287 Effects of Number of Sperm and Site of Uterine Semen Deposition on Conception Rate and Number of Embryos in Weaned Sows Receiving a Single Fixed Time Insemination

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 111-111
Author(s):  
Kara R Stewart ◽  
Brad Belstra ◽  
Kilby L Willenburg ◽  
Domingo Gómez-López ◽  
Robert V Knox

Abstract Induced ovulation with single fixed time artificial insemination (SFTAI), combined with uterine (IUI) or deep uterine insemination (DUI), could improve fertility with low numbers of sperm and allow greater use of high genetic merit boars. At weaning (0 h), sows (n = 534) were assigned by parity and estrus induction method (eCG or Control) to receive 1200 × 106 sperm by IUI, 600, 300, or 150 × 106 sperm by IUI or DUI, or 75 × 106 sperm by DUI. At 80 h post weaning, sows received OvuGel and 26 h later a pooled semen SFTAI. Ultrasound was performed to determine follicle size and time of ovulation (OV). Sows were slaughtered 27 d after AI to determine pregnancy and litter traits. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of eCG on estrus (93%) within 5 d of weaning or follicle size (6.1 mm) at OvuGel, but wean-to-estrus (3.8 vs. 4.0 d,P < 0.01) and AI-to-OV (15.9 vs. 17.0 h, P = 0.04) intervals and AI-to OV were slightly reduced. eCG did not affect pregnancy rate (78.6%), number of CL (21.7), or number of viable embryos (12.2). There was no effect of number of sperm or site of insemination (P > 0.05) on pregnancy rate (range: 80.9% to 70.5%), but AI occurring after ovulation reduced pregnancy rate (P < 0.02). Total number of embryos (range: 16.5 to 10.3) increased with CL number (P < 0.001) but was not affected by number of sperm or site of insemination (P > 0.05). Higher sperm treatments (1200 and 600 x 106) had more embryos compared to lower sperm treatments (P < 0.01), suggesting that lower sperm numbers effects litter size more than the pregnancy status. Acceptable fertility can be achieved with low sperm numbers when using SFTAI and uterine deposition, but AI-to-OV interval and ovulation rate influence final fertility.

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad A Belstra ◽  
Kilby L Willenburg ◽  
Domingo H Gómez-López ◽  
Robert V Knox ◽  
Kara R Stewart

Abstract Reducing the number of sperm needed to produce a litter with artificial insemination (AI) allows greater use of higher genetic merit boars. Induced ovulation with single fixed-time artificial insemination (SFTAI), combined with intrauterine (IUI) or deep uterine insemination (DUI), could improve fertility with low numbers of sperm. The objectives of the study were to determine the fertility effects of sperm numbers and the site of insemination. At weaning (0 h), sows (n = 534) were assigned by parity and estrus induction method (equine chorionic gonadotropin [eCG] or Control) to receive 1,200 × 106 sperm by IUI; 600, 300, or 150 × 106 sperm by IUI or DUI; or 75 × 106 sperm by DUI. At 80 h postweaning, sows received OvuGel and 26 h later a SFTAI using pooled semen. Sows were exposed to boars once daily and ultrasound was performed to determine follicle size and time of ovulation. Following SFTAI, sows were slaughtered 27 d after AI to determine pregnancy and litter traits. Data were analyzed using different models to test for effects of estrus induction, interaction of three levels of sperm (600 to 150) with two levels for site (IUI vs. DUI), and the overall effects of AI method (eight treatments). There was no effect (P > 0.05) of estrus induction on estrus (93%) within 5 d of weaning or on follicle size (6.1 mm) at OvuGel, but wean-to-estrus interval (3.8 vs. 4.0 d) was slightly reduced (P < 0.01) as was AI-to-ovulation interval (15.9 vs. 17.0 h, P = 0.04) for eCG and Control, respectively. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of estrus induction on pregnancy rate (78.6%), number of corpora lutea (CL; 21.7), or number of viable embryos (12.2). There was no effect of number of sperm or site of insemination and no interaction (P > 0.05) on pregnancy rate (range: 80.9% to 70.5%), but AI occurring after ovulation reduced the pregnancy rate (P < 0.02). The total number of embryos (range: 16.5 to 10.3) was not affected by estrus induction, number of sperm, or site of insemination (P > 0.05), but was influenced by AI treatment (P < 0.01). Treatments with a higher number of sperm (1,200 and 600) had more embryos compared with those with a lower number of sperm (300 to 75). The numbers of embryos also increased with the number of CL (P < 0.0001). These results suggest that the lower number of sperm affects litter size more than the pregnancy status. Acceptable fertility can be achieved with low numbers of sperm when using a SFTAI and uterine deposition, but AI-to-ovulation interval and ovulation rate influence final fecundity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 218-219
Author(s):  
Ramiro Oliveira Filho ◽  
Gustavo Azevedo de Mello ◽  
Victor Mendonça Pereira ◽  
Jose Luiz Moraes Vasconcelos ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
...  

