13 EFFECTS OF PLASMA PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATIONS ON LH RELEASE AND OVULATION IN BEEF CATTLE GIVEN GnRH

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
H. Davis ◽  
M. Colazo ◽  
M. Rutledge ◽  
J. Small ◽  
J. Kastelic ◽  
...  

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations on LH release and ovulation in beef heifers and lactating beef cows given gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Previously autoclaved, once-used CIDR inserts (Colazo et al. 2004 Anim. Reprod. Sci. 81, 25-34) were used for experimental purposes to induce differential plasma progesterone concentrations. In Experiment 1, postpubertal heifers received 25 mg of dinoprost i.m. (prostaglandin F (PGF); Lutalyse; Pfizer Animal Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada). On Day 4 (estrus = Day 0), heifers were randomly assigned (10/group) to receive no treatment (control) or 1 or 2 autoclaved once-used CIDR (Pfizer Animal Health) inserts (1CIDR and 2CIDR, respectively). On Day 5, heifers in the 1CIDR group were given PGF twice 12 h apart. On Day 6, all heifers received 100 �g of GnRH i.m. (Cystorelin; Merial Canada, Inc., Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada). Once daily on Days 4 to 9, a blood sample was collected and ultrasonography was performed. On Day 6, heifers in the control (3.0 � 0.4 ng/mL; mean � SD) and 1CIDR groups (3.0 � 0.3 ng/mL) had lower (P < 0.01) plasma progesterone concentrations than those in the 2CIDR group (5.7 � 0.4 ng/mL). However, the diameter of the dominant follicle was larger (P < 0.001) in heifers in the control and 1CIDR groups than in the 2CIDR group (12.1 � 1.0, 11.5 � 0.7, and 10.1 � 0.7 mm, respectively). More (P < 0.01) heifers ovulated in response to GnRH in the control and 1CIDR groups than in the 2CIDR group (10/10, 9/10, and 3/10, respectively). In Experiment 2, ultrasound-guided follicular ablation (FA) was performed (to synchronize ovarian follicular wave emergence) 4 to 6 days after estrus in 20 postpubertal heifers and 20 mature lactating cows. Cattle were randomly and equally assigned to receive an autoclaved, once-used CIDR, either with no further treatment (High-P4) or with two PGF treatments 12 h apart (Low-P4) given after FA. All cattle received 100 �g of GnRH either 6 days after FA or the day after the dominant follicle reached 9 mm in diameter. Ultrasonography was performed daily (from 4 days after FA to ovulation or to 3 days after GnRH treatment). In three cows and three heifers per group, blood samples were collected every 30 min for 12 h after GnRH. The dominant follicle at GnRH treatment was larger in cows than heifers (11.0 � 1.1 vs. 10.3 � 0.9 mm, respectively; P = 0.05) and tended to be smaller in the High-P4 group vs. the Low-P4 group (10.3 � 1.0 vs. 11.0 � 1.0 mm; P = 0.06). Ovulatory response was not different (P = 0.9) between heifers (77.7%) and cows (78.9%), but combined for heifers and cows, was lower in High-P4 vs. Low-P4 cattle (61.1 vs. 94.7; P < 0.01). The GnRH-induced LH surge did not differ (P = 0.23) between cows and heifers, but it was lower and of shorter duration (P < 0.001) in the High-P4 group than in the Low-P4 group. In summary, higher plasma P4 concentrations resulted in decreased LH release and the proportion of cattle ovulating in response to GnRH treatment. There was no significant difference between heifers and cows in LH release or ovulatory response.

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 156 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Colazo ◽  
M. Rutledge ◽  
J. Small ◽  
J. Kastelic ◽  
L. Siqueira ◽  
...  

