202 ANTRAL FOLLICULAR COUNTS AND SUPERSTIMULATORY RESPONSE IN PREPUBERTAL CALVES

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 210
Author(s):  
A. R. T. Krause ◽  
F. C. F. Dias ◽  
G. Adams ◽  
R. Mapletoft ◽  
W. F. Huanca ◽  
...  

The number of follicles recruited in successive waves are consistent in postpubertal cattle (Singh et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 227), but ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation is highly variable among animals. We tested the hypotheses that the number of follicles present at wave emergence are repeatable and are predictive of superstimulatory response in prepubertal calves; therefore, we expected that calves with higher antral follicular counts (AFC; follicles = 1mm) at wave emergence will result in a greater number of follicles available for oocyte collection after a conventional 4-day gonadotropin treatment. Hereford crossbreed calves (n = 52; 5.1 to 6.8 months of age) were ranked according to the number of follicles = 1 mm detected in transrectal ultrasound video recordings of both ovaries at the time of wave emergence (First AFC; range: 12 to 53 follicles). Calves in the bottom (Low AFC; <20 follicles; n = 6) and top (High AFC; >32 follicles; n = 5) quartiles were selected for ovarian superstimulation. Emergence of a new follicular wave (Day 0) was induced by transvaginal follicle ablation (14 to 57 days after first AFC; 5.7 to 7.1 months of age), AFC were performed again (Second AFC), and calves were given eight 12-hourly IM injections of 25 mg of pFSH (Folltropin-V®, Bioniche Animal Health Inc., Belleville, Canada) beginning on Day 0.5. All calves were given 12.5 mg of pLH (Lutropin-V®, Bioniche Animal Health Inc.) IM 12 h after the last FSH and number of follicles equal to 3, 3 to 5, 6 to 8, and equal to 6 and 9 were counted 24 h after LH treatment (at the time of oocyte collection). A t-test was used to compare the number of follicles and ovarian response (Low v. High AFC). Values of Pearson (0.8; P < 0.001) and Spearman (0.9; P < 0.001) correlation coefficients between First and Second AFC indicate strong repeatability of numbers of follicles present at the time of wave emergence. As expected, mean number of follicles were greater (P = 0.01) in the High- than Low-AFC group (24.2 ± 2.0 v. 15.7 ± 1.0) at the Second AFC. The High-AFC group had a greater number of follicles at oocyte collection than Low AFC for 6 to 8 mm (13.4 ± 2.1 v. 5.3 ± 1.7; P = 0.01), but not for 3 to 5 mm (9.4 ± 2.5 v. 5.3 ± 2.1; P = 0.2) or 9 mm (7.6 ± 2.9 v. 4.8 ± 2.0; P = 0.4) size categories. However, High AFC resulted in a greater total number of follicles 3 (30.4 ± 3.1 v. 15.5 ± 3.2; P = 0.009) and 6 mm (21.0 ± 4.1 v. 10.2 ± 2.9; P = 0.05). The number of 6-mm follicles at the end of superstimulation represented 80 and 60% of 1-mm follicles at wave emergence in the High- and Low-AFC groups (P = 0.3). In conclusion, the number of follicles at the beginning of a wave are predictive of follicles recruited into subsequent waves in 7-month-old calves, and higher AFC at wave emergence resulted in a greater number of 3- and 6-mm follicles available for oocyte collection. Research was supported by the Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC). Hormones provided by Vetoquinol Inc. ARTK funded by CNPq-Science Without Borders, Brazil.

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.


2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 290
Author(s):  
P. S. Malhi ◽  
G. P. Adams ◽  
R. J. Mapletoft ◽  
J. Singh

