171 Follicular and luteal characteristics and pregnancy rates in Bos indicus suckled cows treated with two oestradiol/progesterone-based protocols with a prolonged pro-oestrus

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 212
Author(s):  
A. Cedeño ◽  
R. Maingón ◽  
J. P. Cedeño ◽  
C. Guadalupe ◽  
L. Morales ◽  
...  

An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of the length of insertion of a progesterone (P4)-releasing device on follicular and luteal characteristics and pregnancy rates to fixed-time AI (P/FTAI) in Bos indicus cows treated with oestradiol/P4-based treatments with a prolonged pro-oestrus. Multiparous Bos indicus suckled beef cows (n=659), 60-90 days postpartum, with a corpus luteum (CL) or at least one follicle ≥8mm in diameter and with a body condition score between 2 and 3.5 (1-to-5 scale) were synchronised using three treatments. On Day 0, all cows received 2mg of oestradiol benzoate (Sincrodiol, Ourofino) and an intravaginal device with 1g of P4 (Sincrogest, Ourofino). The P4 device was removed on Day 6 in cows in the J-Synch 6 group (n=195) and on Day 7 in cows in the J-Synch 7 group (n=262) and conventional group (n=202). All cows received 500μg of cloprostenol (Sincrocio, Ourofino) and 400IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (SincroeCG 6000UI, Ourofino) at the time of P4 device removal. Cows in the conventional treatment group also received 0.5mg of oestradiol cypionate (SincroCP, Ourofino) at the same time. In addition, all cows were tail-painted for oestrous detection (CeloTest, Biotay). Cows that had lost ≥50% of the tail paint 62-66h (J-Synch groups) or 48-52h (conventional group) after device removal were FTAI at that time. Cows not showing oestrus by 62-66h (J-Synch groups) or 48-52h (conventional group) received 10μg of GnRH (Sincroforte, Ourofino) at the same time and were FTAI 8h later. A subset of 20 cows per group was also examined using ultrasonography (Mindray DP50 Vet) every 12h from the time of device removal to determine the time of ovulation, 6 days after ovulation to determine CL diameter, and 30 days after FTAI to determine P/AI. Data were analysed using the GLM Mixed procedure (InfoStat). The results are shown in Table 1. The diameter of the dominant preovulatory follicle was larger and the interval from device removal to ovulation was longer in cows in the J-Synch groups compared with those in the conventional group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the diameter of the CL was larger and P/FTAI was higher in cows in the J-Synch 7 group compared with those in the J-Synch 6 and conventional groups. In conclusion, delaying the removal of the P4 device by 1 day (i.e. Day 7 vs. Day 6) in the J-Synch groups and prolonging the pro-oestrus period by not giving oestradiol cypionate at P4 device removal (i.e. J-Synch 7 vs. conventional) resulted in a larger preovulatory follicle and CL and higher P/FTAI in Bos indicus suckled cows. Table 1.Mean (±s.e.m.) diameter of the preovulatory follicle (P/Foll) and corpus luteum (CL), interval from progesterone (P4) device removal to ovulation, and pregnancy rates to fixed-time AI (P/FTAI) in Bos indicus suckled cows Treatment P/Foll diameter, mm CL diameter, mm Interval to ovulation, h P/FTAI,% (n) J-Synch 6 15.5±0.3a 18.7±0.8a 83.0±4.0b 41.0 (80/195)a J-Synch 7 16.4±0.2b 21.9±0.8b 86.0±3.0b 52.0 (136/262)b Conventional 13.8±0.2a 16.8±0.9a 64.0±3.0a 37.1 (75/202)a a,bDifferent superscripts denote differences between means or P/FTAI.

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 213
Author(s):  
G. A. Bo ◽  
A. Cedeño ◽  
R. Maingón ◽  
J. P. Cedeño ◽  
H. Gamboa ◽  
...  