The objectives were to investigate the effects of pretreatment with a used CIDR on follicle size and ovulation rate in cows after an injection of GnRH, and treatment with eCG at the time of PGF on preovulatory follicle size and fertility in cows subjected to a Cosynch protocol. Lactating crossbred beef cows (n = 292), 2 to 12 years of age were allocated to two groups to receive either a used CIDR (Bioniche Animal Health; Belleville, Ontario, Canada) for 15 days or no treatment (Control). At CIDR removal (Day 0), all cows received 100 μg of GnRH i.m. (Cystorelin, Merial Canada Inc., Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada). On Day 7, all cows received 500 μg of cloprostenol i.m. (PGF; Estrumate, Schering-Plough Animal Health, Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada) and were further allocated to receive either 400 IU of eCG i.m. (Pregnacol; Bioniche Animal Health) or no treatment (2 × 2 factorial design; n = 73 per group). On Day 9 (54 h after PGF), cows were given 100 μg of GnRH i.m., concurrent with timed AI (TAI). Transrectal ultrasonographic examinations were done on a subset of approximately 40 cows in each group on Days −15, 0, 7, and 9 to assess ovarian structures, and on all cows on Day 37 to confirm pregnancy. Data were analyzed by SAS CATMOD and ANOVA. Overall, 53% of cows had a CL present on Day −15 (P = 0.23). At first GnRH (Day 0), fewer CIDR-treated cows than Control cows had a CL (15.2 vs. 85.0%, respectively; P < 0.001), while mean (± SEM) diameters of the dominant follicle were larger in CIDR-treated cows (18.2 ± 0.4 vs. 13.8 ± 0.4 mm, respectively; P < 0.001). Moreover, the proportion of cows that ovulated following the first GnRH was higher (P < 0.001) in CIDR-treated (75.0%) than Control (48.7%) cows. Eight (10.0%) cows presynchronized with a CIDR did not ovulate and had a luteinized follicle (31.7 ± 1.9 mm) at the time of PGF. Although CIDR-treated cows had larger (P < 0.002) dominant follicles than Control cows on Day 9 (16.6 ± 0.3 vs. 15.2 ± 0.3 mm), presynchronization did not affect fertility (53.4 vs. 54.1%, respectively). However, diameter of the dominant follicle at TAI in cows that became pregnant was smaller in CIDR-treated vs. Control cows (15.3 ± 0.3 vs. 16.6 ± 0.3; P < 0.005). Treatment with eCG on Day 7 did not affect (P = 0.17) the diameter of the dominant follicle at TAI, but tended (P = 0.06) to increase pregnancy rate (58.9 vs. 48.6%). Furthermore, pregnancy rate tended to be higher (P = 0.08) in Control cows given eCG (47/73, 64.4%) than in the Control- (32/73, 43.8%), CIDR- (39/73, 53.4%) or CIDR/eCG- (39/73, 53.4%) treated cows. In addition, pregnancy rate was affected by parity; 2-yr-old cows had a lower (P < 0.04) pregnancy rate than older cows (42.9, 58.7, and 58.2% for 2, 3–4, and >5 years, respectively). Treatment with eCG increased pregnancy rate by 33% (P < 0.03) in 2-yr-old Control cows. In summary, presynchronization with a used CIDR prior to a Cosynch protocol increased the proportion of cows responding to the first GnRH. Although CIDR-treated cows had a smaller dominant follicle at TAI, pregnancy rate was not affected. Treatment with eCG increased fertility in Control cows; eCG may be useful in GnRH-based protocols in lactating beef cows.


2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Mapletoft ◽  
M. Colazo ◽  
L. Siqueira ◽  
J. Small ◽  
M. Rutledge ◽  
...  

