYOLOGIC VITRIFICATION METHOD

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 272 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Fry ◽  
C. Earl ◽  
K. Fry ◽  
W. Lindemans
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Full Field ◽  
Transfer Programs ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Rectal Palpation ◽  
User Friendly

Although large numbers of IVP embryos can be produced from donor cattle in a short period of time, commercial acceptance of the technology depends on the ability to cryopreserve these embryos and achieve a 50% pregnancy rate in large-scale embryo transfer programs. Many studies have reported low pregnancy rates of about 20% after the transfer of cryopreserved IVP embryos. We have developed the user friendly CryoLogic Vitrification Method (CVM) that vitrifies embryos on a solid surface at −196°C and warms them rapidly in a one-step procedure prior to transfer (Lindemans et al. 2004 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 16, 174). We present an overview of the pregnancy rates in the field after vitrification of bovine IVP embryos by the CVM. The bos taurus IVP embryos in southern Australia (bT) and the bos indicus-based IVP embryos in northern Australia (bI) were produced by our standard TVR and IVP methodology (Fry et al., 2003 Theriogenology 59, 446). Pregnancy was determined by rectal palpation between Day 40 and Day 90 and differences between treatments were analyzed by chi-square. The development of the CVM has enabled the successful cryopreservation of bovine IVP embryos. In the laboratory the typical survival (90% re-expansion) and development (80% hatching) of IVP embryos post-vitrification is high and, as demonstrated here, the pregnancy rates after transfer are approaching commercially acceptable levels. However, further research is required to identify factors that may influence success under full field conditions, for both the IVP and the vitrification technologies. Table 1. Pregnancy rates for fresh IVP, CVM-vitrified IVP, and traditionally flushed embryos cryopreserved in glycerol

Large-scale in vitro embryo production and pregnancy rates from Bos taurus, Bos indicus, and indicus-taurus dairy cows using sexed sperm

2010 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 1349-1355 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.H.F. Pontes ◽  
K.C.F. Silva ◽  
A.C. Basso ◽  
A.G. Rigo ◽  
C.R. Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production

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.

205 INCREASED PREGNANCY RATES OF POOR QUALITY BOVINE EMBRYOS BY ASSISTED HATCHING

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 219
Author(s):  
A. Taniyama ◽  
Y. Watanabe ◽  
Y. Nisino ◽  
T. Inoue
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Zona Pellucida ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Assisted Hatching ◽  
Bovine Embryos ◽  
Production Rates ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Rectal Palpation

Embryo transfer after superovulation is commonly used for efficient embryo and animal production and for genetic improvement in cattle. However, the quality of collected embryos varies greatly, which affects pregnancy rate. Usually, poor quality embryos are related to low pregnancy rates after embryo transfer and low viability after cryopreservation. Therefore, it is important to improve chances for survival of poor quality embryos after embryo transfer. The objective of this experiment was to improve pregnancy rates by applying the assisted hatching technique to poor quality embryos. Embryos were collected from Japanese Black cows after superovulation on Day 7 post-insemination. After being washed, embryos were morphologically classified. Embryos having more than 30% degenerated cells were assigned as poor quality embryos. The assisted hatching of embryos (cutting the zona pellucida) was performed under a stereoscope or an inverted microscope by making a cutting slit on the zona pellucida for about 20% of its circumference using a micromanipulator equipped with a cutting needle and holding pipette. After cutting, single or two embryos were transferred fresh to one uterine horn of recipient cows on Day 7 of the estrous cycle. Pregnancy and calf production rates were compared between 2 embryo transfer groups composed of fresh zona-cut embryos (ZC group) or fresh embryos with non-cut zonae pellucidae (NZC group). Pregnancy rates were determined by rectal palpation on Day 45, and calf production rates were calculated by the following formula: number of calves born/number of pregnancies. Statistical analysis was carried out using the chi-square test. Pregnancy rates of poor quality embryos in the double ET ZC group (60.3%; 44 pregnancies/73 transfers) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the single ET NZC group (25.0%; 6 pregnancies/24 transfers) and in the single ET ZC group (44.0%; 37 pregnancies/84 transfers). Calf production rates were 67.3%, 45.5%, and 35.6% for the double ET ZC group, the double ET NZC group, and the single ET ZC group, respectively. Pregnancy rates of poor quality bovine embryos after double ET were remarkably improved by assisted hatching compared with those of single ET with non-assisted hatching. These results suggest that the combined methods of assisted hatching and double ET may be beneficial to produce calves from poor quality embryos.

