38 APPLICATION OF A FIVE-DAY PROGESTERONE-BASED SYNCHRONIZATION PROTOCOL FOR TIMED AI WITH SEXED SEMEN IN DAIRY HEIFERS

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 177
Author(s):  
M. B. Rabaglino ◽  
C. A. Risco ◽  
M. J. Thatcher ◽  
J. E. P. Santos ◽  
W. W. Thatcher
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Reproductive Management ◽  
Sexed Semen ◽  
Pfizer Animal Health ◽  
Synchronization Protocol

It is expected that pregnancy per AI with sexed semen would be 70 to 75% of that with conventional semen, and the use of sexed semen with timed AI (TAI) protocols is discouraged (DeJarnette et al. 2009 Theriogenology 71, 49-58). It was hypothesized that the 5-day Co-Synch + CIDR (controlled internal drug-release) protocol with 1 injection of PGF2α would be an acceptable reproductive management program for TAI of dairy heifers with sexed semen. The objectives were to compare pregnancy per TAI (P/TAI) using conventional or sexed semen for the first TAI (experiment 1), and to evaluate P/TAI of a reproductive management program with sexed semen for the first TAI and sexed or conventional semen for the second TAI (experiment 2). A total of 1,000 Holstein heifers between 13 to 14 months of age were synchronized with the 5-day Co-Synch + CIDR protocol, that consisted of an administration of GnRH (100 μg i.m. Cystorelin®, Merial Ltd., Iselin, NJ, USA) and a CIDR insert containing 1.38 g of progesterone inserted at Day 0; on Day 5 the CIDR was removed and one injection of PGF2α (25 mg, i.m. Lutalyse®, Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY, USA) administered; on Day 8 a second injection of GnRH was administered concurrent with TAI. In experiment 1, 198 heifers were assigned randomly to be TAI with conventional (n = 98) or sexed (n = 100) semen for the first TAI. Commercial straws with sexed or conventional semen were obtained from 2 sires. In experiment 2, a total of 802 heifers received TAI to the first service with sexed semen. For the resynchronized TAI, nonpregnant heifers at 32 days after the first TAI were resynchronized with the 5-day Co-Synch + CIDR and were TAI with either sexed semen (n = 114) or with conventional semen (n = 373). Pregnancy per TAI to first and second TAI was analyzed by logistic regression using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Version 9.1 for Windows, SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA) with heifer treated as a random effect. In experiment 1, P/TAI was 51.0% and 42.0% at 45 days for conventional and sexed semen, respectively (P = 0.1). Pregnancy per TAI with sexed semen was 82.3% of conventional semen. In experiment 2, P/TAI at first service with sexed semen was 35.9% at 45 days after TAI. For the second TAI, P/TAI was 40.4% with sexed semen at 45 days and 59.2% with conventional semen at 60 days (P < 0.001). As expected, P/TAI was lower with sexed compared to conventional semen. Nevertheless, the application of the 5-day Co-Synch + CIDR protocol with one injection of PGF2α, as a reproductive management program for TAI of dairy heifers, achieved an acceptable P/TAI with sexed semen. We conclude that sexed semen can be used with TAI to effectively manage reproduction in dairy heifers by removing the challenges of detection of estrus and increase the number of females born.

17 MANIPULATION OF PROESTRUS PERIOD BY EXOGENOUS GONADOTROPIN AND ESTRADIOL DURING TIMED ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION PROTOCOL IN SUCKLED BEEF COWS

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 155
Author(s):  
P. C. S. F. Pitaluga ◽  
M. F. Sá Filho ◽  
J. N. S. Sales ◽  
P. S. Baruselli ◽  
L. Vincenti
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Additional Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Device Removal ◽  
Pfizer Animal Health ◽  
Synchronization Protocol