Two experiments were designed to evaluate strategies to improve fertility with Cosynch-CIDR protocols in cattle. The first experiment investigated the effect of low levels of progesterone prior to a Cosynch-CIDR protocol. On Day 0, lactating beef cows (n = 34) and heifers (n = 37) were placed in two groups to receive 500 μg cloprostenol (PGF; Estrumate, Schering-Plough Animal Health, Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada) or a twice-used CIDR (Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) for 5 days (Pretreatment) or no treatment (Control). On Day 5, used CIDRs were removed and all cattle received a new CIDR (Pfizer Animal Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada) and 100 μg GnRH (Cystorelin, Merial Canada Inc, Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada). On Day 12, CIDR were removed and PGF was given. A second GnRH was given concurrent with timed AI (TAI) on Day 14 (54–56 h after PGF). Cattle were examined by transrectal ultrasonography for CL and follicle development, and for confirmation of pregnancy (Days 42 to 49). Diameter of the dominant follicle on Day 5 was larger and more variable in cows than in heifers (15.5 ± 5.6 vs. 11.4 ± 3.5 mm, respectively; means, P < 0.001; variance, P < 0.003), and tended to be larger in the Pretreatment group (14.3 ± 4.9 vs. 12.6 ± 5.2 mm; P = 0.13). More Pretreated (60.0%) than Control (36.1%) cattle (P < 0.005), and more cows (64.7%) than heifers (32.4%; P < 0.03) ovulated following the first GnRH. At the time of TAI, 5 (13.5%) heifers had already ovulated (P < 0.03). Diameter of the preovulatory follicle was affected by parity (P < 0.001), but not Pretreatment (P = 0.4), and tended to be larger in heifers that became pregnant (P = 0.13). Pregnancy rate was not affected by parity (P = 0.71), or pretreatment (P = 0.34); pretreatment tended to increase pregnancy rate in heifers (63.2 vs. 38.9%; P = 0.19). The second experiment evaluated the use of eCG in a Cosynch-CIDR protocol in beef heifers. Beef heifers (n = 127) were fed 0.5 mg/head/day of MGA (Pfizer Animal Health) for 15 d; 12 d after the last feeding (designated as Day 0) heifers received a CIDR and 100 μg GnRH. On Day 7, CIDR were removed, and heifers received PGF, and were randomly placed in 2 groups to receive 300 IU of eCG (Pregnacol; Bioniche Animal Health) or no treatment (Control). On Day 9 (54–56 h after PGF), all heifers received 100 μg GnRH, concurrent with TAI. Ultrasonographic examinations were done as in the first experiment. Overall, 79.5% of the heifers had a CL, and 9.4% had a luteinized follicle on Day 0. Seventy-eight heifers (61.4%) ovulated following the first GnRH, and those that ovulated had a less variable preovulatory follicle size than those that did not (13.7 ± 1.7 vs. 13.8 ± 2.3 mm; means, P = 0.76; variance, P < 0.01). However, there was no difference in preovulatory follicle size (P = 0.63), or pregnancy rate (49.2 vs. 53.1%; P = 0.7) for eCG-treated vs. Control heifers. In summary, pretreatment with a twice-used CIDR plus PGF increased the proportion of cattle that ovulated to the first GnRH, but not preovulatory follicle size or fertility in cows; fertility tended to be improved in heifers. Treatment with eCG did not increase preovulatory follicle size or fertility in heifers subjected to an Cosynch-CIDR protocol.


2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 114 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Colazo ◽  
J. Small ◽  
J. Kastelic ◽  
H. Davis ◽  
D. Ward ◽  
...  

The objectives were to determine the effects of presynchronization and eCG on fertility for a GnRH-based timed-AI (TAI) protocol in beef cattle. Previously autoclaved once-used CIDR inserts (Colazo et al. 2004 Anim. Reprod. Sci. 81, 25-34) were used for experimental purposes so that all cattle had equivalent exogenous progesterone after Day 7 in Experiment 1, and to induce GnRH-responsive follicles in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, 12-15 month old beef heifers (n = 447) were used (three locations, A, B, and C). On Day 0, half received a new CIDR insert (Pfizer Animal Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada) and 500 �g of cloprostenol i.m. (PGF: Estrumate; Schering-Plough Animal Health, Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada). On Day 7, the remainder received an autoclaved once-used CIDR and all received 100 �g of GnRH i.m. (Cystorelin; Merial Canada, Inc., Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada). On Day 14, CIDR inserts were removed, PGF was given to all heifers, and heifers were given either 300 IU eCG i.m. (Pregnacol; Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) or no treatment (2 � 2 factorial design). On Day 16 (54-56 h after CIDR removal and PGF administration), heifers were given 100 �g of GnRH i.m., concurrent with TAI. Transrectal ultrasonography was done on Day 0 to assess ovarian structures, and on approximately Day 50 (range, 44-69) to confirm pregnancy. Overall, 72.7% of heifers were puberal on Day 0 (150/150, 5/37, and 170/260 for locations A, B, and C, respectively; P < 0.001). Pregnancy rate was affected (P < 0.001) by location (27.3, 62.2, and 51.1% for the three locations, respectively) but was not affected (P = 0.3) by puberal status at locations B and C. Pregnancy rate was not affected (P = 0.5) by presynchronization, but tended (P = 0.1) to be reduced by eCG treatment (40.4 vs. 47.7%, respectively). In Experiment 2, lactating crossbred beef cows (n = 411), 2-12 years of age were randomly allocated to receive either a previously used, autoclaved CIDR for 7 days and 25 mg of dinoprost i.m. (PGF: Lutalyse; Pfizer Animal Health) or no treatment (control; Day 0). At CIDR removal (Day 7), all cows received 100 �g of GnRH. On Day 14, all cows received PGF and were allocated to receive either 400 IU of eCG i.m. or no treatment (2 � 2 factorial design). On Day 16 (54-56 h after PGF), cows were given 100 �g of GnRH concurrent with TAI. Transrectal ultrasonographic examinations were done on approximately 65 cows in each group on Days 0, 7, and 14 to assess ovarian structures and on all cows on Day 42 to confirm pregnancy. Overall, 88.8% of cows had a corpus luteum (CL) on Day 0. Presynchronization increased both the proportion of cows that ovulated to GnRH treatment on Day 7 (76.7 vs. 55.0%; P < 0.001) and pregnancy rate (58.2 vs. 45.4%; P = 0.03) for cows that had received a CIDR vs. control cows. However, eCG treatment did not affect pregnancy rate (P = 0.3) in either group. In summary, presynchronization with a used CIDR and PGF prior to a Cosynch protocol increased ovulation rate to the first GnRH treatment and pregnancy rate in cows but not in heifers. In a GnRH-based TAI protocol, treatment with eCG had no significant effect on fertility in cows, but tended to decrease fertility in heifers.