Two experiments were done to test the hypotheses that aging in cattle is associated with a reduction in the number of follicles recruited into an ovarian follicular wave, and a reduction in the ovarian response following gonadotropin treatment for superovulation. Old cows (13 to 16 years old; n = 6 to 9) and their young daughters (3 to 6 years old; n = 7 to 9) were treated to induce an ovarian superstimulatory response twice in each of two consecutive years (i.e. 31 and 33 superstimulatory cycles, respectively). In Experiment 1, follicular wave emergence was synchronized using a single treatment of estradiol (5 mg) combined with progesterone (100 mg) at the time of CIDR-B (Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) insertion. Superstimulatory treatment consisted of a total dose of 50 mg NIH-FSH-P1 (Folltropin-V; Bioniche Animal Health) per 100 kg body weight divided into twice daily intramuscular injections over 4 days. CIDR devices were removed at the time of the last FSH treatment and 500 �g cloprostenol (Estrumate; Schering-Plough Animal Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada) was administered twice along with last two FSH treatments to induce luteolysis. Ovulation was induced using 25 mg porcine LH (Lutropin-V; Bioniche Animal Health) administered 24 h after the last FSH treatment. Ovulations were detected by ultrasonography at 24, 48, and 72 h after LH treatment. In Experiment 2, follicular wave emergence was synchronized with ultrasound-guided follicle ablation in the presence of a functional corpus luteum. Superstimulatory treatment was given as in Experiment 1. Ultrasound-guided follicle aspirations were performed 48 to 72 h after the last FSH for the purpose of another experiment. In both experiments, the ovarian follicular response was monitored daily by ultrasonography. There were no differences (P > 0.3) in mean body weight and dose of FSH treatment between old cows and their daughters. Fewer 2-5-mm follicles (P < 0.01) were detected at the expected time of wave emergence in old cows than in their daughters. In Experiment 1, the difference in mean number of ovulations in old and young cows (32 � 4 vs. 40 � 3) did not reach significance (P = 0.11), but fewer follicles e6 mm (P < 0.01) were detected on the day before ovulation in old cows than in their daughters. The number of follicles e6 mm detected just before ovulation (Experiment 1) or follicular aspiration (Experiment 2) in successive superstimulatory cycles was correlated within animals (r > 0.8; P < 0.0001). Similarly, the number of ovulations in successive superstimulatory cycles (Experiment 1) was correlated within animals (r = 0.6; P = 0.04). In conclusion, aging was associated with fewer 2-1 mm follicles at the time of wave emergence, a lower follicular response, and a tendency for a lower ovulatory response subsequent to gonadotropin treatment. The follicular and ovulatory response to superstimulatory treatment was repeatable within individuals.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 288 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Berland ◽  
A. von Baer ◽  
V. Parraguez ◽  
P. Morales ◽  
G. P. Adams ◽  
...  

We have previously documented that both FSH and eCG are equally effective in inducing ovarian superstimulation in llamas, resulting in the recovery of a high number of expanded COC suitable for in vitro fertilization (Ratto et al. 2005 Theriogenology 63, 2445-2457). The objective of the study was to evaluate the ovarian response, morphology, and competence of COC collected by ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration in llamas treated with FSH or eCG. Llamas were assigned randomly into 2 groups (n = 16 per group) and treated for 48 h after follicle ablation with (1)25 mg of FSH (Folltropin, Bioniche Animal Health Canada Inc., Belleville, Canada) i.m. twice daily for 4 d; or (2) 1000IU of eCG (Novormon, Bioniche Animal Health Canada) as a single i.m. dose. The starting of gonadotropin treatment was considered Day 0. Both groups were given an i.m. dose of 5 mg of Armour Standard LH (Lutropin, Bioniche Animal Health Canada) on Day 6, and COC were collected by transvaginal ultrasound follicle aspiration of all follicles ≥7 mm on Day 7. The ovarian response was assessed by transrectal ultrasonography using a 7.5-MHz linear-array transducer (Aloka SSD-500, Clinics, Santiago, Chile) immediately before oocyte collection at 24 to 26 h after LH treatment in both groups. The COC were classified as expanded, compact, denuded, or degenerated. Expanded COC collected from FSH- (n = 147) and eCG-treated llamas (n = 141) were fertilized in vitro using epididymal sperm as previously described (Ratto et al. 2006 Anim. Reprod. Sci. 97, 246-257). Gametes were co-incubated at 38.5°C in air with 5% CO2 and high humidity for 18 h. After in vitro fertilization, presumptive zygotes were co-culture in SOF medium supplemented with 0.6% of BSA with llama granulosa cells at 39°C, 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% N2 for 7 days. Embryo development was evaluated on Days 2, 5, and 7 of in vitro culture (Day 0 = IVF). Data were analyzed by Student’s t-test or Fisher’s exact test and presented as mean ± SEM. The FSH and eCG treatment groups did not differ with respect to the number of follicles ≥7 mm at the time of COC collection (16.0 ± 2.7 v. 14.0 ± 1.9; P = 0.5), the number of COC collected (11.5 ± 1.9 v. 9.7 ± 1.2; P = 0.4), or the collection rate per follicle aspirated (77.0 v. 71.5%; P = 0.2). No difference was detected between FSH and eCG-treated llamas in the number of expanded COCs (9.8 ± 1.4 v. 9.4 ± 1.2; P = 0.8). The percentage of presumptive zygotes to develop into 2 to 8 cells on Day 2 (65.3 v. 63.1), morulas on Day 5 (46.2 v. 42.5), and blastocyst stage on Day 7 (23.1 v. 20.5) did not differ (P > 0.05) between FSH and eCG-treated llamas, respectively. In conclusion, FSH and eCG treatments were equally effective for ovarian superstimulation and oocyte collection. The recovery of a high number of expanded COC can be used directly for in vitro fertilization and their competence is not affected by gonadotropin treatment. The study was supported by Convenio Desempeño en Investigacion (2007-DGI-CDA-04), Universidad Catolica de Temuco.