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of eCG or estradiol cypionate (ECP) during the proestrus period on estrus occurrence, ovarian responses, and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in suckled Bos indicus beef cows subjected to timed AI (TAI) protocols. A total of 393 cows in random stages of estrus (Day 0), received an intravaginal progesterone (P4) device (1.9 g of P4; CIDR®, Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY, USA) and 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate IM (EB; Gonadiol®, MDS Animal Health). Eight days later, the P4 devices were removed, and cows were given 0.15 mg of d-cloprostenol (Prostaglandina Tortuga®, Tortuga Companhia Zootécnica Agrária, São Paulo, Brazil). At this time, cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 300 IU of eCG (Group eCG; n = 138), 300 IU of eCG plus 1 mg of ECP IM (Group eCG+ECP; n = 124), or no additional treatment (control; n = 131). Cows were timed inseminated 48 h after P4 device removal and were administrated simultaneously 100 µg of gonadorelin IM (Profertil®, Tortuga Companhia Zootécnica Agrária). A subset of cows (n = 98) were evaluated according to the occurrence of estrus between the P4 device removal and TAI and their ovarian follicles were evaluated by ultrasound at P4 device removal and corpus luteum (5 days after TAI). The data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA) and differences with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. A greater pregnancy rate (P/AI; P = 0.04) was observed in cows receiving the eCG treatment at P4 device removal [eCG = 42% (58/138) and eCG+ECP = 50.8% (63/124)] than cows from the control group [29.8% (39/131)]. There was no additive effect of ECP supplementation on P/AI. Cows that received ECP [eCG+ECP = 56.3% (18/32)] displayed more estrus (P = 0.002) compared with those receiving eCG [eCG = 23.5% (8/34)] or only GnRH at TAI [control = 15.6% (5/32)]. In addition, regardless of the ECP supplementation, cows receiving the eCG treatment at P4 device removal [eCG = 85.3% (29/34) and eCG+ECP = 90.1% (29/32)] presented a greater ovulation rate than cows from the control group [65.6% (21/32)]. In conclusion, exogenous estradiol administrated at device removal increased the proportion of suckled Bos indicus cows that displayed estrus. Cows receiving eCG treatment (with or without estradiol supplementation) had greater ovulatory and pregnancy responses after the estradiol/P4-based synchronization protocol.

20 ADMINISTRATION OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE AT CIDR REMOVAL DOES NOT AFFECT THE PREGNANCY RATE IN A CIDR-BASED, COSYNCH PROTOCOL IN LACTATING BEEF COWS

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 90 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Small ◽  
F. Dias ◽  
L. Pfeifer ◽  
K. Lightfoot ◽  
M. Colazo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
Pfizer Animal Health

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.

169 Comparison of pregnancy outcomes in dairy heifers artificially inseminated with sexed semen deposited in the uterine horns versus the uterine body

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 211
Author(s):  
S. Kirks ◽  
R. Palomares ◽  
P. Melendez ◽  
M. Ferrer ◽  
A. Hoyos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Damage ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Freezing Process ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Normal Ranges ◽  
Sexed Semen ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Uterine Body