2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 126 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Rogan ◽  
M. F. Martinez ◽  
G. A. Bo ◽  
P. Chesta ◽  
F. Feresin ◽  
...  

Various intravaginal progesterone-releasing devices are commercially available and each is impregnated with different amounts of progesterone. An experiment was designed to characterize plasma progesterone release profiles from Cue-Mate in comparison with other commercially available progesterone-releasing devices. Cycling, lactating Holstein cows (n = 60; BCS between 2.0 and 3.0 out of 5) from commercial dairy farms in Argentina were used in 2 replicates. All cows received 2 injections of D+ cloprostenol (PGF, Bioprost-D�; Biotay, Buenos Aires, Argentina) 14 days apart and were randomly assigned to one of four groups to receive intravaginal devices as follows: Cue-Mate (1.56 g progesterone; Bioniche Animal Health, A/Asia Pty, Armidale, Australia; n = 10), DIB (1 g progesterone; Syntex SA, Argentina; n = 10), CIDR with 1.9 g progesterone (Pfizer Salud Animal S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina; n = 10), or CIDR with 1.38 g progesterone (Pfizer Animal Health, Groton, CT, USA; n = 10). All devices were inserted 24 hours after the second PGF and were left in place for 31 days. Blood samples were taken for progesterone analysis at 6-hour intervals for the first 24 hours, then daily for a week, and every 2 days for an additional 25 days. Plasma progesterone concentrations were measured with a modified human double-antibody RIA kit (DPC Coat-A-Count�; Diagnostic Products Corporation, Los Angeles, CA, USA). Cows were observed twice daily to confirm that vaginal inserts were still in place. Time-series hormone data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure for repeated measures (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Main effects of device and time, the highest mean concentration of progesterone, and the mean day on which this occurred were compared by a protected LSD test. There was no evidence of cow discomfort with any of the vaginal devices, and loss rates did not differ. There was an effect of group (P &lt; 0.001) and day (P &lt; 0.001) for progesterone concentrations, but there was no interaction (P = 0.89). Peak concentrations of progesterone (ng mL-1) did not differ among groups (Cue-Mate: 5.0 � 1.1; DIB: 3.9 � 0.6; 1.9-g CIDR: 4.6 � 0.6; 1.38-g CIDR: 3.7 � 0.4; P = 0.51). Mean (� SEM) concentrations of progesterone over the 31-day insertion period differed between 1.9-g CIDR (1.8 � 0.2 ng mL-1) and DIB (1.5 � 0.1 ng mL-1, P &lt; 0.006), with Cue-Mate (1.5 � 0.2 ng mL-1) and 1.38-g CIDR (1.6 � 0.1 ng mL-1) intermediate and not different from either. When data were evaluated from insertion until Day 7, mean plasma progesterone concentrations did not differ among groups (Cue-Mate: 2.2 � 0.2 ng mL-1; DIB: 2.2 � 0.1 ng mL-1; 1.9-g CIDR: 2.6 � 0.2 ng mL-1; 1.38-g CIDR: 2.1 � 0.1 ng mL-1). However, progesterone concentrations from insertion until Day 21 were higher (P &lt; 0.03) in cows with a 1.9-g CIDR (2.1 � 0.1 ng mL-1) than in those with a DIB (1.6 � 0.1 ng mL-1) or a 1.38-g CIDR (1.6 � 0.1 ng mL-1), with Cue-Mate (1.7 � 0.1 ng mL-1) intermediate and not different. Based on progesterone release patterns, it was concluded that Cue-Mate intravaginal devices can be used in protocols for synchronization of estrus and ovulation as with other progesterone-releasing devices.