An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of the length of insertion of a progesterone (P4)-releasing device and the length of pro-oestrus on follicular and luteal characteristics and pregnancy rates to AI (P/AI) in Bos indicus heifers treated with oestradiol/P4-based treatments. Bos indicus beef heifers (n=374), 22-26 months of age, with a corpus luteum (CL) or at least one follicle ≥8mm in diameter and with a body condition score between 2.5 and 3.5 (1-to-5 scale) were synchronised using three treatments for fixed-time AI (FTAI). On Day 0, all heifers received 2mg of oestradiol benzoate (Sincrodiol, Ourofino) and an intravaginal device with 1g of P4 (Sincrogest, Ourofino). The P4 device was removed on Day 6 in heifers in the J-Synch 6 group (n=120) and on Day 7 in heifers in the J-Synch 7 group (n=105) and conventional group (n=165). All heifers received 500μg of cloprostenol (Sincrocio, Ourofino) and 300IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (SincroeCG 6000UI, Ourofino) at the time of P4 device removal. Furthermore, heifers in the conventional treatment group received 0.5mg of oestradiol cypionate (SincroCP, Ourofino) at the same time. In addition, all heifers were tail-painted for oestrus detection (CeloTest, Biotay). Heifers that had lost ≥50% of the tail paint by 70-74h (J-Synch groups) or 48-52h (conventional group) after device removal were FTAI at that time. Heifers not showing oestrus by 70-74h (J-Synch groups) or 48-52h (conventional group) received 10μg of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (Sincroforte, Ourofino) at the same time and were FTAI 8h later. All heifers were also examined using ultrasonography (Mindray DP50 Vet) every 12h from the time of device removal to determine the time of ovulation, 6 days after ovulation to determine the diameter of the CL, and 28 days after FTAI for P/AI determination. Data were analysed using the MLGM procedure (InfoStat) for normal data families (follicular dynamics) and binary data family (P/AI). The results are shown in Table 1. The diameter of the dominant preovulatory follicle and the CL did not differ among groups (P>0.12). However, the interval from device removal to ovulation was longer in heifers in the J-Synch groups than in heifers in the conventional group (P<0.05). Furthermore, P/AI was not different among groups. In conclusion, although the J-Synch protocols delayed the interval from P4 device removal to ovulation, the three protocols evaluated in the present study were equally effective in Bos indicus heifers. Table 1.Mean (±s.e.m.) diameter of the preovulatory follicle (P/Foll) and corpus luteum (CL), interval from progesterone (P4) device removal to ovulation, and pregnancy rates to AI (P/AI) in Bos indicus heifers Treatment P/Foll, mm Interval to ovulation, h CL diameter, mm P/AI,% (n) J-Synch 6 10.5±0.7 101.4±2.3a 18.6±1.0 52.0 (62/120) J-Synch 7 10.6±0.7 96.0±2.2a 16.5±0.9 39.0 (41/105) Conventional 9.4±0.7 73.0±1.9b 16.8±0.9 45.0 (74/165) a,bDifferent superscripts denote differences between groups in the interval from P4 device removal to ovulation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Bó ◽  
A. Cedeño ◽  
A. Tribulo ◽  
S. Andrada ◽  
R. Tribulo ◽  
...  

We have previously shown that expression of oestrus significantly influences the time of ovulation and pregnancy rates to timed-AI (P/TAI) in beef cattle synchronized with progesterone devices and oestradiol (Bó et al. 2016 Theriogenology 86, 388–396). Furthermore, delaying TAI from 48 h to 54–58 h after device removal improved P/TAI of those animals not showing oestrus by 48 h. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the administration of GnRH to those animals not showing oestrus by 48 h after device removal had an impact on P/TAI. Non-lactating and suckled beef cows and heifers (Bonsmara, Brangus, and Braford; n = 868), with a corpus luteum (CL) or a follicle ≥8 mm in diameter detected by ultrasonography (Mindray DP 30 Vet, 7.5 MHz, China) and body condition score 2 to 4 (1 to 5 scale) were synchronized in 3 replicates. On Day 0, animals received a progesterone device (DIB 0.5 g, Zoetis, Argentina) and 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate (Von Franken, Argentina). On Day 8, DIB were removed and cows received 0.150 mg of D+cloprostenol (Río de Janeiro, Argentina) plus 0.5 mg oestradiol cypionate (Cipiosyn, Zoetis). In addition, all cows were tail-painted on the sacrococcygeal area (CeloTest, Biotay, Argentina) at DIB removal and were observed to determine the expression of oestrus, according to the percentage of paint loss (PL) 48 h later. The animals that showed oestrus (PL > 30%) were recorded and TAI at that time while those with PL ≤ 30% (not in oestrus) were randomly allocated to receive 100 μg of gonadorelin (GnRH; Gonasyn, Zoetis) or no treatment and TAI between 54 to 58 h after DIB removal. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography at 45 days after TAI, and data were analysed by logistic regression. There were no significant differences among replicates, inseminators, semen source or animal class (dry cows, suckled cows or heifers; P > 0.11). However, animals showing oestrus by 48 h after DIB removal had higher P/TAI (371/666; 55.7; P < 0.04) than those that did not show oestrus (96/202; 47.5%). Within animals not showing oestrus at 48 h, those that were in oestrus by the TAI at 54 to 58 h had higher P/TAI (71/124, 57.3%; P < 0.01) than those that did not show oestrus within that period (27/78; 34.6%). In addition, P/TAI was higher (P < 0.01) in animals that received GnRH (66/113; 58.4%) than in those that did not receive GnRH (30/89; 33.7%). In conclusion, the expression of oestrus significantly affected P/TAI in beef cattle synchronized with progesterone devices and oestradiol. Furthermore, treatment of animals not showing oestrus by 48 h after DIB removal with GnRH resulted in improved P/TAI performed 6 to 10 h later.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 214
Author(s):  
E. Huguenine ◽  
J. de la Mata ◽  
A. Menchaca ◽  
R. L. R. de Carneiro ◽  
G. A. Bo