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of clitoral stimulation post-insemination on pregnancy rates in Bos indicus beef cattle. A total of 1186 multiparous Nelore cows were assigned to an estradiol-based estrus synchronization + timed-AI protocol (FTAI, d 0), and randomly assigned to receive either 2 to 5 seconds of clitoral stimulation or no clitoral stimulation after artificial insemination. Estrus expression prior to AI was evaluated based on patch activation (estrus, ≥ 50% activated; no estrus, < 50% activated) using Estrotect Heat Detector and chute exit velocity after AI was evaluated. Individual exit score was calculated within each group by dividing exit velocity into quintiles and assigning cows with a score from 1 to 5 (1 = slowest; 5 = fastest). Artificial insemination was performed by 7 different technicians. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 days after FTAI via transrectal ultrasonography. Overall pregnancy rate at day 30 was 46.0% (545/1186). Clitoral stimulation had no beneficial effect (P = 0.42) on pregnancy rate of multiparous cows when compared to those not stimulated (47.5% ± 4.6 vs. 44.3% ± 4.6). Cows that expressed heat at d 0 (n = 602) had a greater (P < 0.01) pregnancy rate compared to no heat expression (37.6% ± 4.7 vs. 60.6% ± 4.6), but no effect of the clitoral stimulation was observed on pregnancy rate in cows that did or did not express heat (P > 0.05). Furthermore, clitoral stimulation did not affect exit score (P = 0.67) of cows after FTAI. No effect of the technician was observed on pregnancy rate when clitoral stimulation was applied or not (P = 0.21). In summary, clitoral stimulation was not a useful managerial tool to improve pregnancy rate in multiparous Bos indicus cows submitted to FTAI using estradiol-based protocols.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 467-468
Author(s):  
Igor M Ferreira ◽  
Iorrano A Cidrini ◽  
Karla Oliveira ◽  
Luciana Sousa ◽  
Laura F Prados ◽  
...  

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the effects of forage allowance on the performance and pregnancy rate of Nellore heifers submitted to the fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) at 14±1 months. The experimental period was divided into the growing phase (GP; 173d) and breeding season (83d). Ninety weaned Nellore heifers [169±19 kg of body weight (BW); 210±28 days of age] were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to receive different forage allowance: (1) High (HFA; 7.17 kgDM/kgBW; and (2) Low (LFA; 3.27 kgDM/kgBW); and divided into 6 paddocks (2.15 to 2.4 ha each one). The grazing method used was continuous stocking with a variable stocking rate where treatment conditions were established varying the stocking rate on pasture (put-and-take). The supplement consisted of corn, soybean meal, urea, monensin, sodium chloride and minerals mix (80% TDN and 24% CP) and was provided daily (ad libitum; expected intake around 1% of BW). The final pregnancy rate was determined after two FTAI (d256). Heifers BW at the end of the GP was greater (P < 0.01) for HFA vs. LFA (268 vs. 255 kg). The overall average daily gain (ADG) was greater 68 g/d for animals maintained in HFA than LFA (P < 0.01; 0.713 vs. 0.645 kg/d). Supplement intake (kg/animal/d) had no treatment effect (P = 0.117). On d173, forage allowance affected (P < 0.01) the backfat thickness obtained by real-time carcass ultrasound (HFA = 3.08 vs. LFA = 2.85 mm). The pregnancy rate had no treatment effect (P = 0.223; on average 61%). However, the pregnant heifers per hectare had treatment effect (P = 0.036; HFA = 3.78 vs. LFA = 2.72 pregnant heifers/ha). In conclusion, the low forage allowance reduces the animal performance and affects the carcass composition but provides a greater number of pregnant heifers per hectare.