2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 90 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. W. Thatcher ◽  
C. A. Risco ◽  
J. Larson ◽  
M. J. Thatcher ◽  
F. Lima ◽  
...  

The objectives of the present series of experiments were to develop a timed artificial insemination (TAI) program for dairy heifers and to utilize a TAI program to evaluate the effect of flunixin meglumine (Banamine�; Schering-Plough Animal Health Corp., Atlanta, GA, USA), a prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS)-2 inhibitor, on pregnancy rate and embryo survival. In Experiment 1, 247 heifers were assigned randomly to a prostaglandin F (PGF)/gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) TAI [i.e., 2 injections of Lutalyse� (25 mg, IM; Pfizer Animal Health Inc., Groton, CT, USA) given 14 days apart in the PM; 60 h after the 2nd Lutalyse injection, heifers received a GnRH injection (Cystorelin�; 100 µg, IM; Merial, Duluth, GA, USA) and were TAI] or a 5-day CIDR/Synch TAI [intravaginal insertion of a CIDR� device (Pfizer Animal Health Inc.) and an injection of GnRH in the AM; 5 days later in the AM, the CIDR insert was removed and Lutalyse was injected, followed by a 2nd injection of Lutalyse� 12 h later; heifers were TAI and injected with GnRH at 72 h after CIDR removal]. Blood samples for progesterone analyses were taken 7 days apart prior to initial PGF or CIDR insertion from the respective groups to determine cycling status. The CIDR/Synch TAI heifers tended to have greater Day 32 (53.1, >46.2%) ultrasound pregnancy rate (USPR) and Day 42 (50.8, >43.7%) rectal palpation (RPPR) than PGF/GnRH heifers (P = 0.10); 4/9 non-cycling heifers of the CIDR/Synch TAI group conceived v. 0/3 of the PGF/GnRH TAI group. In Experiment 2, 176 heifers underwent the CIDR/Synch TAI protocol. However, 2 injections of cloprostenol [500 µg AM/PM; Estrumate�, Schering-Plough Animal Health Corp.) were used to regress the CL at CIDR removal. Heifers at initiation of the CIDR/Synch TAI protocol were assigned randomly to receive injections of Banamine (400 mg IM) at Day 15.5 and at Day 16.0 or no injections (control). Banamine treatment failed to alter either Day 32 USPR (59.6% Banamine v. 59.8% control) or Day 46 RPPR (59.6% Banamine v. 58.6% control). Overall, 4/11 non-cycling heifers conceived. In Experiment 3, 147 heifers underwent a UsedCIDR/Synch TAI protocol utilizing cloprostenol as in Experiment 2. A 5-day used CIDR was employed. Heifers at initiation of the UsedCIDR/Synch TAI protocol were assigned randomly to receive injections of Banamine (400 mg IM) at Day 15.5 and at Day 16.0 or no injections (control). Banamine treatment failed to alter either Day 32 USPR (60.5% Banamine v. 62.0% control) or Day 46 RPPR (59.2% Banamine v. 60.6% control). Pooled overall analyses of pregnancy rates for dairy heifers receiving the CIDR/Synch TAI treatments (n = 451), adjusted for experiments, were 58.3% at Day 32 (USPR) and 57.6% at Day 46 (RPPR). In conclusion, Banamine failed to improve pregnancy rate and/or late embryo survival in dairy heifers, and a CIDR/Synch TAI program is very effective for optimizing the pregnancy rate in dairy heifers. This work was supported by the Florida-Georgia Milk Check-off program.


2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 289 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Larkin ◽  
P. Chesta ◽  
C. Looney ◽  
G. Bo ◽  
D. Forrest