An experiment was designed to evaluate pregnancy rates per AI (P/AI) in suckled beef cows synchronised with a progesterone (P4)/oestradiol-based protocol and AI with non-sexed (conventional) semen and with a sexed-sorted semen with 65% X-bearing sperm and 35% Y-bearing sperm that was named SuperConventionalTM. Angus and Hereford suckled cows (n=558), 60-90 days postpartum, with a body condition score of 2 to 3.5 (1-to-5 scale) and 48% (269/558) with a corpus luteum, were randomly allocated to be AI with non-sexed (conventional) or SuperConventional semen. The experiment was performed on 3 farms using straws with sexed-sorted SuperConventional semen containing 6 or 8 million sperm and non-sorted conventional semen with 25 million sperm per straw. Semen was from split ejaculates from two Angus bulls. All cows received a P4 device with 0.6g of P4 (Pluselar, Calier) and 2mg of oestradiol benzoate (Calier) on Day 0. All P4 devices were removed on Day 8, and all cows received 400IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (Vetegon, Calier), 150µg of d+cloprostenol (Veteglan, Calier), and 1mg of oestradiol cipionate (Calier) at the same time. All cows were also tail-painted and observed for signs of oestrus. Cows with &gt;30% of the tail paint rubbed off by 48-50h after P4 device removal were AI at that time with either SuperConventional or conventional semen. Those not showing oestrus by 48-50h received 10µg of buserelin (Pluserelina, Calier) at that time and were AI with either SuperConventional or conventional semen 50-52h after P4 device removal. Pregnancy was diagnosed using ultrasonography 60 days after AI, and all pregnancies were sexed to determine the proportion of female pregnancies. Data were analysed using GLM for binary data. The P/AI were different between cows showing or not showing oestrus (P&lt;0.01) but did not differ among the three types of semen used (Table 1). The percentage of cows pregnant with female fetuses was 51% (50/98) for cows AI with conventional semen and 65.5% (55/84) and 65.3% (51/78) for those AI with SuperConventional semen with 8 million or 6 million sperm per straw, respectively. In conclusion, sexed-sorted semen with 65% of X-bearing sperm and 6 or 8 million sperm per straw can be successfully used to inseminate suckled beef cows. Furthermore, results confirm those of previous studies that cows in oestrus at the time of fixed-time AI have higher pregnancy rates than cows not in oestrus in P4/oestradiol-based synchronisation programmes. Table 1.Effect of semen type and oestrus expression on pregnancy rates per AI in suckled beef cows synchronised with a progesterone/oestradiol-based protocol Semen type In oestrus,% (n) Not in oestrus,% (n) Total,% (n) Conventional (25 million sperm) 59.8 (82/137)a 32.0 (16/50)b 52.4 (98/187) SuperConventional (8 million sperm) 53.7 (73/136)a 20.0 (10/50)b 44.6 (83/186) SuperConventional (6 million sperm) 50.4 (63/125)a 26.7 (16/60)b 42.7 (79/185) Total 54.8 (218/398)a 26.3 (42/160)b a,bDifferent superscripts denote differences in pregnancy rates per AI between cows in oestrus and not in oestrus by the time of fixed-time AI (P&lt;0.01). Research was supported by Fondo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (FONCYT PICT 2017-4550) and UNVM.


