113 Influence of antral follicles count on conception rate in Holstein cows and antral follicles count variation on insemination day and on pregnancy Day 30 and 60

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 182
Author(s):  
F. Morotti ◽  
R. G. Droher ◽  
A. F. Zangirolamo ◽  
M. M. Seneda
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Oocyte Retrieval ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Frozen Semen ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Condition Score

Several studies have indicated the population of antral follicles or count of antral follicles (AFC) as one of the main factors that influence the efficiency of reproductive biotechniques and its use as a marker of fertility. In this context, knowing the factors that interfere with or are influenced by this parameter is of crucial importance. Thus, the present study aimed (1) to determine the influence, in high-producing Holstein cows, of low, intermediate, and high AFC on the conception rate to AI, and (2) to evaluate if AFC shows variation at AI moment and in relation to 2 different moments of the gestation (30 and 60 days). In the first (n=95) and second (n=54) experiment, high-producing Holstein cows with a body condition score 2.5-4.5, aged 23-99 months, and maintained in a freestall system were inseminated. Using frozen semen from a single bull and performed by a single technician, the insemination was performed after detection of spontaneous estrus or induction with 25mg of dinoprost tromethamine IM. To determine AFC (follicles ≥2mm), the ovaries of each animal were examined by ultrasound at the time of AI at 30 and 60 days of pregnancy. The pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound 30 days after AI. In the second experiment, 54 females considered pregnant on the 30-day examination had the AFC reassessed 30 days later (60 days of gestation) to determine the variation in the number of follicles. In the first study, cows were divided into low (≤35 follicles, n=30), intermediate (≥40 and ≤55 follicles, n=30), and high (≥60 follicles, n=30 cows) according to the AFC quartiles (Q1, Q2, and Q3). The AFC was analysed by ANOVA followed by the Tukey's test and the conception rate by the Chi-squared test. In the second study, the AFC was compared between day of AI (considered nonpregnant), 30 and 60 days of pregnancy by repeated-measures using the generalized linear model (P ≤ 0.05). In the first study, the number of antral follicles was different (P<0.001) among groups with low (28±7 follicles), intermediate (47±5 follicles), and high AFC (72±11 follicles); however, the conception rate was similar (P=0.270) for the respective groups, at 26.7% (8/30), 36.7% (11/30), and 50% (15/30), respectively. In the second study, there was an increase (P<0.0001) in the number of antral follicles during the pregnancy, from 55.1±3.1 follicles in the AI moment to 82.6±4.2 at 30 days and reaching 115.2±5.1 follicles at 60 days of pregnancy. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that the conception rate was not influenced by the different AFC groups; however, the AFC increased as pregnancy progressed. In addition, we can suggest that the initial third of gestation (when it is still possible to manipulate the ovaries) is a strategic moment for oocyte retrieval in bovine females for the in vitro embryo production.

The effect of ammonia treatment on the intake of straw and hay when offered with rations of concentrates to ewes in late pregnancy

1985 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Orr ◽  
T. T. Treacher ◽  
V. C. Mason
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Spring Barley ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Barley Straw ◽  
Ammonia Treatment ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Forage Intake

ABSTRACTFinnish Landrace × Dorset Horn ewes were offered 300, 600 or 900 g fresh weight per day of concentrates and forage ad libitum from day 105 of pregnancy until lambing. Spring barley straw (S) or hay (H) was offered either untreated (U) or following treatment with anhydrous ammonia in an oven (T). Organic matter digestibilities (in vitro) were 0·42, 0·58, 0·42 and 0·60 and nitrogen contents were 7·2, 18·6, 12·0 and 25·0 g/kg dry matter for US, TS, UH and TH respectively. Forage intake did not differ between ewes carrying two or more foetuses but the small number of ewes carrying one foetus ate more straw (6·8 v. 4·5 g organic matter (OM) per kg live weight) than ewes carrying two or more foetuses. Ammonia treatment increased intake; the increase was larger on straw (4·6 v. 100 g OM per kg live weight) than on hay (9·0 v. 10·7 g OM per kg live weight). Replacement rates of forage by concentrates were -0·21, +0·06, -0·48 and +0·08 kg forage per kg concentrates for treatments US, TS, UH and TH respectively; only the value for treatment UH differed significantly from zero. On most treatments forage intake decreased as pregnancy progressed and the declines were greater when treated forages were offered. Concentrate level had a large effect on most aspects of ewe performance. Ewes offered treated forage gained slightly more weight in pregnancy (138 v. 104 g/day), had a slightly smaller decrease in body condition score (-0·54 v. -0·68) between day 105 and lambing but did not have greater lamb birth weights than ewes on untreated forage.