This experiment was designed to compare timing of ovulation and embryo production between traditional superstimulatory and AI methods and the use of additional treatments of Estradiol-17β and pLH (Lutropin; Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) to facilitate timed AI in beef cows. A total of 31 mature cross-bred beef cows were randomly assigned three treatments. On Day 0, experimental cows were selected upon transrectal ultrasound evaluation for corpus leutum (>10 mm) prior to CIDR insertion plus 2.5 mg estradiol-17β and 50 mg Progesterone i.m. Superstimulatory treatments with Folltropin-V (Bioniche Animal Health) began on Day 4 for 3.5 days (236 mg NIH-FSH-P10) in decreasing dosages (7 injections at 0700 and 1900). All cows received prostaglandin F (PGF) treatments of 625 mcg D-cloprostenol i.m. (Estrumate; Schering-Plough, Union, NJ, USA) in both AM and PM on Day 6, and CIDRs were removed in AM of Day 7, followed by the final injection of Folltropin. In addition, Heat Watch patches (Heat Watch; Cow Chips, Denver, CO, USA) were applied to optimize heat detection. Donors selected as control treatment were AI at 12 and 24 h post-onset of estrus (first mount) with frozen semen from the same bull. Donors selected on the Estradiol-17β treatment received 1 mg i.m. 12 h after CIDR removal and timed AI at 24 and 36 h. Donors selected for Lutropin treatment received 12.5 mg (5cc i.m.) 24 h after CIDR removal and were timed AI at 12 and 24 h. All AI procedures used 2 units from the same bull. All cows were examined by ultrasonography every 8 h beginning 24 h post-CIDR removal and ending at 60 h to determine the time and distribution of ovulation. Ovulation was determined by the disappearance of follicles (>12 mm) from the prior examination. All AI and ultrasound procedures were performed by the same technician. There were no differences detected between the three treatments as evaluated by all the variables we studied (Table 1). However, donors treated with Lutropin tended to produced more viable embryos per collection and had a tighter degree of distribution of ovulations. Donors treated with Estradiol-17β tended to have fewer viable embryos. More research is needed to determine if donors can be timed AI without regard to estrus. Table 1. Mean onset of estrus, distribution of ovulation, and embryo production in superstimulated beef donors treated with Estradiol-17β, and Lutropin


2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 227
Author(s):  
A. Garcia Guerra ◽  
G. A. Bó ◽  
J. Villarreal ◽  
G. M. Brogliatti

Ovarian asynchrony and variability in response to superstimulation remain the most limiting factors in any embryo transfer program (Armstrong D 1993 Theriogenology 39, 7–24). Ovarian response can be increased and less variable if superstimulatory treatment is started at the time of follicular wave emergence (Bö GA et al. 1995 Theriogenology 43, 31–40). A combination of progesterone (P4) and estradiol have been used to synchronize follicular wave for superstimulation. A retrospective analysis was done to compare the ovarian response, superovulatory response and embryo production of cows in Argentina that received progesterone and estradol prior to superstimulation at different stages of the estrous cycle. This research was carried out using different breed of donors (n = 584, 88% Angus) during the last 4 years in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Heat detection was performed twice a day. At random stages of the estrous cycle, donors received an intravaginal progesterone device (DIB; Syntex, Buenos Aires, Argentina), 2 mg of estradiol benzoate and 50 mg of progesterone (Syntex, Buenos Aires, Argentina) IM on the same day. On day 4 after DIB insertion, superestimulatory treatment was initiated on a decreasing dose regimen of FSH (Pluset; Callier, Spain, or Folltropin, Bioniche Animal Health Inc., Belleville, Ontario, Canada) as IM injections every 12 h over 4 d. On day 6, DIBs were removed, and cows received two doses of 2 mL of cloprostenol 12 h apart. At heat detection, all donors received a dose of 2 mL of GnRH (Dalmarelin; Fatro Von Franken, Buenos Aires, Argentina) by IM injection and were inseminated 12 and 24 h later. Seven days later, embryo collection was performed and ovarian response was evaluated as number of CL + unovulated follicles by transrectal ultrasound using a 7.5-MHz transducer (Pie Medical, Maastricht, the Netherlands). Ova/embryos were evaluated and classified according to the IETS manual. Donors were assigned to receive DIB and estradiol during the following stages of the cycle: group 1: between days 4 and 7 post-estrus (dominant follicle period), group 2: between days 8 and 12 post-estrus (emergence of the second follicular wave), and group 3: between days 13 and 21 post-estrus (dominant follicle of the second wave). Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare variables among groups, and results are shown in Table 1. Ovarian response as CL + unovulated follicles and number of ovulations were significantly different among groups (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the number of fertilized ova or transferable embryos. Nevertheless, numeric differences that show that group 2 (started between days 8 and 12 post-estrus) was always superior for all variables. In conclusion, data suggest that estradiol may be more effective in synchronizing follicle wave emergence for superstimulation during the mid-part of the estrous cycle. Table 1. Superovulatory response in cows in which follicle wave emergence was synchronized with estradiol at different stages of the estrous cycle (mean ± SD) Research supported by Centro Genetico Bovino Eolia S.A.


2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 90 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Small ◽  
F. Dias ◽  
L. Pfeifer ◽  
K. Lightfoot ◽  
M. Colazo ◽  
...  