2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 157
Author(s):  
L. Cutaia ◽  
E. Balla ◽  
C. Rizzi ◽  
L. Peres ◽  
G.A. Bo

Although treatments with progesterone (P4)-releasing devices and estradiol benzoate (EB) have been extensively used in fixed-time AI (FTAI) programs in beef cattle, pregnancy rates in postpartum Bos indicus cows kept on pasture often have been lower than expected because of poor body condition score (BCS) and a high incidence of anestrus. Temporary weaning and eCG treatment have been shown to increase pregnancy rates in suckled beef cows. Therefore, this experiment was designed to compare the effect of eCG treatment and temporary weaning on pregnancy rates in postpartum cows in fair to poor BCS. Lactating multiparous crossbred Bos indicus cows (n = 393), 60 to 90 d postpartum with a BCS 2.0 (1 to 5 scale) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatment groups, in a 2 × 2 factorial design. At the beginning of the experiment (Day 0), all cows received a P4 intravaginal device (DIB, Syntex, Argentina) and 2 mg EB i.m. (Syntex). On Day 8, DIB devices were removed and all cows received 150 μg D (+) cloprostenol i.m. (Ciclase, Syntex) and were randomly divided to receive 400 IU eCG (Novormon 5000, Syntex) or no treatment at the same time. Furthermore, half of the cows in each treatment group have their calves weaned temporarily, from the time of DIB removal until the end of the FTAI, whereas the other half remained with their calves all the time. Finally, all cows received 1 mg EB i.m. on Day 9 and were FTAI 52 to 56 h after DIB removal. Cows were examined by ultrasonography 42 d after FTAI to determine pregnancy status. Data were analyzed by logistic regression and the effects of treatment and semen used were considered in the model. Ovarian activity was estimated by rectal palpation on Day 0: there were 72/393 (18.2%) cows with a CL, 140/393 (35.6%) cows with palpable medium size follicles, and 181/393 (46.1%) cows with ovaries containing no detectable structures. There was no effect of ovarian status at the time of treatment (P = 0.91) or semen (P = 0.91) on pregnancy rates. Treatment with eCG tended (P = 0.08) to increase pregnancy rates (94/192, 48.9% and 79/201, 39.3% for cows treated or not treated with eCG, respectively). However, there was no effect of weaning or eCG by weaning interaction (P = 0.98) on pregnancy rates (86/191, 45.1% and 87/202, 43.1% for cows that have their calves weaned or not weaned for 56 h, respectively). Results confirm those of previous studies that demonstrated that the use of eCG in a P4/EB/FTAI program improved pregnancy rates in postpartum Bos indicus crossbred cows that were in fair-to-poor BCS. However, no improvement in pregnancy rates was observed after temporary weaning in the present study. Research was supported by Syntex S.A., Estancia El Mangrullo S.A., and Agencia Cordoba Ciencia S.E.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 168 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Cutaia ◽  
M. Ramos ◽  
P. Chesta ◽  
G. A. Bó

