237 Incidence and Implications of Disparate Uterine and Ovarian Development Observed Among Heifers Evaluated During the Peripubertal Period

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 121-121
Author(s):  
Emily G Smith ◽  
Jordan M Thomas ◽  
Christine Spinka
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ovarian Development ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Large Follicle ◽  
Pelvic Area ◽  
Rectal Palpation ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Individual Scores ◽  
Uterine Development

Abstract Rapid development in the reproductive tract occurs in the peripubertal period, with variable rates of development of reproductive tissues potentially resulting in perceived disparities in ovarian and uterine development at pre-breeding examination. Data collected from 22,173 heifers evaluated over five consecutive breeding seasons (2014–2018) were analyzed retrospectively to assess relationships between observed disparities in uterine and ovarian development and the timing of conception within the breeding season. Pre-breeding evaluations were conducted 35–45 days prior to breeding. Weight, hip height, and pelvic area were recorded. A single veterinarian conducted all reproductive evaluations via rectal palpation, and heifers were assigned individual scores for ovarian (2=infantile, 3=no significant structures, 4=large follicle and/or corpus luteum) and uterine (2=infantile, 3=mid-sized, distended tract, 4=well-vascularized, distended or coiled tract) development respectively. Heifers received artificial insemination (AI) based on detected estrus following the 14-day MGA-PG protocol. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed via transrectal ultrasonography. Pregnancy rates to AI (P/AI) were greater for scores 4-4 (n = 14,567) in comparison with 3-3 (n=3,941; P < 0.0001) or 2-2 (n = 44; P < 0.0001) and likewise were greater (P < 0.0001) for scores 3-3 in comparison with 2-2. Heifers with disparate scores of 2–3 (n = 38) did not differ (P = 0.53) from those with disparate scores of 3-2 (n = 53) with respect to P/AI, but either disparity was associated with greater (P < 0.01) P/AI relative to scores of 2-2 and reduced P/AI relative to scores of 3-3 (P < 0.01). Scores of 4-3 (1,698) and 3-3 did not differ (P >0.44) in P/AI, but P/AI tended (P = 0.06) to be greater among scores 3–4 (1,832) in comparison with 3-3. Similar (P > 0.33) P/AI was observed among heifers scored 4-4, 4-3, or 3–4. In summary, disparate ovarian and uterine development impacted timing of conception within the breeding season among heifers with lower tract scores. Such disparities were observed among 0.4% of heifers evaluated.

scholarly journals Evidence for use of both capital and income breeding strategies in the mangrove tree crab, Aratus pisonii

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jade Carver ◽  
Morgan Meidell ◽  
Zachary J. Cannizzo ◽  
Blaine D. Griffen
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Breeding Strategy ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Breeding Strategies ◽  
Mangrove Tree ◽  
Income Breeding ◽  
Aratus Pisonii ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Capital And Income Breeding

AbstractTwo common strategies organisms use to finance reproduction are capital breeding (using energy stored prior to reproduction) and income breeding (using energy gathered during the reproductive period). Understanding which of these two strategies a species uses can help in predicting its population dynamics and how it will respond to environmental change. Brachyuran crabs have historically been considered capital breeders as a group, but recent evidence has challenged this assumption. Here, we focus on the mangrove tree crab, Aratus pisonii, and examine its breeding strategy on the Atlantic Florida coast. We collected crabs during and after their breeding season (March–October) and dissected them to discern how energy was stored and utilized for reproduction. We found patterns of reproduction and energy storage that are consistent with both the use of stored energy (capital) and energy acquired (income) during the breeding season. We also found that energy acquisition and storage patterns that supported reproduction were influenced by unequal tidal patterns associated with the syzygy tide inequality cycle. Contrary to previous assumptions for crabs, we suggest that species of crab that produce multiple clutches of eggs during long breeding seasons (many tropical and subtropical species) may commonly use income breeding strategies.

scholarly journals Density and Flock Size of the Raven (Corvus corax) In the Orawa - Nowy Targ Basin During Non-Breeding Season