2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 307 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Garcia Guerra ◽  
D. Rodriguez ◽  
J. Villareal ◽  
A. Albrecht ◽  
G. Brogliatti

The success of an embryo transfer program is influenced by ovarian response, number of ovulations, fertilization, and embryo viability (Armstrong 1993). It has been observed that over-conditioned, overweight donor females tend to produce fewer viable embryos per collection (Stroud and Hasler 2006 Theriogenology 65, 65–76). The condition score is one of the many intrinsic factors that affects cow reproduction. A retrospective analysis was done to compare the ovarian response, number of ovulations, fertilization, and total transferable embryos recovered of cows with different condition scores in Argentina. This research was carried out using different breed donors (n = 640; 82% Angus; 18% other) during the last 4 years in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Donors at random stages of follicular wave with CL 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, São Paulo, Brazil, or Folltropin®; Bioniche Animal Health, Inc., Belleville, Ontario, Canada) as IM injections every 12 h during 4 days. On Day 6, DIBs were removed, and cows received a double dose of 2 mL of cloprostenol within 12 h. At heat detection, all donors received a dose of 2 mL of GnRH (Dalmarelin; Von Franken, Buenos Aires, Argentina) by IM injection and were inseminated 12 and 24 h thereafter. Seven days later, embryo collection was performed and ovarian response was evaluated as number of CL + anovulatory follicles by transrectal ultrasound using a 7.5-MHz transducer (Pie Medical, Maastricht, The Netherlands). The condition score was determined at this time using a 1 to 5 scale. Embryos recovered were evaluated and classified according to the IETS manual. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare variables among score groups, and results are shown in Table 1. Ovarian response as the number of CL and anovulatory follicles was significantly different (P = 0.0001) among groups. There is a negative correlation (−0.2194) between condition score and ovarian response. At higher condition scores, ovarian response decreased. There is a significant difference (P = 0.0001) for the number of ovulations and total number of fertilized ova among groups. Finally, the total number of transferable embryos was no different for either score; however, there is a trend toward decrease when the condition score is higher. In conclusion, these results indicate that using donors with condition scores of 2 to 3 improves the results of a superstimulatory treatment. Controlling donors' condition score by nutrition management gives us the possibility to produce more embryos per donor treatment. Table 1. Condition score, ovarian response, fertilization, and transferable embryos in donor cows in Argentina


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1208
Author(s):  
Aina Año-Perello ◽  
Zurisaday Santos-Jimenez ◽  
Teresa Encinas ◽  
Paula Martinez-Ros ◽  
Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes

The present study aimed to set up a short-term protocol for synchronization of follicular wave emergence in sheep, concomitant with estrus synchronization, which would improve ovarian response in assisted reproductive technologies. Administration of a single GnRH dose, concomitant with the insertion of a progesterone-loaded CIDR device, caused regression of gonadotrophin-dependent follicles ≥4 mm in all the GnRH-treated sheep and in around 80% of the controls treated only with CIDR (p < 0.05). Similar percentages of ewes lost all follicles (around 70%) or only the largest one (around 30%) in both groups. Hence, 54.1% and 70% of the sheep lost all large follicles and initiated a new follicular wave in the control and GnRH groups, respectively (p < 0.05). The remaining sheep showed follicles that were still not dependent of luteinizing hormone (LH). So, in fact, all the sheep had non-dominant follicles after treatment. In conclusion, a treatment including GnRH at CIDR insertion would offer a time- and cost-efficient protocol for inducing follicular turnover and synchronizing a new follicular wave at any stage of the estrous cycle.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-339
Author(s):  
Nguyen Giang ◽  
Nguyen Hien ◽  
Huynh Loan ◽  
Phan Phuc ◽  
Nguyen Dai ◽  
...  

Serum profile is generally considered as comprehensive data which directly reflected animal health and their potential resistance to environmental, nutritional and pathological stress. The present study aimed to provide physiological reference values for selected biochemical parameters in Noi chickens, a famous Vietnamese native breed, at 56 days old. The collected blood samples of 355 Noi birds (164 males and 191 females) were used to evaluate biochemical serum profile. Glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, triglycerides, cholesterol, creatinine, and uric acid in the serum were measured. The variation in these values arising from different sexes was also investigated. The results indicated that there were no differences (P>0.05) in the assessed indices between male and female Noi chickens. In overall for the whole group, these values were obtained as 250.86 mg/dL, 7.34 g/dL, 3.40 g/dL, 3.94 g/dL, 1.75, 148.54 mg/dL, 190.86 mg/dL, 0.44 mg/dL, and 1.44 mg/dL, respectively. The relationship among the biochemical parameters showed relatively low coefficients (r=0.79 in maximum). The females obtained higher correlation coefficients between levels of total protein and glucose (r=0.42) as well as between total protein and globulin (r=0.79), compared to the males. It was concluded that the male and female chickens performed similar values of serum indices. The contribution of this study might expand the knowledge on the biochemical profile and improved breeding strategies of Vietnamese indigenous Noi chickens.


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