An experiment was designed to test the following hypotheses: (1) the administration of 400IU of eCG (Novormón, Syntex SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina) 14 days after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) increases pregnancy rates in cross-breed Zebu × Bonsmara suckled cows synchronized with progesterone releasing devices (DIB 0.5, 0.5 g of progesterone, Syntex SA); and (2) pregnancy rates in cows treated with estradiol or GnRH, combined with a DIB device, are not different. Primiparous suckled cows (n = 260), between 60 and 120 days postpartum (DPP) and with a body condition score between 2.0 and 2.5 (1 to 5 scale) were used. At the beginning of the experiment (Day 0), all cows were examined by rectal palpation (only 11% had a CL), received a DIB device, and were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatment groups. Cows in the E2 group received 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) intramuscularly (i.m.) at DIB insertion and those in the two GnRH groups received 100 μg of gonadorelin (GDR Gonasyn, Syntex SA) at the same time. On Day 7, DIB devices were removed and all cows received 500 μg of cloprostenol (Ciclase DL, Syntex SA) plus 400 IU of eCG (i.m.). Cows in the E2 group received 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate (ECP, Cipiosyn, Syntex SA) and underwent FTAI administered by one technician, using semen from 1 of 2 bulls between 52 and 56 h later. Cows in the GnRH groups received a dose of 100 μg of gonadorelin (full GnRH group) or 50 μg of gonadorelin (1/2 GnRH group) at the time of the FTAI (52 to 56 h after DIB removal). Fourteen days after FTAI cows in the 3 groups were further subdivided (3 × 2 factorial) to receive or not 400 IU of eCG i.m. Pregnancy was determined 30 days after FTAI using real-time ultrasonography. Data were analyzed by logistic regression, taking into account the effect of the synchronization treatment, eCG or noteCG, 14 days after FTAI and sire used. No differences in pregnancy rates were found (P = 0.16) among treatment groups (E2: 39/87, 43.7%, full GnRH: 38/92, 41.3%, and 1/2 GnRH: 25/81, 30.9%). However, there was a significant (P = 0.02) effect of eCG treatment 14 days after FTAI (eCG: 60/127, 47.2% v. no eCG: 41/133, 30.8%). Furthermore, bull A (77/155, 47.1%) resulted in higher pregnancy rate (P = 0.009) than bull B (28/107, 26.2%), but there were no significant interactions between bull and synchronization treatment or eCG administration 14 days after FTAI (P > 0.1). We conclude that the application of 400 IU of eCG 14 days after FTAI increases pregnancy rates in suckled Bos taurus × Bos indicus primiparous cows with fair to poor body condition score synchronized with progesterone releasing devices. Furthermore, the use of estradiol ester or GnRH at DIB insertion and removal did not affect pregnancy rates.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 166
Author(s):  
A. V. Cedeño ◽  
G. A. Bó

Three experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of the length of insertion of a intravaginal progesterone (P4) device on follicular and corpus luteum (CL) diameter, time of ovulation, and pregnancy rates following fixed-time AI (P/FTAI) in Bos indicus cows treated with an oestradiol/P4-based treatment with a lengthened proestrus, named J-Synch. Multiparous suckled Bos indicus beef cows that were 35 to 60 days postpartum were used in Experiments 1 and 2, whereas non-lactating cows were used in Experiment 3. All cows had a CL or a follicle of at least 8mm in diameter and a body condition score between 2.5 and 4 (1 to 5 scale) at the time of treatment. On Day 0, all cows received 2mg of oestradiol benzoate (EB; Sincrodiol, Ourofino, Brazil) and a previously used intravaginal device (1g of P4; Sincrogest, Ourofino). The P4 device was removed on Day 6 in the J-Synch 6-day group and on Day 7 in the J-Synch 7-day and Control groups. All cows received 500µg of cloprostenol (Sincrocio, Ourofino) and 400IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (SincroeCG, Ourofino) at the time of P4 device removal, and cows in the Control group also received 0.5mg of oestradiol cypionate (ECP, SincroCP, Ourofino) at the same time. In Experiment 1, cows (n=20 per group) were examined every 12h, from P4 device removal to determine the time of ovulation and 7 days after ovulation to measure the CL. In Experiment 2, all cows (n=200 per group) were tail-painted for oestrous detection. Cows with=50% of the tail-paint rubbed-off by 72h (J-Synch groups) or 48h (Control group) after P4 device removal, were FTAI at that time. Cows not designated as showing oestrus at that time received 10µg Buserelin (GnRH, Sincroforte, Ourofino) and were FTAI 8h later. In Experiment 3, P/FTAI was compared in cows that received the J-Synch 7-day treatment (n=265) or the 7-day Control treatment (n=250). Data were analysed using the GLM mixed procedure (InfoStat). In Experiment 1, the diameter of the ovulatory follicle was larger (P&lt;0.05) and the interval to ovulation was longer (P&lt;0.05) in the J-Synch groups (J-Synch 7 d: 16.4±0.2mm and 86.0±3.0 h; J-Synch 6 d:15.5±0.3mm and 83.0±4.0h) than in the Control group (13.8±0.2mm and 64.0±3.0h). Furthermore, CL diameter was greater (P&lt;0.05) in the J-Synch 7-day group (21.9±0.8mm) than in the J-Synch 6-day (18.7±0.8mm) and Control (16.8±0.9mm) groups. In Experiment 2, P/FTAI was higher (P&lt;0.05) in the J-Synch 7-day group (116/200; 58.0%) than in the J-Synch 6-day (93/200; 46.5%) and Control (98/200; 49.0%) groups. In Experiment 3, P/FTAI was higher (P&lt;0.05) in the J-Synch 7-day group (161/265; 60.7%) than in the Control group (124/250; 49.6%). In conclusion, delaying the removal of the P4 device by 1 day (i.e. Day 7 vs. Day 6) in the J-Synch protocol and lengthening the proestrous period (i.e. J-Synch 7-day vs. 7-day Control) resulted in higher P/FTAI in Bos indicus cows.