In previous studies, giving eCG at CIDR removal significantly increased the pregnancy rate after timed-AI in beef cows. However, eCG is not universally available. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that giving pFSH at CIDR removal might improve the pregnancy rate in a CIDR-based, Cosynch protocol in postpartum, suckled Bos taurus beef cows; a secondary objective was to compare pregnancy rates when GnRH v. pLH was used to synchronize wave emergence and ovulation. This work was conducted as two experiments (separate locations). All cows were given a CIDR (containing 1.9 g progesterone; Pfizer Animal Health, Montreal, QC, Canada) on Day 0 (without regard to stage of estrous cycle or cyclicity). On Day 7, CIDRs were removed, all cows were concurrently given 25 mg PGF (Lutalyse; Pfizer Animal Health, Groton, CT, USA), half were given 20 mg pFSH (Folltropin-V; Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, ON, Canada), and all cows were timed-AI 54 h later (Day 9). In Experiment 1, 240 cows [94 � 10.8 days postpartum; body condition score (BCS: 1 = emaciated, 9 = obese; mean � SD): 5.8 � 0.4] were used; at CIDR insertion and AI, cows were allocated to receive either 100 µg GnRH (n = 160; Cystorelin, Merial Canada Inc., Victoriaville, QC, Canada) or 12.5 mg pLH (n = 80; Lutropin-V, Bioniche Animal Health). In Experiment 2, 109 cows (59.2 � 19.5 days postpartum; BCS: 5.6 � 1.1) were used; all received 100 µg GnRH (Cystorelin) at CIDR insertion and AI. In Experiment 1, three cows that lost their CIDR were excluded; pregnancy rates after timed-AI (logistic regression, backward selection: parity, pFSH, synchronizing treatment, and their interactions) were not different between cows given pFSH v. control cows (64.7 v. 65.2%; P > 0.80), nor between cows given GnRH v. pLH (62.7 v. 69.6%; P = 0.91). However, there was an interaction (P < 0.04) between parity and the synchronizing treatment; in primiparous cows, pregnancy rates were significantly lower in those given GnRH v. pLH (59.3 v. 83.3%). In Experiment 2, pregnancy rates after timed-AI (logistic regression, backward selection: parity, pFSH, and their interaction) were not different between cows given pFSH v. control cows (38.2 v. 42.6%; P > 0.6). In conclusion, our hypothesis was not supported; giving pFSH at CIDR removal did not significantly improve the pregnancy rate in a CIDR-based, Cosynch protocol in postpartum, suckled Bos taurus beef cows.


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
G. A. Pessoa ◽  
A. P. Martini ◽  
J. M. Trentin ◽  
D. R. Dotto ◽  
H. L. D. Neri ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to compare 3 methods for synchronization of ovulation in anestrous beef cows. The hypothesis of this study was to determine whether low doses of hCG has superior efficacy to cypionate to induce ovulation in anestrous cows and provide higher pregnancy rate in oestrus-synchronization programs. Synchronization of ovulation and conception rate to timed AI (TAI) were evaluated in anestrus Bos taurus taurus suckling beef cows 45 ± 15 days postpartum and with body condition score of 2.9 (1 to 5) maintained in a native pastured system in the south of Brazil. Females were evaluated with ultrasound on the Day 0 (D0) of the protocol (Day 0), day 8 (D8), immediately before TAI (D10), and 7 days after TAI (Day 17). All cows were synchronized with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (IPRD; 0.75 g of progesterone, Prociclar®, Hertape Calier Animal Health, Juatuba, Brazil) and 2 mg IM of oestradiol benzoate (EB; Benzoato HC®) on D0. On Day 8, the IPRD was removed and 150 μg of D (+) cloprostenol (Veteglan Luteolytic®), and 25 IU IM FSH/LH (Pluset®) were administered. Females of the EC (n = 84) group received 1 mg IM of oestradiol cypionate (EC; Cipionato HC®). Females on D8 of the hCG (n = 81) group received 500 IU IM of hCG (Vetecor®, Hertape Calier) at the time of TAI. The females of the EC + hCG group (n = 83) received both treatments. All cows were submitted to TAI 54 h after withdrawal of IPRD. A part of the cows (n = 102) had the ovulation evaluated every 12 h from the withdrawal of IPRD [EC (n = 34), hCG (n = 34), and hCG + EC (n = 33)]. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS PROC GLIMMIX. The dominant follicle diameter (FD) on Day 8 (8.7 ± 0.2, 8.8 ± 0.2, 8.6 ± 0.2) did not differ between treatments EC, EC + hCG, or hCG (P = 0.79). However, the FD on D10 was higher (P = 0.001) for cows treated with hCG (12.9 ± 0.3) compared with cows from the EC (11.3 ± 0.2) or EC + hCG group (11.8 ± 0.2). The interval (h) between the withdrawal of IPRD and ovulation was lower (P = 0.01) for the hCG group, (71.2 ± 1.7) compared with the groups treated with EC or EC + hCG (76.6 ± 2.18 and 74.2 ± 1.65), respectively. The ovulation rate did not differ (P = 0.61) among the EC (85.2%, 29/34), hCG (91.1%, 31/34), or EC + hCG groups (90.9%, 30/33). Corpus luteum diameter (mm) was higher (P = 0.04) on D17 for the hCG-treated group (21.4 ± 0.3) compared with others treatments (EC = 19.1 ± 0.8 or EC + hCG = 20.4 ± 0.8). However, the plasma progesterone levels on D17 were EC = 2.0 ± 0.1, hCG = 2.4 ± 0.1, and EC + hCG = 2.3 ± 0.1 ng mL–1 (P = 0.19), and the conception rate on the 28th day after TAI (EC = 43.0%; hCG = 47.0%, and EC + hCG = 48.8%; P = 0.76) was also similar. The hCG determined smallest ovulation interval, but similar rates of pregnancy were observed with both treatments.