scholarly journals Phenotypic Relationship between Lactation Persistency and Change in Body Condition Score in First-lactation Holstein Cows

2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 610-615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takeshi Yamazaki ◽  
Hisato Takeda ◽  
Akiko Nishiura ◽  
Youji Sasai ◽  
Naoko Sugawara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Condition Score

scholarly journals 200 Comparison of daily rotation and slow rotational grazing on ewe performance, parasite infestation, and soil

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 75-75
Author(s):  
Kailey Bradley ◽  
Brooke Boyd ◽  
Lindsay Garrison ◽  
Morgan Higgins ◽  
Robert Newton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Slow Rotation ◽  
Fecal Egg Count ◽  
Electric Fence ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Parasite Infestation

Abstract Impact of grazing method on ewe performance, parasite infestation, and soil was examined using mature, non-lactating ewes divided into slow rotation (SR; n = 20) or daily rotation (DR; n = 20) groups. Pastures previously grazed by sheep were divided and soil sampled. Temporary electric fence provided daily pasture allocation for DR. Ewes had been adapted to temporary electric fence for two weeks. Both DR and SR were moved to new pasture at the same time. Ewes were weighed and fecal egg counts were conducted biweekly. On alternate weeks, ewes were body condition scored (BCS), FAMACHA scored, and dewormed if FAMACHA score was 4 or greater. After 10 weeks of grazing (June 1-August 10, 2018), final ewe weights and soil samples were collected. Body condition score, FAMACHA, fecal egg count, body weight, and soil test results were tested for effect of grazing group, date, and group by date interaction using procedures for repeated measures with JMP software (version 10, SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). The FAMACHA scores were greatest on July 6 (P < 0.0001). BCS were greater on June 8 and 22 than July 6 and August 3 (P < 0.0001). Ewes were heaviest on June 1 and 15, lightest on July 27 and August 10 (P < 0.0001), and DR ewes were lighter than SR ewes on July 27 and August 10 (P < 0.0001). No effect of treatment, date, or treatment by date interaction on fecal egg count (P > 0.23) was detected. Soil organic matter decreased over the study (P = 0.0024), but organic matter change was less in DR than SR (P = 0.0092). DR did not influence parasitism, but may enhance soil organic matter.

Influence of end-grazing forage residual and grazing management on lamb growth performance and crop yield from irrigated dual-purpose winter wheat

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 508 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Miller ◽  
G. J. Dean ◽  
P. D. Ball
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Stem Elongation ◽  
Rotational Grazing ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Lamb Growth

The effects of end-grazing forage residual and continuous v. rotational grazing systems on prime lamb performance, grain yield and quality were examined in an irrigated dual-purpose winter wheat (cv. Mackellar) crop in Tasmania. The design was a two end-grazing residual (400 and 800 kg/ha of dry matter (DM) at Zadoks Growth Stage 30, Low and High respectively, 0.2 ha plots) × two grazing system (continuously, or rotationally grazed in four subplots) factorial, replicated three times. Mixed-sex, second-cross lambs [37 kg liveweight (LW), 2.5 body condition score, 45 kg DM/head initial feed allowance] grazed for a total of 46 days before removal. Initial feed availability was 1875 kg DM/ha, with final residuals of 520 ± 57 and 940 ± 70 kg DM/ha for the Low and High treatments respectively. Particularly for the Low residual, in vitro DM digestibility and crude protein at stem elongation were reduced (P < 0.05) by rotational compared with continuous grazing. The weekly lamb growth rate (g/day) during the first 5 weeks of grazing was linearly related to average weekly available DM in kg/ha (GR = 0.35 ± 0.041 × DM – 194 ± 49.0, P < 0.01, R2 = 0.56). Total LW produced (336 ± 11.7 kg/ha), and grain yield (6.9 ± 0.21 t/ha), protein (11.4%), screenings <2.2 mm (10.9%) and 100 grain weights (3.82 g DM) were not different between treatments. There were no advantages of rotational grazing compared with continuous grazing. Irrigated dual-purpose winter wheat can be continuously grazed by lambs up to a 500 kg DM/ha residual at stem elongation without compromising total LW produced, grain yields or grain quality.