2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 220
Author(s):  
G. A. Bo ◽  
L. C. Peres ◽  
D. Pincinato ◽  
M. de la Rey ◽  
R. Tribulo

An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of the interval between thawing to deposition of the embryo into the uterine horn on pregnancy rates of in vivo-produced frozen–thawed embryos in 1.5 M ethylene glycol (direct transfer). Data were collected from 1122 embryo transfers performed in the same farm (Estancia El Mangrullo, Lavalle, Santiago del Estero, Argentina) during the spring and summer of 2004/05 and 2005/06 (6 replicates, ambient temperature between 20 and 40�C). Recipients used in all replicates were non-lactating, cycling, multiparous Bos taurus � Bos indicus crossbred cows with body condition score between 3 and 4 (1 to 5 scale) that were synchronized using fixed-time embryo transfer protocols. Briefly, the synchronization treatments consisted of the insertion of a Crestar ear implant (Intervet, Sao Paulo, Brazil) or a progesterone-releasing device (DIB; Syntex SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina), plus 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB; Syntex) intramuscularly (IM) on Day 0, and 400 IU of eCG (Folligon 5000; Intervet, or Novormon 5000; Syntex) IM plus 150 �g d-cloprostenol IM (Preloban; Intervet, or Ciclase; Syntex) on Day 5. Progestin devices were removed on Day 8 and all cows received 1 mg of EB IM on Day 9. All cows were examined by ultrasonography on Day 16 and those with a luteal area &gt;76 mm2 (by calculating the area of the CL minus the area of the cavity) received, on Day 17, frozen–thawed embryos by nonsurgical transfer. All embryos were Grade 1, and all were frozen in 1.5 M ethylene glycol at the Embryo Plus Laboratory (Brits, South Africa). After being stored in liquid nitrogen, the embryos were plunged directly (no air thawing) in a 30�C water bath for 30 s, and then transferred to the recipient cows by either one of two technicians. Based on the interval between thawing and transfer, the transfers were classified as being in one of 3 groups: Group 1: &lt;3 min; Group 2: 3 to 6 min; and Group 3: 6 to 16 min. The main reason for delayed transfers beyond 6 min was the replacement of one recipient for another because of difficulty in threading the cervix (1% of the total transfers) or a recipient falling down into the chute or with very bad disposition and behavior. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography 28 to 35 days after fixed-time embryo transfer, and data were analyzed by logistic regression. There were no effects of replicate, technician, CL area, recipient body condition score, embryo stage, and time from thawing to transfer on pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates in the 3 thawing to transfer intervals were: Group 1: 215/385, 55.8%; Group 2: 372/655, 56.8%; Group 3: 42/82, 51.2%; P &gt; 0.6. These results may be interpreted to suggest that there is no significant effect of time from thawing to transfer (up to 16 min) in direct transfer embryos using Bos taurus � Bos indicus recipients transferred at a fixed time.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 184
Author(s):  
M. Pelizzari ◽  
A. Tribulo ◽  
J. Garzon ◽  
B. Bernal ◽  
R. Tribulo ◽  
...  