2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walvonvitis Baes Rodrigues ◽  
Jean do Prado Jara ◽  
Juliana Correa Borges ◽  
Luiz Orcirio Fialho de Oliveira ◽  
Urbano Pinto Gomes de Abreu ◽  
...  

The objective of this trial was to evaluate different post-timed artificial insemination (TAI) reproductive managements in postpartum beef cows to produce crossbred calves from artificial insemination (AI). Nellore cows (n = 607), with 45 days postpartum, were inseminated at a fixed time, using a protocol that included an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device along with oestradiol benzoate, prostaglandin, equine chorionic gonadotropin, and oestradiol cypionate, followed TAI 48 h post-device removal. Four post-TAI treatments were evaluated: in CONTROL (T1, n = 161), cows were exposed to Nellore clean-up bulls until the end of the breeding season (75 days). In OBSERVATION (T2, n = 132), heat detection was performed for 15–25 days post-TAI, followed by AI. In RESYNC22 (T3, n = 157) and RESYNC30 (T4, n = 157), resynchronisation started after 22 or 30 days, following second TAI at Day 32 or 40 days after first TAI. In T2, T3 and T4, after the second AI, cows were exposed to Nellore clean-up bulls until the end of the breeding season (75 days). The pregnancy rate (PR) for the first TAI did not differ (54.6%, 53.0%, 59.2%, and 51.6% for CONTROL, OBSERVATION, RESYNC 22, and RESYNC 30, respectively; P = 0.66), and no difference was observed for the second TAI (RESYNC 22 = 45.31% and RESYNC30 = 46.05%; P = 0.137), in the PR at the end of the breeding season (86.33%, 86.36%, 78.98%, and 81.52%, P = 0.43), or embryonic losses (4.54%, 2.85%, 6.45% and 7.40%, respectively; P = 0.61), but the percentage of crossbred pregnancy was higher in groups with resynchronisation (RESYNC22 and RESYNC30) than CONTROL and OBSERVATION (98.38%, 90.62%, 63.30%, 78.95%, P < 0.001). In conclusion, resynchronisation programs of 22 or 30 days are more efficient to produce AI products, and the final pregnancy rate is similar among the treatments, differing only in the amount of calves produced by AI.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murat Can Demir ◽  
Cihan Kaçar ◽  
Umut Çağın Arı ◽  
Semra Kaya ◽  
Oğuz Merhan ◽  
...  