169 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OOCYTE RECOVERY AND EMBRYO PRODUCTION IN BOS INDICUS

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 196
Author(s):  
M. P. Palhão ◽  
E. R. Oliveira ◽  
M. M. Gioso ◽  
B. C. Carvalho ◽  
L. G. B. Siqueira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Oocyte Recovery ◽  
Conversion Rates ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Relationship

The ovarian follicular population has been used as a parameter to evaluate fertility and also the potential of donors undergoing assisted reproductive procedures in both human medicine and animal practice. There is a high correlation between follicular population and oocyte recovery by ovum pickup (OPU), but the relationship between oocyte recovery, embryo production and pregnancy rates may not be fully understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the conversion rate of oocytes to embryos and further pregnancies could be positively related to the number of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) recovered after OPU in cattle. For this purpose, records of 626 OPU sections from 251 nonlactating Gyr cows (dairy Zebu breed) were analysed. The animals had a good body condition score, were kept in a good feeding pasture (Brachiaria spp.) and were supplemented with corn silage and a mixture of corn, soybeans and vitamin and minerals, according to their nutritional requirements. For each ovarian aspiration, the ovarian follicular wave was previously synchronized with an auricular implant (Norgestomet-Crestar®), IM injections of 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate (Gonadiol®) and 0.25 mg of D-cloprostenol (Sincrocio®). The OPU procedures were performed using an ultrasound device (Aquila Vet, Esaote, São Paulo, Brazil) equipped with a vaginal sector 7.5-MHz probe, disposable 20 G needles and a vacuum pressure of 80 mmHg. The cows were ranked in quartiles regarding the total number of COC recovered. To reduce bias related to the eventual fluctuation of OPU results, for the present analysis the authors used only the recorded OPU session of each cow with the highest number of COC recovered. Viable COC were fertilized with sex-sorted (X) semen of Gyr bulls previously tested for in vitro embryo production. Conversion rates (%) of the total and viable oocytes to embryos, viable oocytes to pregnancy and embryo to pregnancy were evaluated for each quartile. Differences between the first and fourth quartiles were accessed by Fisher's exact test. In the 251 OPU, 4246 total and 3173 viable COC were recovered, resulting in the production of 1001 embryos (31.5%) and 453 pregnancies (45.3%). The cows ranked in the first, second, third and fourth quartiles produced >30 (41.6 ± 10.6), 21 to 30 (25.2 ± 3.0), 12 to 20 (15.9 ± 2.6) and <12 (6.7 ± 3.1) total oocytes. The average viable oocyte (29.1 ± 11.0, 18.1 ± 5.3, 11.1 ± 3.7 and 4.5 ± 2.7, respectively) and embryo production (8.6 ± 5.7, 5.2 ± 3.6, 3.8 ± 2.8 and 1.8 ± 1.8, respectively) were different (P < 0.0001) among all quartiles. Pregnancy rates, however, did not differ (46.0, 44.9, 43.9 and 45.6%, respectively; P > 0.05). Interestingly, the conversion rates (viable oocytes to embryos and viable oocytes to pregnancies) were higher (P < 0.0001 and 0.002) in cows from the last quartile (51.1 and 31.9%) compared with those from the first quartile (23.7 and 14.7%). In conclusion, the number of COC recovered by OPU (and consequently the ovarian follicular count) can further predict the total number of embryos and pregnancies produced, but it is not directly related to the oocyte development potential. Biotran and Fapemig Project CVZ APQ 01654/09 and BPD 0007/10.

