Setting the Cycle for Reproductive Success with a Pre-synchronization Program in Postpartum Beef Cows

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 23-23
Author(s):  
Macy M Massengill ◽  
Thiago V Silva ◽  
Daniel H Poole

Abstract Previous experiments from our laboratory determined that postpartum beef cows with a functional corpus luteum (CL) at the start of an estrous synchronization protocol have greater pregnancy success to FTAI than those that did not have a CL. Therefore, it was hypothesized that incorporation a presynchronization program prior to FTAI in postpartum cows will improve pregnancy rates. The goal of this project was to compare the effectiveness of a presynchronization program prior to the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol in postpartum cows. Postpartum cows (n = 310) at two locations were randomly assigned to receive either the presynchronization program, consisting of 2 PGF2α injections 14 d apart and 11 d prior to the start of the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR protocol, or the 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. Following estrus synchronization, all cows were inseminated by trained technicians using semen from bulls of known fertility. Pregnancy status to FTAI was assessed using ultrasonographic diagnosis at 30 d post insemination. Data were analyzed using a MIXED procedure of SAS and examined for effects of inseminator, body condition score (BCS), and location and age. Statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05< P < 0.10. Age, BCS, and location did not affect (P > 0.05) pregnancy rates. Cows exposed to the pre-synchronization program tended to have greater AI pregnancy rates compared to cows that did not receive the pre-synchronization program (57.7±5.3 vs. 46.9±5.3%, respectively; P = 0.0687). AI pregnancy rates were greater in cows with >1 ng/mL P4 compared to cows with < 1 ng/mL P4 at the start of FTAI (77.7±7 vs. 55.7±6.2%, respectively; P = 0.0204). Furthermore, AI pregnancy rates were decreased by inseminator C (26.1±7.4) compared to the other inseminators this breeding season (A-54.4±7.9; B- 62.3±5.3; D-57.8±7.2; and E -51.1±5.2; P = 0.0026). Based on these data, incorporating a pre-synchronization program to ensure the presence of a CL at the start of a FTAI protocol may improve pregnancy success in postpartum beef cows.

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 43-44
Author(s):  
Anna L Smith ◽  
Rebecca K Poole ◽  
Kyle Mayberry ◽  
McKayla A Newsome ◽  
Harrison B Dudley ◽  
...  

Abstract Advancements in reproductive technologies have improved pregnancy rates in postpartum cows; however, undesirable consequences leading to reduced fertility still occur. Thus, the objectives were to determine if presence of a corpus luteum (CL) at the start of estrous synchronization (AIM1) or if the length of proestrus (interval from progesterone removal to a GnRH-induced LH surge; AIM2) alters fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) pregnancy rates. Cycling postpartum cows (n = 285) at two locations were synchronized using the CO-Synch+CIDR® FTAI protocol. Ultrasonographic measurements of luteal area were recorded at CIDR insertion. To determine the impact of proestrus length, cows were randomly assigned to either undergo CIDR removal at the time of PGF2a injection (long proestrus, n = 145), or CIDR removal 24 hours post PGF2a injection (short proestrus, n = 140). Blood samples were collected at CIDR insertion and at insemination for progesterone (P4) analysis. Pregnancy status to FTAI was assessed using ultrasonographic diagnosis at 30 d post insemination. Data were analyzed using a MIXED procedure of SAS and examined for effects of length of proestrus, P4 concentration, luteal area, sire, location, and age. Statistical significance was determined at P0.05) pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates were greater in cows with >1 ng/mL P4 compared to cows with 0.05). Cows > 4 y old had higher AI pregnancy rates compared to 2–3 y cows (70.2±7.4 vs. 51±5.8%, respectively; P > 0.05). Based on these data, incorporating a presynchronization program to ensure the presence of a functional CL at the start of a FTAI protocol may improve pregnancy success in postpartum beef cows.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 85-85
Author(s):  
Anna L Smith ◽  
Rebecca K Poole ◽  
Kyle Mayberry ◽  
McKayla A Newsome ◽  
Harrison B Dudley ◽  
...  