The use of sexed semen (SS) for AI of cattle has resulted in lower pregnancy per timed AI (P/TAI) compared with conventional semen. This has been attributed to lower sperm dose and cell damage during the cell sorting-freezing process. Horn AI is a common practice in equines and canines to improve pregnancy rate when using low sperm doses. The objective was to compare P/TAI and pregnancy loss (PL) in dairy heifers inseminated with SS deposited in the uterine horn (UH) ipsilateral to the ovary containing the preovulatory follicle (POF) versus TAI in the uterine body (UB). This study was performed on two dairy farms in Georgia (A and B). On farm A, 74 Holstein heifers (12 months old) received a 5-day Cosynch + controlled internal drug release (CIDR) protocol including an intravaginal insert (Eazi-Breed CIDR, Zoetis Animal Health) containing 1.38g of progesterone for 5 days and a dose of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) intramuscularly (100µg, 2mL of Factrel, Zoetis Animal Health). At CIDR removal, heifers received a dose of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) intramuscularly (25mg, 5mL of Lutalyse, Zoetis Animal Health) and again 24h later; 72h after CIDR removal, heifers received 100µg of GnRH intramuscularly and TAI with frozen-thawed SS. On farm B, 237 Holstein×Jersey heifers (12 months old) received a modified 5-day Cosynch + CIDR. This protocol was similar to that on farm A but did not include GnRH at the time of CIDR insertion or a second dose of PGF2α 24h after CIDR removal. Immediately before TAI, heifers were examined using transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) to determine on which ovary the POF was present. Each heifer was randomly assigned to TAI using SS in either the UH ipsilateral to the ovary containing the POF (n=150; farm A, n=32; farm B, n=118) or the UB regardless of where the POF was identified (n=161; farm A, n=42; farm B, n=119). Pregnancy was diagnosed 32 days after TAI using TRUS to determine P/TAI. Heifers diagnosed pregnant were re-examined using TRUS at 60 days of gestation to assess PL. Data were analysed using PROC LOGISTIC and the chi-square test of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). Heifers that received SS in the UH had adequate P/TAI (50.6% (76/150); farm A: 50.0% (16/32); farm B: 50.8% (60/118)), which tended to be numerically greater (P=0.12) than that observed in heifers receiving SS in the UB (43.4% (70/161); farm A: 40.5% (17/42); farm B: 44.5% (53/119)). In addition, PL was not different between groups and was within normal ranges for dairy heifers (10.0 and 9.4% for UH and UB, respectively). In conclusion, TAI of dairy heifers with SS deposited in the UH ipsilateral to the ovary containing the POF resulted in adequate P/TAI, which was 7.2% greater than TAI in the UB. Horn AI with SS might become a valuable tool for optimising reproductive efficiency and genetic selection of dairy herds.

318 EFFECT OF BREED AND FOLLICULAR STATUS ON RESPONSE TO SUPEROVULATION IN SOUTH AFRICAN GOATS

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 306
Author(s):  
K. C. Lehloenya ◽  
N. A. Mpebe ◽  
A. Gonzalez-Bulnes
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
South African ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Cell Stage ◽  
Embryo Yield ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Morphological Criteria ◽  
Pfizer Animal Health

This study evaluated the effect of breed and follicular status on quantity and quality of embryos recovered following superovulation in South African goats. Mature, nonlactating Boer (n = 10) and unimproved indigenous (n = 10) goats were used in this trial. Oestrous cycles of does were synchronised with controlled internal drug release (CIDR®; Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY, USA) dispensers inserted for 9 days and injected with prostaglandin at CIDR insertion. All does were superovulated with pFSH, administered in 7 dosages, at 12 h intervals, starting from 48 h before CIDR removal. Ultrasonographic scans were performed at initiation of the superovulation treatment. Does were cervically inseminated with fresh undiluted semen at 36 and 48 h following CIDR withdrawal. Embryos were surgically collected at Day 6 following AI. The total number of recovered structures (unfertilised ova and embryos) was evaluated microscopically for the stage of development and quality, using morphological criteria. The structures were classified as unfertilised ova (if there was no cleavage), degenerate embryos (embryos at 8-cell stage and earlier stage), or as transferable grade 1, 2, and 3 embryos (morphologically intact compacted morulae, early blastocysts, and expanded blastocysts). All data were analysed using the ANOVA procedures of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The time from CIDR removal to onset of oestrus did not differ significantly between breeds. Breed had no effect on the total number of corpora lutea, structures (unfertilised ova and embryos), unfertilised ova, embryos, degenerated embryos, and transferable embryos. The total number of follicles at the onset of pFSH treatment was positively correlated with the number of structures (unfertilised ova plus embryos) recovered. Similarly, the total number of embryos recovered was positively correlated with the number of follicles 2 to 3 mm and 4 to 5 mm, and the total number of follicles. The number of follicles 4 to 5 mm and the total number of follicles at the onset of pFSH treatment were positively correlated with total number of the transferrable embryos at the beginning of a superovulation treatment. The total number of transferable embryos was negatively correlated with the presence of follicles with a diameter >6 mm at the beginning of the superovulation treatment. In conclusion, breed had no effect on response to superovulation. The total number of follicles and follicle diameters 2 to 3 mm and 4 to 5 mm were positively correlated with embryo yield. The presence of follicles >6 mm at the beginning of superovulation negatively affected the quality of embryos. The results of this study indicate that breed has no effect on response to superovulation. However, the number and size of follicles at the beginning of a superovulation treatment affect both embryo yield and quality.