10 TIMED ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION PROTOCOLS TO SYNCHRONIZATION OF OVULATION IN BOS TAURUS TAURUS SUCKLING 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 ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Follicle Diameter ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
South Of Brazil

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.

scholarly journals 166 The effect of late lactation and pre-breeding nutrition on reproductive outcomes in an accelerated lambing system

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 173-173
Author(s):  
Richard A Ehrhardt ◽  
Jordan Moody ◽  
Barbara Makela ◽  
Veiga-Lopez Almudena
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Reproductive Outcomes ◽  
Long Day ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Embryonic Loss

Abstract Productivity and seasonal constraints in lamb production can be overcome with accelerated systems. Accelerated adoption, however, has been limited by seasonal constraints in reproduction. Preliminary data suggest that periconceptional nutrition affects reproduction in the sub-optimal, long day breeding season. To evaluate this, we randomly assigned prolific, multiparous, Polypay x Dorset ewes at mid-lactation to nutritional treatments (5) over 2 periods: last 30 days of lactation (LACT) followed by the flushing period (FLUSH) consisting of the 21-day pre-breeding and the 34-day breeding period (total 55 days). During LACT, ewes were fed 100% (C), 70% (Low), or 150% (High) of late lactation energy requirements according to lamb rearing status (single or multiple). At FLUSH, Low or High ewes were fed either 70% (Low) or 150% (High) of energy requirements for maintenance (C ewes fed at 100% maintenance during FLUSH). This design was repeated over two seasons: optimal (SHORT day, n = 117) and suboptimal (LONG day, n = 108) breeding periods at 42.73°N and 84.5°W. Ewes were exposed to Dorset rams in 5 pens at 4–5% rotated every 12h. Reproductive outcomes were examined by ultrasound (transabdominal for litter size and conception rate; transrectal for early pregnancy loss). GLM analysis revealed changes in bodyweight and body condition score (BCS) consistent between seasons (Table 1). Regardless of dietary treatment, litter size was higher in SHORT (P &lt; 0.05), while embryonic loss tended to be higher in LONG season (P = 0.08). Within season, treatment had no effect on reproductive outcomes, however prolonged undernutrition (Low-Low) reduced conception rate in LONG vs. SHORT season (100 vs.78%; P &lt; 0.05). These results indicate that 1) high conception rates in LONG are attainable with natural mating and 2) chronic undernutrition hampers conception during long day periods. Finally, traditional flushing protocols are inadequate to invoke an optimal ovulation response regardless of season in accelerated systems.

scholarly journals Body Condition Score and Milk Production on Conception Rate of Cows under a Small-Scale Dairy System

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 800
Author(s):  
Luis Javier Montiel-Olguín ◽  
Felipe J. Ruiz-López ◽  
Miguel Mellado ◽  
Eliab Estrada-Cortés ◽  
Sergio Gómez-Rosales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Metabolic Stress ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Small Scale Dairy

Management and production characteristics impact conception rate to first service (CR1S) in small-scale dairy farms, but the impact of body condition score (BCS) and milk production levels on cows’ fertility is unknown. Our objective is to determine the effect of BCS and milk production on CR1S in small-scale dairy farms of western Mexico. Logistic regression models are used to determine the effect of BCS (at calving and first service), 60-d and 305-d milk production, protein and fat production, lactation number, and days at first service on CR1S. BCS at calving does not affect CR1S in cows with three or more lactations (39.5%; p > 0.1). However, first-lactation cows with BCS < 3.0 at calving and second lactation cows with BCS ≤ 2.5 at calving have higher CR1S (63.2 and 67.9%, respectively; p < 0.1). This result is perhaps due to reduced milk production, which leads to lower metabolic stress. BCS ≤ 2.5 at calving is associated (p < 0.05) with a reduced milk yield, explaining partially the observed higher CR1S in these groups. Cows with BCS ≤ 2.5 at first service in the higher quartile of 60-d milk production (≥ 28kg/day) show lower CR1S (23.9 and 51.1%, respectively; p < 0.01). In conclusion, BCS at calving and at first service, 60-d milk production, and lactation number are factors associated with CR1S.

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