Abstract Advancements in reproductive technologies have improved pregnancy rates in postpartum cows; however, undesirable consequences leading to reduced fertility still occur. Thus, the objectives were to determine if presence of a corpus luteum (CL) at the start of estrous synchronization (AIM1) or if the length of proestrus (interval from progesterone removal to a GnRH-induced LH surge; AIM2) alters fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) pregnancy rates. Cycling postpartum cows (n = 285) at two locations were synchronized using the CO-Synch+CIDR® FTAI protocol. Ultrasonographic measurements of luteal area were recorded at CIDR insertion. To determine the impact of proestrus length, cows were randomly assigned to either undergo CIDR removal at the time of PGF2a injection (long proestrus, n = 145), or CIDR removal 24 hours post PGF2a injection (short proestrus, n = 140). Blood samples were collected at CIDR insertion and at insemination for progesterone (P4) analysis. Pregnancy status to FTAI was assessed using ultrasonographic diagnosis at 30 d post insemination. Data were analyzed using a MIXED procedure of SAS and examined for effects of length of proestrus, P4 concentration, luteal area, sire, location, and age. Statistical significance was determined at P 0.05) pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates were greater in cows with >1 ng/mL P4 compared to cows with 0.05). Cows > 4 y old had higher AI pregnancy rates compared to 2–3 y cows (70.2±7.4 vs. 51±5.8%, respectively; P > 0.05). Based on these data, incorporating a presynchronization program to ensure the presence of a functional CL at the start of a FTAI protocol may improve pregnancy success in postpartum beef cows.


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 48-48
Author(s):  
Alice Brandão ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
G Cliff C Lamb ◽  
José Luiz Vasconcelos ◽  
Ky G Pohler

Abstract Responses of Bos taurus (BT) and B. indicus (BI) beef cows were compared according to their body condition score (BCS) at initiation of breeding season. Cows were assigned to an estrus synchronization + AI protocol and classified as BCS &lt; 5.0 (LBCS, BT, n = 158; BI, n = 248) or BCS ≥ 5.0 (HBCS; BT, n = 173; BI, n = 122). Pregnancy status was verified via transrectal ultrasonography at 30 and 40 d after AI for BI and BT cows, respectively. All BT cows were exposed to natural service for 50 d (beginning 18 d after AI), and all non-pregnant BI cows were immediately exposed to natural service for 60 d. Pregnancy rates to AI did not differ (P ≥ 0.16) between HBCS or LBCS cows (60.9 vs. 53.5% for BT; 37.0 vs. 31.4% for BI; respectively). Pregnancy rates to natural service were greater (P = 0.03) in HBCS BT cows compared with LBCS (82.7 vs. 67.9%; respectively) but did not differ in BI cows (78.9 vs. 71.5%; respectively). Calving rate was greater (P &lt; 0.03) in HBCS cows, which also calved earlier (P &lt; 0.01) compared with LBCS (93.7 vs. 85.1% in BT, 83.6 vs. 73.3% in BI; respectively). HBCS Cows weaned more (P ≤ 0.05) calves compared with LBCS, which were older (P ≤ 0.04) (215 vs. 211 d in BT, 219 vs. 209 d in BI; respectively) and heavier (P ≤ 0.09) at weaning (258 vs. 252 kg in BT, 213 vs. 203 d in BI; respectively). Lastly, kg of calf weaned/cow was greater (P ≤ 0.03) in HBCS cows compared with LBCS (221 vs. 200 d in BT, 159 vs. 129 d in BI; respectively). Therefore, HBCS cows had greater reproductive efficiency and overall productivity, and this was observed in both BT and BI.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 260-260
Author(s):  
Whitney L Rook ◽  
Jeremy Powell ◽  
Reagan Cauble ◽  
Rick Rorie

Abstract Presynchronization has been shown to improve AI pregnancy rates in dairy cattle, by improving the effectiveness of the initial GnRH treatment required for follicular control in estrous synchronization protocols. An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of prostaglandin presynchronization in a fixed-timed AI (FTAI) protocol with a shortened progesterone exposure in beef cows. A total of 135 fall calving (September-November) crossbred beef cows from two locations were randomized to receive either: A) prostaglandin (25mg; Lutalyse, Zoetis, Kalamazoo, MI) administered two days prior to synchronization with GnRH (100mg; Factrel, Zoetis) and progesterone (1.38g P4; CIDR, Zoetis) for 6 days, or B) Control, the same synchronization protocol without Lutalyse pretreatment. On day 6 (Day 0: CIDR insertion) CIDR was removed and 25mg of prostaglandin was administered and 72 hours later fixed-timed AI with concurrent injection of 100mg of GnRH. Conventional frozen semen from Simmental-Angus sires was used for AI and fertile Angus bulls were used for pasture exposure. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasound 30 days after AI and again 30 days after clean-up bull exposure for 30 days. Statistical analysis was performed using the frequency procedure of SAS (Cary, NC) and significance was set at X2 &lt; 0.05. Pregnancy rate to timed AI was 71.4% for Treatment A compared to 80.3% for Treatment B (Control). Although these results were greater than previously reported at these research stations, there was no statistical difference (X2=0.23) between treatments. Overall pregnancy rates tended to be different (X2=0.06) and were potentially influenced by treatment or shortened exposure to progesterone in synchronization. Research supported by University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 432-432
Author(s):  
Kelsey Harvey ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
Eduardo Colombo ◽  
Bruna Rett ◽  
Osvaldo Sousa ◽  
...  