scholarly journals 317 EFFECT OF TIME OF ONSET OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE TREATMENT ON SUPEROVULATORY RESPONSE AND EMBRYO YIELD OF SANTA INES EWES DURING BREEDING SEASON

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 306
Author(s):  
M. E. F. Oliveira ◽  
C. C. D'Amato ◽  
C. S. Oliveira ◽  
F. F. P. C. Barros ◽  
A. P. Perini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Hormone Treatment ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Follicular Wave ◽  
Embryo Yield ◽  
Pfizer Animal Health ◽  
Santa Inês

This study was designed to investigate if the time of onset of FSH treatment [near the emergence of first or last follicular wave on progesterone (P4) protocol] influenced the superovulatory response and embryo yield in Santa Ines ewes during breeding season. Days of emergence of the follicular waves were defined in a previous study that evaluated the follicular dynamic in oestrus synchronization treatments (Oliveira et al. 2011 Acta Sci. Vet. 40). We observed emergence of the first and last follicular wave on 5.69 ± 0.42 and 11.25 ± 0.39 days of protocol, respectively. Twenty Santa Ines ewes were submitted to 2 superovulatory protocols according to the time that FSH treatments were initiated (G-first wave, n = 10; G-last wave, n = 10). On Day 0, all ewes received a P4 device (CIDR®; Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY, USA) and injection of 37.5 µg of d-cloprostenol, IM. The FSH treatments started on Day 6 and Day 11 of protocol for G-first and G-last, respectively. The superovulatory regimen consisted of 8 IM injections of pFSH administrated twice daily (40, 40, 30, 30, 20, 20, 10, and 10 mg of pFSH). The P4 device was removed on Day 8 and Day 13 for G-first and G-last, respectively. At these times, all ewes received another injection of 37.5 µg of d-cloprostenol and a dose of 200 IU of eCG. During 4 days after the P4 device removal, ewes were mated by a fertile ram. Embryo collections were accomplished 7 days after CIDR withdrawal. The ovaries were evaluated by ultrasonography (3 times daily, during the mating period) and laparotomy (concomitantly with embryo collection). The superovulatory response was observed by classified by score: 0 = 4 or fewer corpora lutea (CL); 1 = between 5 and 10 CL; and 2 = 11 or more CL. Data were analysed by GLIMMIX using SAS software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). All donors from G-first had superovulatory response classified as score 2, whereas 60% of ewes from G-last were classified as score 2, 20% as score 1, and 20% as score 0 (P < 0.05). There were effects between treatments (P < 0.05) for ovulation rate (G-first: 97.9 ± 1.4% v. G-last: 88.5 ± 4.4%) and number of ovulations (G-first: 17.0 ± 2.3 v. G-last: 12.5 ± 2.6). The numbers of luteinized unovulated follicles were 0.7 ± 0.5 for G-first and 1.2 ± 0.4 for G-last (P > 0.05). There was no difference between G-first and G-last (P > 0.05) in the rate of ova/embryos recovered (54.9 ± 5.7% v. 49.3 ± 8.5%), mean number of ova/embryos recovered (9.0 ± 1.4 v. 6.3 ± 1.1), number of viable embryos (3.8 ± 1.5 v. 3.4 ± 0.8), or viability rate (40.3 ± 10.8 v. 53.4 ± 12.1). In conclusion, the FSH treatment started near the emergence of the first follicular wave of progesterone protocol in Santa Ines ewes during the breeding season resulted in a higher superovulatory response than that started near the last follicular wave; however, no improvements in embryo yield were observed. Financial support: FAPESP.