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 130 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.J. Mapletoft ◽  
M.G. Colazo ◽  
J.A. Small ◽  
D.R. Ward ◽  
J.P. Kastelic

The objective was to investigate the effect of dose of estradiol valerate (EV) on ovarian follicular growth profiles, intervals to follicular wave emergence and, following CIDR removal, estrus and ovulation in beef cows. On Day 0, 43 non-lactating, crossbred beef cows, 3 to 9 yr of age and at random stages of the estrous cycle, received a CIDR (Bioniche Animal Health; Belleville, Ontario, Canada) and were randomly allocated to one of four groups to receive no further treatment (Control; n=10), or an injection of 1mg (n=11), 2mg (n=10), or 5mg (n=12) i.m. of EV (Sigma Chemical Co, St. Louis, MO, USA) in 2mL canola oil. On Day 7, CIDR were removed and cows received 500μg i.m. of cloprostenol (Estrumate, Schering Plough Animal Health, Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada). Ovaries were examined by transrectal ultrasonography once daily until 48h after CIDR removal to detect ovarian follicle growth profiles, and twice daily thereafter to detect ovulation. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (LSD and Bartlett’s tests) and chi-square procedures. One cow (5mg EV group) lost the CIDR and was removed from all analyses. There was an effect of day (P&lt;0.0001) on CL diameter, but the effects of treatment (P=0.3), and the treatment-by-day interaction (P=0.1), were not significant. Follicular wave emergence occurred within 7d in 7/10 (70%) Control cows and 31/32 (97%; P&lt;0.04) EV-treated cows (one cow in late diestrus at the time of treatment did not respond to 1mg EV). Mean (±SD) interval from treatment to wave emergence was longer (P&lt;0.03) in cows treated with 5mg EV (4.8±1.2d) than in those treated with 1mg (3.2±0.9 days) or 2mg EV (3.4±0.8 days), while Control cows were intermediate (3.8±2.0 days). Although follicular wave emergence tended (P&lt;0.09) to be more synchronous in cows receiving EV, intervals from CIDR removal to estrus (P=0.7) and ovulation (P=0.8) did not differ among groups. Diameter of the dominant follicle was smaller (P&lt;0.04) at CIDR removal and tended to be smaller (P&lt;0.08) just prior to ovulation in the 5mg EV group (8.5±2.2 and 13.2±0.6mm, respectively) than in the Control (11.8±4.6 and 15.5±2.9mm, respectively) or 1mg EV (11.7±2.5 and 15.1±2.2mm, respectively) groups, with the 2mg EV group (10.7±1.5 and 14.3±1.7mm, respectively) intermediate. Diameter of the dominant follicle at CIDR removal was less variable (P&lt;0.01) in the 2 and 5mg EV groups than in the Control group and intermediate in the 1mg EV group. In summary, dose of EV affected follicular dynamics, interval to and synchrony of follicular wave emergence, and dominant follicle diameter at CIDR removal and just prior to ovulation in CIDR-treated cows. However, interval from CIDR removal to estrus and ovulation was not affected by treatment. Results suggest that a dose of 2mg EV may be most efficacious in synchronizing follicular wave emergence in CIDR-treated cows.


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