289 EFFECTS OF YEAR PERIOD, TECHNICAL TEAM, AND BREED ON THE PREGNANCY RATES AFTER TRANSFER OF IVF BOVINE EMBRYOS IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF RIO DE JANEIRO

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 301
Author(s):  
B. G. Moura ◽  
J. Almeida ◽  
F. L. Lima ◽  
G. Balbi ◽  
R. Calmerani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Rectal Palpation ◽  
Fresh Embryos

The aim of the work was to study the effects of year period, technical team, breed, beef cattle and dairy cattle on the pregnancy rates in fresh embryos used in bovine transfer of IVF programs. The study was carried out at the fertilization laboratory In Vitro Nyltta Britto de Carvalho, in partnership with In Vitro Brazil, located at the Boa Vista farm, Barra do Pirai, during August 2007 to September 2008, seeking subsidies to improve the use of the technique in the field. During that period, aspirations and inovulations in 3 different periods I (August to December), II (January to April), and III (May to September) were carried out. The jobs were accomplished by 9 technical teams (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I) rendering services to the laboratory, by working with 2 beef breeds (Brahman and Nelore) and 3 dairy breeds (Gir, Girolando, and Holstein). The different breed receivers were synchronized, and in general, from 6 to 8 days after heat, they received embryo transfer, the cervical way, under low epidural anesthesia, where each female received 1 fresh embryo of IVF. All cows were submitted to gestation diagnosis by rectal palpation and ultrasonography, in general, 42 days after embryo transfer. The numbers of embryo transferred and pregnancy rates were submitted to the chi-square test, which presented significant differences (P < 0.05). There were pregnancy rates of 36.25%a (n = 960), 39.83%a (n = 1180), and 32.59%b (n = 919) in the I, II, and III periods, respectively. Among the 9 technical teams, there were verified pregnancy rates (%) of 33.51d (n = 1313), 30.30d (n = 330), 35.00cd (n = 405), 39.24cd (n = 1060), 59.25a (n = 7), 33.33d (n = 24), 53.57bc (n = 28), 43.31c (n = 157), and 58.33ab (n = 12) for A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I teams, respectively. Among breeds there were rates (%) of 36.89ab (n = 412), 34.68b (n = 1286), 35.13ab (n = 74), 38.94a (n = 1140), and 37.80ab (n = 82) for Brahman, Nelore, Gir, Girolando, and Holstein, respectively. In the study, pregnancy rates (%) of 35.21b (n = 1698) in beef cattle and 38.65a (n = 1296) in dairy cattle were observed. The differences in pregnancy rates with respect to the evaluated factors, may be explained by individual, breed, and nutritional variations of the animals. There are few data in the literature with results on the embryo transfer use of IVF bovine under field conditions.

251 FOLLICLE DEVIATION AND OVULATORY CAPACITY IN BOS INDICUS HEIFERS

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 ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Transrectal Ultrasonography ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Follicle Diameter ◽  
Two Phases

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.

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.

86 Difficulty of Transfer of In Vivo-Derived Bovine Embryos and Route of Administration of Flunixin Meglumine at the Time of Transfer may Affect Pregnancy Rate

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 182
Author(s):  
J. Duran ◽  
D. Argudo ◽  
S. Bravo ◽  
C. Soria ◽  
G. Guevara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Bovine Embryos ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Evaluation Systems ◽  
Flunixin Meglumine ◽  
Chi Square Test

Recipient handling during embryo transfer (ET) induces prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) production in 2 periods: an early transient and rapid increase around the time of ET, followed by another 2 to 4 h later. This PGF2α is associated with embryonic loss during early gestation by affecting both the embryo and the corpus luteum. To control this, antiprostaglandins such as flunixin meglumine (FM) have been applied IM at the time of ET with varying results. In such studies, the interaction of IM administration of FM and difficulty of transfer has not always been evaluated, possibly confusing the interpretation of the results. Furthermore, IV FM injection at ET and its relationship with pregnancy rates (PR) has not been determined. The objectives were (1) to determine the relationship between difficulty of ET and PR; and (2) to evaluate the efficacy of IM v. IV FM on pregnancy outcomes. One hundred and ten crossbred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) heifers (18-24 months old) from 3 farms were used as recipients. Two evaluation systems of ET difficulty were used: (1) duration of transfer (objective determination of the elapsed time measured in seconds between the introduction of the catheter and embryo release), and (2) level of difficulty experienced by the practitioner (subjective determination; 1 = minimum and 2 = medium to extreme manipulation). Quality 1 and 2 fresh embryos from superovulated cows were transferred by the same practitioner. At ET, recipients were randomly divided into 3 groups: (1) Control (no treatment, n = 31); (2) FM-IM (n = 39): injected IM with 2.2 mg kg−1 FM at ET; and (3) FM-IV (N = 40): injected with 2.2 mg kg−1 FM IV at ET. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 30 to 40 and 60 to 90 days after ET. Spearman’s test was performed to determine the correlation between duration and difficulty at ET and Chi-square test was used to compare PR. The mean duration of transfer for all heifers was 62.3 ± 57.5 s (11 to 357 s; median: 44.5 s). There was a high correlation (0.8; P < 0.001) between the ET difficulty evaluation systems. Overall, ET difficulty 1 had higher PR than ET difficulty 2 (64.2 v. 40.7; P = 0.013). The PR was significantly improved (P < 0.01) in the FM-IV group (75 and 70% at 30 and 60 days after ET) compared with control (45.2 and 32.3%) and FM-IM (33.3 and 30.7%). In conclusion, results indicate that the difficulty of transfer affects PR achieved following the transfer of in vivo-derived bovine embryos. Treatment with FM-IV following transfer resulted in significantly higher PR compared with control and FM-IM recipients. The IV injection of FM may antagonize the very early and transient increase of PGF2α caused by genital tract manipulation (even gently performed) at embryo transfer. Further research is necessary to confirm the results of the present study.

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 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 &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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