19 BEEF CATTLE PREGNANCY RATES FOLLOWING INSEMINATION WITH AGED FROZEN ANGUS SEMEN

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 167 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. B. Carwell ◽  
J. A. Pitchford ◽  
G. T. Gentry Jr ◽  
H. Blackburn ◽  
K. R. Bondioli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Crossbred Cattle ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Frozen Semen ◽  
Pfizer Animal Health ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Artificial insemination has proven to be a valuable asset to the cattle industry. It is assumed that once good quality semen is frozen in liquid nitrogen it should remain viable indefinitely; however, semen viability has not been systematically evaluated after being stored for several decades. In this experiment, frozen semen from 25 purebred Angus bulls processed during 3 time periods (1960-1975 = 5 bulls; 1976-1991 = 11; 1992-2002 = 9 bulls) was used to randomly inseminate purebred lactating Angus cows and heifers and lactating crossbred beef cows. In experiment 1, Angus cows (n = 24) and Angus heifers (n = 16) and in experiment 2, crossbred cattle (n = 88) of 5 breeds (Beefmaster, Romosinuano, Bons Mara, Brangus, Brangus F1) were artificially inseminated with frozen-thawed Angus bulls semen from the 3 time periods. All females were in good body condition and at least 45 days postpartum and were synchronized using the SelectSynch protocol. Briefly, on treatment Day 0, females received an Eazi-Breed CIDR (Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY, USA) implant and were administered GnRH (Factryl, 100 μg im), on Day 7, prostaglandin (Lutalyse, 25 mg im, Pfizer Animal Health) was administered and the CIDR removed. Cattle not responding to synchronization were subjected an additional prostaglandin treatment 8 to 10 days later. Estrus detection was conducted using the HeatWatch™ system for the Angus females and with Estrotect™ patches for the crossbred females. Females fitted with HeatWatch transponders that were successfully mounted 4 times within a 6-h period were considered to be in standing estrus and were inseminated 12 to 14 h later. Females fitted with Estrotect patches were observed twice daily (morning and evening) to identify females whose patch was scratched. Females were inseminated by an experienced technician 12 to 14h after the patch were observed as being scratched a minimum of 50%. Response to synchronization in Angus cows and heifers was 76% (n = 40), whereas in the crossbred cattle the response was 74% (n = 88). Cows and heifers were confirmed pregnant via transrectal ultrasonography 45 days postinsemination. Pregnancy rates confirmed by chi-square analysis were not different for Angus cows and heifers (58% and 43%, respectively). Also, pregnancy rates for the Angus females were not different across time periods 1, 2, and 3 (58, 43, and 53%, respectively). Pregnancy rates for crossbred females were not different across time periods 1, 2, and 3 (35, 60, and 44%, respectively). Overall pregnancy rates (experiments 1 and 2) were 47, 52, and 40% across time periods 1, 2, and 3 respectively. It is concluded from this study that semen units processed and frozen from Angus bulls from time periods 1, 2, and 3 (from the 1960s through to 2002) are still viable and produce similar pregnancy rates in artificially inseminated beef females. Thanks to Jared Pitchfordfor inseminating all of the cattle; Harvey Blackburn for providing the semen to make the project possible; and my advisors Dr. Gentry and Dr. Godkefor assisting throughout the entire project. I also thank all of the graduate students who have helped me throughout the project.

21 DEVELOPMENT OF A TIMED INSEMINATION PROGRAM IN DAIRY HEIFERS AS A PLATFORM TO DETERMINE IF FLUNIXIN MEGLUMINE IMPROVES PREGNANCY RATE AND EMBRYO SURVIVAL

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 90 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. W. Thatcher ◽  
C. A. Risco ◽  
J. Larson ◽  
M. J. Thatcher ◽  
F. Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Flunixin Meglumine ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
Pfizer Animal Health ◽  
Prostaglandin H ◽  
Rectal Palpation ◽  
To Receive

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.