Abstract Beef cows and their progeny were used to evaluate the effects of supplementing organic-complexed or inorganic Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn during gestation: on offspring reared as replacement heifers or feeder cattle. Non-lactating, pregnant beef cows (n = 190) were ranked by parity, pregnancy type, body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS), at 117 ± 2.2 d of gestation (d 0) and assigned to receive a supplement containing: 1) sulfate sources of Cu, Co, Mn, and Zn (INR; n = 95) or 2) an organic complexed source of Cu, Mn, Co, and Zn (AAC; Availa®4; Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN; n = 95). From d 0 to calving, cows were maintained in a single pasture and individually offered treatments three times a week. Calves were weaned at 6 mo of age (d 367) and preconditioned for 45-d. Heifer puberty status was verified weekly (d 437 to d 619) based on plasma progesterone concentrations. Steer calves were shipped to a commercial feedlot on d 493, where they were managed as a single group until slaughter (d 724). Plasma cortisol concentration was greater (P = 0.05) in AAC calves at weaning but tended to be less (P = 0.10) on d 370 compared with INR calves. Mean plasma haptoglobin concentration was greater (P = 0.03) in INR vs. AAC calves during preconditioning, and no treatment effects were noted (P = 0.76) for preconditioning average daily gain (ADG). Puberty attainment was hastened in AAC heifers during the experiment (treatment × day; P &lt; 0.01), despite similar (P = 0.39) ADG between treatments from d 412 to 620. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.24) for steer ADG from d 412 until slaughter, nor for carcass quality traits. Therefore, supplementing Co, Cu, Zn, and Mn as organic complexed instead of sulfate sources to beef cows during the last 5 mo of gestation did not improve performance of steer progeny until slaughter, but hastened puberty attainment in female progeny reared as replacement heifers.


2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 90 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Small ◽  
F. Dias ◽  
L. Pfeifer ◽  
K. Lightfoot ◽  
M. Colazo ◽  
...  

In previous studies, giving eCG at CIDR removal significantly increased the pregnancy rate after timed-AI in beef cows. However, eCG is not universally available. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that giving pFSH at CIDR removal might improve the pregnancy rate in a CIDR-based, Cosynch protocol in postpartum, suckled Bos taurus beef cows; a secondary objective was to compare pregnancy rates when GnRH v. pLH was used to synchronize wave emergence and ovulation. This work was conducted as two experiments (separate locations). All cows were given a CIDR (containing 1.9 g progesterone; Pfizer Animal Health, Montreal, QC, Canada) on Day 0 (without regard to stage of estrous cycle or cyclicity). On Day 7, CIDRs were removed, all cows were concurrently given 25 mg PGF (Lutalyse; Pfizer Animal Health, Groton, CT, USA), half were given 20 mg pFSH (Folltropin-V; Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, ON, Canada), and all cows were timed-AI 54 h later (Day 9). In Experiment 1, 240 cows [94 � 10.8 days postpartum; body condition score (BCS: 1 = emaciated, 9 = obese; mean � SD): 5.8 � 0.4] were used; at CIDR insertion and AI, cows were allocated to receive either 100 µg GnRH (n = 160; Cystorelin, Merial Canada Inc., Victoriaville, QC, Canada) or 12.5 mg pLH (n = 80; Lutropin-V, Bioniche Animal Health). In Experiment 2, 109 cows (59.2 � 19.5 days postpartum; BCS: 5.6 � 1.1) were used; all received 100 µg GnRH (Cystorelin) at CIDR insertion and AI. In Experiment 1, three cows that lost their CIDR were excluded; pregnancy rates after timed-AI (logistic regression, backward selection: parity, pFSH, synchronizing treatment, and their interactions) were not different between cows given pFSH v. control cows (64.7 v. 65.2%; P > 0.80), nor between cows given GnRH v. pLH (62.7 v. 69.6%; P = 0.91). However, there was an interaction (P < 0.04) between parity and the synchronizing treatment; in primiparous cows, pregnancy rates were significantly lower in those given GnRH v. pLH (59.3 v. 83.3%). In Experiment 2, pregnancy rates after timed-AI (logistic regression, backward selection: parity, pFSH, and their interaction) were not different between cows given pFSH v. control cows (38.2 v. 42.6%; P > 0.6). In conclusion, our hypothesis was not supported; giving pFSH at CIDR removal did not significantly improve the pregnancy rate in a CIDR-based, Cosynch protocol in postpartum, suckled Bos taurus beef cows.


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.


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