Abstract The present study aimed to determine the effects of progesterone-based gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) injections on progesterone profiles and pregnancy rates in cows with no estrus symptoms within 60 days after parturition. A total of 80 cows were included in the study. All animals had the progesterone-releasing device PRID®Delta placed intravaginally for nine days with an injection of GnRH. On the eighth day, PGF2α was injected, and PRID®Delta was removed from the vagina on day nine. Artificial insemination was carried out 60 hours after PRID®Delta removal. In half of the animals (n = 40), 600 IU of eCG was injected when PRID®Delta was removed on the ninth day before artificial insemination 60 hours later. Blood samples were taken from the tail vein on days 0 and 8 to determine progesterone levels. The pregnancy rate in the group that received eCG was 37.5%, while it was 27.5% in those that did not (P = 0.4). While the dominant follicle diameter was 15.5 mm in cows injected with eCG during timed artificial insemination, the follicle diameter was 12.4 mm in cows with no eCG injection (P <0.001). There were no differences in serum progesterone values in blood samples taken until the time of artificial insemination. However, progesterone values in the blood taken during artificial insemination were 0.94 ng/ml in the eCG- group and 0.72 ng/ml in the eCG+ group (P <0.05). As a result, it was determined that eCG injections, in addition to progesterone-based GnRH and PGF2α applications, increased the pregnancy rates in cows without symptoms of estrus. The dominant follicle diameter was larger in cows treated with eCG during artificial insemination; however, follicle size did not increase the pregnancy rate.


2020 ◽  
Vol 89 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-315
Author(s):  
Hasan Alkan ◽  
Huseyin Erdem

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hormonal support on the pregnancy rate in repeat breeder cows. Prostaglandin F2α + Ovsynch oestrus synchronization protocol was applied to the cows. Following the fixed time insemination (day 0), the cows were divided into 4 groups. In Group 1 (n = 42), progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID) was placed vaginally at 84 h and removed on the 9th day after the artificial insemination. In Group 2 (n = 40), the cows were administered human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the 7th day. Group 3 (n = 45) was applied a combination of progesterone and hCG. Group 4 (n = 42) was not given any treatment. Blood samples were collected from all cows 4 times on days 3.5, 7, 12, and 18 to evaluate progesterone concentrations. The pregnancy rates were 40.47%, 37.50%, 44.44%, and 30.95% in Group 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P > 0.05). In addition, in cows with progesterone concentrations <2 ng/ml on day 3.5, the pregnancy rates were found to be lower than in the cows with progesterone concentrations >2 ng/ml in Group 4 (P < 0.05). Progesterone supplementation in cows with progesterone concentrations < 2 ng/ml appeared to increase pregnancy rates (P < 0.05) in Groups 1 and 3. As a result, post-insemination hormonal applications in the repeat breeder cows did not increase the pregnancy rate. However, it was concluded that determination of progesterone concentrations on day 3.5 following artificial insemination and then hormonal support in the cows with low concentrations would increased the pregnancy rate.


1991 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 237-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Thacker ◽  
A. D. Gooneratne ◽  
R. N. Kirkwood

Pregnancy rates and litter sizes following insemination of sows with fresh-extended and frozen-thawed semen averaged 71 vs. 53% and 10.6 vs. 4.4, respectively, and was not affected by the addition of 12.5 μg relaxin to semen. These results indicate no relaxin mediated effect on either pregnancy rate or litter size when sows are artificially inseminated with relaxin-supplemented semen. Key words: Artificial insemination, relaxin, sows


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
E. R. Canadas ◽  
B. J. Duran ◽  
G. Machado ◽  
A. Nall ◽  
S. E. Battista ◽  
...  