Ring ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-125
Author(s):  
Michał Ciach ◽  
Dominik Wikar ◽  
Małgorzata Bylicka
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Food Resources ◽  
High Density ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Flock Size ◽  
Early Winter ◽  
Corvus Corax ◽  
Line Transect Method ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Density and Flock Size of the Raven (Corvus corax) In the Orawa - Nowy Targ Basin During Non-Breeding Season During the 2002/2003-2004/2005 non-breeding seasons the density of the Raven in the open habitats of the Orawa - Nowy Targ Basin was studied by line transect method. The results were analysed in four periods (autumn, early winter, winter and early spring). The median density of Ravens did not differ significantly between individual periods and was respectively: 3.5, 3.8, 4.8 and 3.8 indiv. / 10 km. Number of birds during particular controls varied from 1.0 to 24.8 indiv. / 10 km. However, while excluding flocks, the median density of single individuals and pairs of the Raven was considerably lower and in subsequent periods reached respectively: 2.2, 2.4, 2.2 and 1.7 indiv. / 10 km. Flock size did not differ significantly between individual periods. Single individuals and, less often, groups of two birds were recorded mostly. Small (3-5 indiv.) and medium (6-15 indiv.) flocks were recorded rarely and large flocks (16 indiv. and above) - only exceptionally. The high density and strong fluctuations of abundance of Ravens were determined by flocks presence, which was probably linked to irregular occurrence of food resources.

scholarly journals The Influence of Mature Males on the Neurosecretory Control of Ovarian Development in the Desert Locust

1962 ◽  
Vol s3-103 (61) ◽  
pp. 73-83
Author(s):  
K. C. HIGHNAM ◽  
O. LUSIS
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Development ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Neurosecretory System ◽  
Desert Locust

The ovaries of the desert locust are made up of about 100 ovarioles. When females are reared with mature males, the terminal oocytes in the ovarioles develop very much more rapidly than the terminal oocytes of females reared without males. In addition, the percentage of terminal oocytes which are resorbed during development increases more rapidly in females reared without males than in females reared with mature males. This results in a significantly larger percentage of mature eggs being produced by females reared with mature males. The neurosecretory system contains little stainable material in females whose terminal oocytes are developing rapidly in the presence of mature males, but contains a large amount when the terminal oocytes are mature. In females reared without males, whose terminal oocytes either develop slowly or remain undeveloped, the neurosecretory system shows a precocious accumulation of stainable material. It is concluded that the neurosecretory system is actively extruding secretion when the amount of contained material is small, and that material is accumulating and not being released when it is present in large amount. The presence of mature males somehow brings about the release of material from the female neurosecretory system, with consequent rapid development of terminal oocytes and the production of a larger number of eggs.

Phenotypic plasticity of the montane vole (Microtus montanus) in unpredictable environments

1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (11) ◽  
pp. 2121-2124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman C. Negus ◽  
Patricia J. Berger ◽  
Aelita J. Pinter
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Adaptive Strategy ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Microtus Montanus ◽  
Age Cohort ◽  
Montane Meadow ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Breeding Seasons

From 1987 to 1989, the cohort dynamics of Microtus montanus populations were studied at two montane meadow sites approximately 160 km apart, in northwestern Wyoming. The 1987 and 1988 breeding seasons differed markedly from each other. In 1987, melt off occurred in April, and the first cohort was born in May (cohort 1). The entire breeding season was favorable owing to frequent rainfall throughout the summer. Cohort 1 animals grew rapidly and females began breeding at 4–5 weeks of age. Likewise, cohort 2 (June) animals exhibited rapid growth and females were breeding at 7–8 weeks of age. Cohort 3 (July and August) animals grew more slowly and most entered the winter as prepubertal animals of subadult size. At the end of the summer, cohort 3 animals represented >70% of the voles recruited during the breeding season. In 1988, following melt off in late April, precipitation was below normal and the situation intensified to severe drought through the summer. The growth rates of cohort 1 and 2 animals were significantly lower than 1987 growth rates, and very few females attained sexual maturity. At the end of the summer, cohort 3 animals represented <25% of the total recruitment at both study sites. Such apparent phenotypic plasticity of growth and maturation appears to be an evolved adaptive strategy that is responsive to several environmental cues. Both study sites, although widely separated, exhibited virtually identical patterns throughout the study.

Flexibility of nuptial colouration in a unique ecotype of Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Corney ◽  
Anne Haley ◽  
Laura Weir
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
Colour Change ◽  
Threespine Stickleback ◽  
Relative Role ◽  
Mate Quality ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Potential Signal ◽  
Intersexual Competition

Nuptial colouration in animals may serve as a signal of competitor and/or mate quality during breeding. In many temperate fishes, nuptial colouration develops during discrete breeding seasons and is a target of sexual selection. We examine nuptial colouration and behaviour of a unique ecotype of Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus Linnaeus, 1758), wherein males turn from dull brown-grey to pearlescent white during the breeding season. The main goal of this work was to determine the relative role of white colouration in intersexual competition and mate choice. In a combination of a field and laboratory work, we found that males are brightest white when engaging in courtship activities in the presence of a female; this indicates that white colouration may be primarily related to enhancing signalling during mate attraction. White colouration intensity increased as the breeding season progressed and may be related to an influx of conspecifics. Colour change from cryptic grey to bright white occurred rapidly (< 90 seconds) and may be deployed to enhance behavioural signals. We conclude that bright white colouration in the white ecotype is a potential signal of mate quality and may have evolved from a previously existing capacity for colour plasticity in common Threespine Stickleback.