98 COMMERCIAL APPLICATION OF A NEW COW-SIDE LH ASSAY FOR DETERMINING OPTIMUM AI INTERVALS IN SUPEROVULATED BEEF DONORS IN THE USA: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
T. L. Devine ◽  
M. L. Looper ◽  
J. H. Pryor ◽  
E. Kara ◽  
M.-C. Maurel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Positive Test ◽  
Commercial Application ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Step Procedure ◽  
Commercial Program ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Pfizer Animal Health ◽  
Preliminary Study

Successful superovulation and embryo collection require donors to be managed for precise insemination intervals. At times, determinations of these intervals can become difficult because of oestrus detection subjectivity. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of performing a rapid cow-side LH assay (Predi′Bov®, ReproPharm, Nouzilly, France) on superovulated donors with emphasis on determining how to use the results in a commercial program to time inseminations. This study was conducted at Ovagenix (Bryan, TX, USA) on 24 superovulated donors. On Day 0 cows received an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (CIDR®, Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY, USA) and were administered 25 mg of progesterone and 2.5 mg of oestradiol 17β intramuscularly (IM, 2 mL). Superstimulation was induced using 150–300 mg of Folltropin-V® (FSH, Bioniche Animal Health Inc., ON, Canada) administered with 7 injections at 12-h intervals in decreasing dosages (Day 4–7). On Day 6, two doses of Estrumate® (equaling 1 mg, Intervet Inc., Merck Animal Health, Summit, NJ, USA) were given IM, concurrently with FSH injections 5 and 6 with CIDR removal on Day 7 (a.m.). HeatWatch® transmitters (Cow Chips LLC, Denver, CO, USA) were applied to donors on Day 7 to determine onset of standing oestrus. Blood samples were collected in heparinized tubes via tail vein puncture starting at CIDR removal continuing every 6 h until a positive Predi′Bov® test was acquired or 36 h after CIDR removal. Whole blood (0.5 mL–1) was submitted to a proprietary 3-step procedure using a tube-stick applicator (40 min) to determine whether increased concentrations of LH were present. Stick applicators that turned blue were positive for increased concentrations of LH. Donors were artificially inseminated 12 and 24 h after a positive test, with specified sires, and embryos were nonsurgically collected 7 days after insemination. The Predi′Bov® test determined 91.6% (22/24) of the LH peaks occurred within 12 to 24 h after CIDR removal; 45.8% (11/24) occurred at 18 h; and 4% (1/24) at 30 h. A total of 203 viable embryos (average 8.5/donor) was collected with 174 embryos (average 9.2 ± 4.7/donor) from donors that exhibited oestrus and produced a positive test (19/24; 79.2%) and 29 embryos (average 5.8 ± 6.3/donor) from donors exhibiting silent oestrus that produced a positive test (5/24; 20.8%). One donor exhibited oestrus and never produced a positive test, but contributed 8 viable embryos to the total. In conclusion, Predi′Bov® cow-side usage could offer commercial utility when identifying oestrus is difficult or nonexistent. Increased detection of ovulation could help to identify optimal AI intervals, thereby increasing embryo production and limiting the use of expensive semen for desired donors.

scholarly journals Ovariectomy of a brown bear (Ursus arctos): a case report

2010 ◽  
Vol 55 (No. 7) ◽  
pp. 353-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Radisic ◽  
M. Sindicic ◽  
D. Huber ◽  
J. Kusak ◽  
T. Gomercic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Midline Incision ◽  
Suspensory Ligament ◽  
Reproductive Control ◽  
Pfizer Animal Health ◽  
Surgical Field ◽  
Ovarian Pedicle