A retrospective analysis of factors that affect pregnancy rates from 4214 fresh in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos that were transferred at a fixed-time (FTET) in 20 different farms. Recipients were all cycling cows or heifers that were synchronized with 1 of 3 treatments: 1) treatments with progesterone (P4) devices and 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate (EB) on Day 0 (day of insertion) and 24 h after device removal (Day 8); 2) treatments with P4 devices and EB on Day 0, but with 0.5 mg of oestradiol cypionate (ECP) at device removal (Day 8); or 3) treatments with P4 devices and GnRH on Day 0 and a second GnRH 60 h after device removal (Day 5). Cows in all treatment groups also received 500 µg of cloprostenol (prostaglandin F2α) at the time of P4 device removal and 400 IU of eCG either at device removal or 3 days before device removal. All embryos were transferred 7 or 8 days after the expected time of oestrus (24 h after EB, 48 h after ECP or at the time of the second GNRH for each synchronization treatment, respectively). On the day of embryo transfer, recipients were examined by ultrasonography and those with corpus luteum >14 mm in diameter received a fresh, IVP embryo in the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum. Pregnancy rates were determined by ultrasonography 35 days after FTET. Data were analysed by logistic regression. Independent variables were classified into the following three categories. 1) Factors related to the recipient and the environment; there were no significant differences in pregnancy rates for corpus luteum diameter (≥14 and <16 mm, ≥16 and <18 mm, or ≥18 mm; P = 0.46), number of corpus luteum (1 or ≥2; P = 0.26), and category of recipient (cow or heifer; P = 0.21). However, there were significant effects of farm (P = 0.01) and body condition score (BCS; P = 0.01). Cows with BCS ≥4.5 (1 to 5 scale) resulted in lower pregnancy rates (4/20, 20.0%) than those with BCS 2 (74/225, 32.9%), 2.5 (502/1434, 35.0%), 3 (570/1467, 38.9%), 3.5 (193/532, 36.3%), and 4 (44/118, 37.3%). 2) Factors related to the synchronization treatment; there were no significant differences between recipients receiving eCG at device removal (84/209, 40.2%) or 3 days before device removal (874/2291, 38.1%; P = 0.35). However, recipients synchronized with P4 devices and ECP had higher (P = 0.01) pregnancy rates (232/483, 48.0%) than those treated with EB (679/1888, 36.0%) or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (47/129, 36.4%). 3) Factors related to the embryo transfer technique; day of the recipient’s oestrous cycle (P = 0.36), stage of embryo transferred (IETS stages 6 or 7; P = 0.62), and operator (P = 0.57) did not affect pregnancy rates. However transfers made in the anterior third of the uterine horn resulted in higher (649/1545, 42.0%) pregnancy rates than those in the mid-third (845/2511, 33.6%) or in the distal third (6/35, 17.1%; P = 0.01). It was concluded that factors related to the recipient and the environment (farm and BCS), the synchronization treatment (ECP), and the embryo transfer technique (site of deposition) affect pregnancy rates in recipients of embryos produced in vitro and transferred at a fixed time.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 177 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ramos ◽  
L. Cutaia ◽  
P. Chesta ◽  
G. A. Bó

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of the timing of fixed-time AI (FTAI) in relation to the removal of an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (1 g of progesterone, DIB, Syntex SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina) on pregnancy rates in Bos indicus × Bos taurus cross-bred heifers. In experiment 1, 285 Bonsmara × zebu cross-bred heifers, between 18 and 24 months of age and with a body condition score (BCS) between 3.0 and 3.5 (1-5 scale) were used. On the day of initiation of treatment (Day 0), the heifers’ ovaries were palpated (92% of them had a CL) and they received a new DIB plus 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB; Syntex SA) and 250 μg of cloprostenol (Ciclase DL, Syntex SA). On Day 8, DIB devices were removed and all heifers received 250 μg of Ciclase plus 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate (ECP; Cipiosyn, Syntex SA). At that time the heifers were randomly divided to receive FTAI between 48 to 49 h, 53 to 54 h, or 58 to 59 h after DIB removal. The heifers underwent FTAI with semen from 4 bulls by 2 inseminators. In experiment 2, 260 heifers from the same group as those used in experiment 1 (87% with a CL) were treated exactly as those in experiment 1, except that previously used DIB was inserted on Day 0. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 days post-fixed-time AI by ultrasonography. The data were analyzed by logistic regression, taking into account the effect of time of FTAI, semen, and inseminator on pregnancy rates. In experiment 1, pregnancy rates were lower (P = 0.04) in the heifers undergoing FTAI between 48 and 49 h after DIB removal (46/95, 48.4%) than those undergoing FTAI 53 to 54 h (61/99, 61.6%) or 58 to 60 h (57/91, 62.6%) after DIB removal. However, no differences in pregnancy rates were found (P = 0.72) in experiment 2 between the 3 treatment groups, with 39/91 (42.9%) for the 48 to 49 h group, 45/89 (50.6%) for the 53 to 54 h group, and 35/89 (43.8%) for the 58 to 59 h group. There was no effect of the semen or inseminator (P > 0.2) in either experiment. We conclude that when Bos indicus × Bos taurus beef heifers are synchronized with new DIB devices and ECP, higher pregnancy rates are obtained in heifers undergoing FTAI late (between 53 to 60 h after DIB removal) than in those undergoing FTAI early (48 to 49 h after DIB removal). However, time of insemination does not apparently affect pregnancy rates when Bos indicus × Bos taurus beef heifers are synchronized with previously used DIB devices and ECP.