“Data for the Problem of Evolution in Man. V. On the Correlation between Duration of Life and the Number of Offspring”

1901 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 458-479
Author(s):  
M. Beeton ◽  
G. U. Yule ◽  
Karl Pearson
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
The Other ◽  
Similar Statement ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Darwinian Theory ◽  
Theory Of Evolution ◽  
Biennial Plants ◽  
Long Life ◽  
Breeding Seasons

According to the Darwinian theory of evolution the members of a community less fitted to their environment are removed by death. But this process of natural selection would not permanently modify a race, if the members thus removed were able before death to propagate their species in average numbers. It then becomes an important question to ascertain how far duration of life is related to fertility. In the case of many insects death can interfere only with their single chance of offspring; they live or not for their one breeding season only. A similar statement holds good with regard to annual and biennial plants. In such cases there might still be a correlation between duration of life and fertility, but it would be of the indirect character, which we actually find in the case of men and women living beyond sixty years of age—a long life means better physique and better physique increased fertility. On the other hand, there is a direct correlation of fertility and duration of life in the case of those animals which generally survive a number of breeding seasons, and it is this correlation which we had at first in view when investigating the influence of duration of life on fertility in man. The discovery of the indirect factor in the correlation referred to above was therefore a point of much interest. For it seems to show that the physique fittest to survive is really the physique which is in itself (and independently of the duration of life) most fecund.

scholarly journals Effect of exogenous progesterone treatment on ovarian steroid hormones and oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers during peak and low breeding seasons in dromedary she-camel

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 542-552
Author(s):  
Amal M. Abo El-Maaty ◽  
Ragab H. Mohamed ◽  
Heba F. Hozyen ◽  
Adel M. El-Kattan ◽  
Mona A. Mahmoud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steroid Hormones ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Seasonal Effect ◽  
Glutathione S Transferase ◽  
Sod Activity ◽  
Blood Concentrations ◽  
Exogenous Progesterone ◽  
Antioxidant Markers ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Background: Research about the effects of progesterone (P4) and the relationship of P4 to oxidative stress has been achieved in ruminants but not enough in camels Aim: This study evaluated the effect of exogenous P4 hormone using CIDR for 7 days on blood concentrations of steroid hormones and oxidative status of dromedary she-camels during peak and low breeding seasons. Materials and Methods: The present work was conducted on ten dark dromedary she-camels which were synchronized using a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) for 7 days as a reproductive management tool during peak breeding (November-April) and low breeding season (May-October). The blood samples were collected each other day from CIDR insertion until the end of experiment 5 days after the removal of CIDR. Camels were examined for P4, estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) as indicator of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase as antioxidant markers. Results: Results revealed that P4 was higher during peak breeding season than low breeding season. While the levels of P4 increased during CIDR insertion and declined at CIDR removal and thereafter during breeding season, its concentrations declined after CIDR application during the non-breeding season. On the other hand, blood E2 and testosterone levels decreased after CIDR insertion in both high and low breeding seasons with higher serum E2 concentrations during the peak than the low breeding season. MDA concentrations and SOD activities were significantly (p<0.05) high on day 3 after CIDR insertion during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. During both the seasons, GSH levels decreased after CIDR removal in camels. However, MDA was lower during non-breeding season than high breeding season with no seasonal effect on SOD activity. Conclusion: Exogenous P4 treatment through CIDR in dromedary camels could be more efficient during breeding season than non-breeding season, and effects on circulating oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers and their return to normal levels might refer to the adaptation of camels to CIDR by modulating their oxidant and antioxidant levels.

scholarly journals Spatio-specific regulation of endocrine-responsive gene transcription by periovulatory endocrine profiles in the bovine reproductive tract

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 1533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Estela R. Araújo ◽  
Mariana Sponchiado ◽  
Guilherme Pugliesi ◽  
Veerle Van Hoeck ◽  
Fernando S. Mesquita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Uterine Horn ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Large Follicle ◽  
Endocrine Profiles ◽  
Peptidase Inhibitor ◽  
Solute Carrier ◽  
Specific Regulation ◽  
Small Follicle