Reproductive control is regularly implemented in bear facilities to prevent crowding of enclosures and surplus animals. Ovariectomy may represent an efficient method of sterilizing bears yet has not been reported in the literature. A 73 kg female brown bear, age two years and three months, was anesthetized for ovariectomy with tiletamin and zolazepam (Zoletil<sup>&reg;</sup>, Virbac S.A., Carros Cedex, France) and medetomidin hydrochloride (Domitor<sup>&reg;</sup>, Pfizer Animal Health, New York, USA). A 25 cm midline incision that extended from the umbilicus to the pubic brim was made. The suspensory ligament was stretched and blunt dissected so that ovaries in bursa were exposed on the surgical field. A "Figure 8" ligature was placed between two forcepses and a circumferential ligature was placed around proximal forceps at the ovarian pedicle. Another "Figure 8" ligature was placed between two forcepses and a circumferential ligature was placed around distal forceps at the cranial tip of the uterine horn. No surgical complications occurred, and no complications have transpired during the 12 month post-operative period.

18 THE EFFECTS OF CIDR AND eCG TREATMENTS IN A GnRH-BASED PROTOCOL FOR TIMED AI OR EMBRYO TRANSFER ON PREGNANCY RATES IN LACTATING BEEF COWS

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Small ◽  
M. G. Colazo ◽  
J. P. Kastelic ◽  
D. R. Ward ◽  
O. Dochi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Ultrasonographic Examination ◽  
Pfizer Animal Health ◽  
Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Recipient Selection ◽  
In Pregnancy ◽  
Synchronization Protocol

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of the addition of a progestin, equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), or both, in a GnRH-based protocol for timed AI (TAI) or timed embryo transfer (TET). In both experiments, Angus, Gelbvieh, and Simmental cross-bred cows were randomized by breed and postpartum interval [50 � 10 days (mean � SD); range, 27 to 89] into 4 groups in a 2 � 2 factorial design. All injections were given IM. In Experiment 1, 288 cows (89.6% cycling) were given 25 mg dinoprost (PGF; Lutalyse�; Pfizer Animal Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada) on Day –11; on Day 0, they were given 100 �g GnRH (Cystorelin�; Merial Canada, Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada), with or without concomitant insertion of a CIDR (1.9 g progesterone; Pfizer Animal Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada). On Day 7, CIDR inserts were removed and cows were given PGF, with or without concomitant injection of 400 IU of eCG (Pregnecol�; Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada). On Day 9 (54-56 h after PGF), TAI was done, with concomitant injection of 100 �g GnRH. Ultrasonographic examination of 147 cows on Day 7 revealed that 62.4% had ovulated in response to the first GnRH. Pregnancy rates (ultrasonographic examination) on Day 38 did not differ between cows with or without a CIDR (52.9 and 51.4%, rspectively; P ≥ 0.64), with or without eCG treatment (53.5 and 50.7%, respectively; P ≥ 0.28), in cycling vs. anestrous cows (51.6 vs 56.7%, respectively; P ≥ 0.76), and in cows that had ovulated (58.1%) or did not ovulate (50.0%) after the first GnRH treatment (P ≥ 0.58). In Experiment 2, 151 cows were given 500 �g cloprostenol (PGF; Estrumate�; Schering–Plough Animal Health, Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada) on Day –12, 100 �g GnRH on Day 0, with or without concomitant insertion of a CIDR. On Day 3, half of the cows were given 400 IU eCG. On Day 7, CIDRs were removed and cows were given PGF; on Day 9 (54–56 h after PGF), all cows were given 100 �g GnRH. On Day 15, ultrasonography was done to select suitable recipients for transfer of frozen–thawed embryos on Day 16 (part of another experiment, balanced across synchronization groups). Recipient selection rates did not differ whether cows received or did not receive a CIDR (93.4% vs 85.5%, respectively; P ≥ 0.27) or eCG (91.0 vs 87.8%, respectively; P ≥ 0.67). In addition, pregnancy rates on Day 43 did not differ whether cows received or did not receive a CIDR (32.3 vs 32.4%, respectively; P ≥ 0.52) or eCG (35.2 and 29.2%, respectively; P ≥ 0.21). In summary, the addition of a CIDR or eCG to a GnRH-based synchronization protocol initiated after PGF presynchronization in lactating beef cattle yielded no improvement in pregnancy rates following TAI, or recipient selection and pregnancy rates following TET.

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