Ovulatory response to the initial gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) of the CO-Synch protocol is affected by circulating progesterone (P4) and follicle size. In addition, heifers that ovulate to the initial GnRH treatment have greater fertility after AI. Thus, this study determined the effect of (1) presynchronization (Presynch) before a 6-day CO-Synch protocol and (2) circulating [RCE1] (P4) on ovulatory response, oestrus expression, and pregnancies per AI (P/AI) in beef heifers. Yearling beef heifers (n=233) at three locations were randomly assigned in a 2×2 factorial design to the following treatments: (1) Presynch+6-day CO-Synch with a new P4 device; (2) Presynch+6-day CO-Synch with a once-used P4 device; (3) 6-day CO-Synch with a new P4 device; and (4) 6-day CO-Synch with a once-used P4 device. Presynch consisted of insertion of a new P4 intravaginal device (1.38g of P4) on Day −17 and removal of P4 device on Day −11 concurrently with 500µg of cloprostenol sodium (PGF). On Day −9, all heifers received either a new (New) or once-used (Used) CIDR and 100µg of gonadorelin acetate (GnRH). Six days later (Day −3), CIDRs were removed, 1000µg of PGF was administered and an oestrous detection patch applied (Estrotect). At 72h after CIDR removal, AI was performed concurrently with administration of 100µg of GnRH. Pregnancy was determined by transrectal ultrasonography 31 days after AI. A subset of heifers (n=155) was examined on Day −9 and Day −3 by ultrasonography to determine ovulation to Day −9 GnRH. Data were analysed using generalized linear mixed models (SAS 9.4; SAS Institute Inc.). Presynch heifers had larger follicle diameter on Day −9 (12.7±0.3 vs. 10.1±0.3 mm; P&lt;0.001), greater ovulatory response to Day −9 GnRH (82.5%; 66/80 vs. 56%; 42/75; P&lt;0.001), greater expression of oestrus (90.6%; 106/117 vs. 78.4%; 91/116; P&lt;0.02), and earlier oestrus (49.8±1 vs. 53.1±1 h; P&lt;0.01) compared with controls. There was a treatment×CIDR interaction on oestrous expression, such that a lesser (P&lt;0.05) percentage of control heifers with new CIDR expressed oestrus compared with all other groups (Table 1). Heifers with a used CIDR during the 6-day CO-Synch tended (P=0.08) to have greater P/AI (52.1%; 61/117) than those with a new CIDR (40.5%; 47/116). In conclusion, presynchronization before initiation of a 6-day CO-Synch increased follicle diameter, enhanced ovulatory response and oestrous expression, but did not affect fertility. The earlier onset of oestrus in presynchronized heifers suggests that the timing of AI may need to be modified. Table 1. Oestrous expression and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in beef heifers with or without presynchronization and treated with a new or used CIDR during a 6-day CO-Synch Treatment CIDR Oestrus (%; n/n) Time of oestrus (h) P/AI (%; n/n) Control New 67.8a (40/59) 53.7±1.5a 33.9 (20/59) Used 89.5b (51/57) 52.7±1.6a 50.9 (29/57) Presynch New 94.7b (54/57) 50.9±1.4b 47.4 (27/57) Used 86.7b (52/60) 48.7±1.3b 53.3 (32/60) P-value Treatment 0.03 0.01 0.21 CIDR 0.62 0.19 0.08 Interaction 0.003 0.75 0.38 a,bValues with different superscripts differ (P&lt;0.05).


2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Mellado ◽  
Claudia G. Orta ◽  
Eloy A. Lozano ◽  
Jose E. García ◽  
Francisco G. Veliz ◽  
...  

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of several factors affecting fawning rate, litter size, litter weight and neonatal fawn mortality in white-tailed deer inseminated either transcervically or by means of laparoscopy. Oestrus synchronisation with a controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-based protocol and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was conducted in 130 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus texanus) during three reproductive seasons (2007–2009; 271 services) in a game-hunting ranch in a hot–arid environment (26°4′ N, 101°25′ W). Ninety additional non-treated does were exposed to bucks for natural mating. Fawning rate did not differ between AI methods (40.0 vs 45.0% for transcervical and laparoscopic AI, respectively). Overall fawning rate (proportion of all does fawning after FTAI and a subsequent period of buck exposure) did not differ between transcervical (89.5%), laparoscopic (80.3%) or natural (88.9%) insemination. Litter size per fawning doe was higher (P&lt;0.05) in naturally-served does (1.65±0.48) than in transcervically-inseminated does (1.40±0.51) or in laparoscopically-inseminated does (1.48±0.50). The main conclusion was that no enhancement of fawning rate or litter size occurred as a result of intrauterine deposition of semen by laparoscopy compared with the transcervical insemination technique.


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