In cattle, pro-oestrous oestradiol and dioestrous progesterone concentrations modulate endometrial gene expression and fertility. The aim was to compare the effects of different periovulatory endocrine profiles on the expression of progesterone receptor (PGR), oestrogen receptor 2 (ESR2), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), member C4 of aldo–keto reductase family 1 (AKR1C4), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), solute carrier family 2, member 1 (SLC2A1) and serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade A member 14 (SERPINA14): (1) between uterine horns ipsi- and contralateral to the corpus luteum (CL), (2) between regions of the ipsilateral horn and (3) in the vagina. Endometrium and vagina tissue samples were collected from cows that ovulated a larger (large follicle-large CL, LF-LCL; n = 6) or smaller follicle (small follicle-small CL, SF-SCL; n = 6) 7 days after oestrus. Cows in the LF-LCL group had a greater abundance of transcripts encoding ESR2, AKR1C4, LPL, SLC2A1 and SERPINA14, but a reduced expression of PGR and OXTR in the endometrium versus the SF-SCL group (P < 0.05). Expression of PGR and OXTR was greater in the contralateral compared with the ipsilateral horn (P < 0.05). Regardless of group, the anterior region of the ipsilateral horn had increased expression of PGR, ESR2, LPL, SLC2A1 and SERPINA14 (P < 0.05). Different periovulatory endocrine profiles, i.e. LF-LCL or SF-SCL, did not influence gene expression in the vagina and had no interaction with inter- or intra-uterine horn gene expression. In conclusion, inter- and intra-uterine horn variations in gene expression indicate that the expression of specific genes in the bovine reproductive tract is location dependent. However, spatial distribution of transcripts was not influenced by distinct periovulatory sex-steroid environments.

scholarly journals Ovarian development and spawning of Macrobrachium amazonicum (Crustacea, Decapoda)

2019 ◽  
Vol 109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emerson Ventura ◽  
Allysson Winick-Silva ◽  
Renata A. Shinozaki-Mendes
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ovarian Development ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Standard Pattern ◽  
Previtellogenic Oocyte ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Macrobrachium Amazonicum

ABSTRACT Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) is the most important species for aquaculture native to South America. This study evaluates the phenotypic plasticity of females of Macrobrachium amazonicum with respect to the gonadal development, and determines the spawning type. Our study consisted of macro and microscopic analysis of the reproductive tract. Ovaries exhibited the following reproductive cells in developmental sequence: oogonia (OO) - mean diameter and standard deviation of 25.4 ± 6.5 μm; previtellogenic oocyte (PVO) - 61.7 ± 10.7 μm, vitellogenic oocyte (VO) - 113.9 ± 24.5 μm; and mature oocyte (MO) - 308.7 ± 56.3 μm. Ovaries increased in volume due to vitellogenesis and changing of basophilic to acidophilic composition. Follicular cells, atresic oocytes and postovulatory follicles were also analyzed. By combining macro and microscopic analysis, the ovaries of M. amazonicum were classified into six stages: Immature, In maturation, Mature, Spawned in maturation, Spawned and Resting. The ovarian development of M. amazonicum followed a standard pattern even among different populations. Considering our results and the evidence in literature, we conclude that spawning for this species is parceled or multiple, that is, synchronous in more than two groups (clutches of oocytes). Such observations provide basis for further studies addressing sustainable management strategies for species conservation and contribute to elucidate the biology of their specimens.

CPD article: Pre-breeding heifer examination and selection in UK beef herds

Livestock ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 222-227
Author(s):  
Alice E J Miller
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Antral Follicle ◽  
Pelvic Area ◽  
Beef Herds ◽  
Examination Techniques ◽  
Breeding Soundness ◽  
Pelvic Measurement ◽  
Antral Follicle Counts

The objective of this review is to evaluate examination tools and how they can be used to assess the breeding potential of beef heifers prior to service. Reproductive tract examination techniques, pelvic measurement, and antral follicle counts (AFC) are methods that are used and could be of value to farmers where they can either identify pubescent heifers and/or those with the best reproductive potential. Reproductive tract scoring (RTS) to assess the pubertal state and therefore reproductive status of replacement heifers is explored alongside further adaptions of this method. The use of pelvic measurement is considered: first, where a small pelvic area or an abnormal shaped pelvic inlet is identified, which may result in elimination from the breeding cohort to reduce the potential risk of dystocia and poor performance; and second, since it may be advocated for use in conjunction with other methods. AFC are included since they too may help identify the reproductive potential of heifers. Evaluation of these examination tools demonstrates that the use of modified RTS methods, to include ultrasound examination to detect the absence of a corpus luteum (CL), absence of a follicle ≥ 13 mm and the uterine horn diameter as well as pelvic measurements, could add value to heifer breeding soundness examinations (HBSE) when carried out.

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