2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 234 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Tribulo ◽  
E. Balla ◽  
L. Cutaia ◽  
G.A. Bo ◽  
P.S. Baruselli ◽  
...  

Although several studies have investigated the relationship between circulating progesterone and pregnancy rates in cattle, the beneficial effect of treatments that increase progesterone concentrations, by insertion of a progesterone (P4) releasing device or induction of an accessory CL with hCG, GnRH, or LH treatment, has resulted in inconsistent effects on pregnancy rates in embryo recipients. An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of hCG or GnRH treatment, given at the time of embryo transfer without estrus detection, on pregnancy rates in recipients treated with intrauterine P4-releasing devices, estradiol benzoate (EB), and eCG. The experiment was performed in two replicates; non-lactating Bos taurus × Bos indicus crossbred beef cows with a body condition score between 2.5 to 3.5 (1-to-5 scale) were used (replicate 1, n = 180; replicate 2, n = 140). All cows received 1 g of P4 via a P4-releasing device (DIB, Syntex, Argentina) and 2 mg EB i.m. (Syntex) on Day 0, and 400 IU of eCG i.m. (Novormon 5000, Syntex) plus 150 μg d(+)cloprostenol i.m. (Ciclase, Syntex) on Day 5. DIBs were removed on Day 8 and all cows received 1 mg EB i.m. on Day 9. Recipients were not observed for signs of estrus, and those >1 CL, or a single CL with an area >256 mm2, received 195 Grade 1 and 46 Grade 2 frozen/thawed “direct transfer” embryos on Day 17. At the time of embryo transfer, recipients were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatment groups to receive 1500 IU hCG (Ovusyn, Syntex), 50 μg Lecirelina (GnRH, Gonasyn, Syntex), or no treatment (control) at that time. Ovarian ultrasonography was performed on Day 0 to determine ovarian status (only cows with a CL or a follicle >10 mm and uterine tone were used), on Day 17 to measure CL area, and 40 days after embryo transfer to determine pregnancy status. Data were analyzed by logistic regression and the effects of replication, technician, treatment, and embryo quality were considered in the model. From the 320 recipients treated with a DIB plus EB and eCG, 241 (75.3%) were selected to receive an embryo. Nine (3.7%) and 1 (0.4%) of the selected recipients had 2 and 3 CL, respectively. Pregnancy rates did not differ between replicates (replicate 1: 80/140, 57.1%; and replicate 2: 57/101, 56.4%; P = 0.84), technicians (technician 1: 65/118, 55.1%; and technician 2: 72/123, 58.5%; P = 0.64), or treatments (hCG: 43/80, 53.8%; GnRH: 45/83, 54.2%; and control: 49/78, 62.8% P = 0.99). However, pregnancy rates were higher (P = 0.001) in recipients receiving Grade 1 embryos (121/195, 62.1%) than in those receiving Grade 2 embryos (16/46, 34.8%). GnRH or hCG treatment at the time of embryo transfer did not increase pregnancy rates in recipients synchronized with P4 releasing devices, EB, and eCG. Research was supported by Syntex S.A., Estancia El Mangrullo S.A., and Agencia Cordoba Ciencia S.E.


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