Reduced progesterone concentration during growth of the first follicular wave affects embryo quality but has no effect on embryo survival post transfer in lactating dairy cows

Fertility of lactating dairy cows is associated with reduced progesterone (P4) concentration compared with nonlactating animals. The objective of the current study was to determine whether P4 during growth of the first follicular wave (FFW) affects embryo quality. Lactating Holstein cows at 33±3 days post partum were allocated to one of three treatments. Cows in the FFW and FFW with P4 (FFWP) treatments started the superstimulation protocol on day 1 of the estrous cycle and second follicular wave (SFW) cows started the superstimulation protocol on estrous cycle day 7. Cows were superstimulated with 400 mg of NIH-FSH-P1 (FSH) given twice daily for 5 days, two prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) injections given with the ninth and tenth injections of FSH, GNRH given 48 h after the first PGF2α injection, and timed insemination 12 and 24 h after the GNRH injection. Cows in the FFWP treatment received two intravaginal P4 inserts during the superstimulation. Embryos were recovered 6.5 days after artificial insemination and excellent/good and fair embryos were frozen and transferred. Blood was sampled daily from estrous cycle day 0 until insemination from donor cows. During the superstimulation protocol, P4 was (P<0.01) greatest for SFW cows followed by FFWP and FFW cows respectively. The percentage of embryos–oocytes from SFW and FFWP cows classified as excellent/good and fair embryos was (P=0.02) greater than those of FFW cows. Pregnancy per embryo transfer was not (P≥0.73) affected by embryo donor treatment. Reduced embryo quality of cows induced to ovulate the follicles from the first follicular wave is a consequence of reduced P4 during follicle growth.

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Proteomic determinants of uterine receptivity for pregnancy in early and mid-postpartum dairy cows†

Biology of Reproduction ◽

10.1093/biolre/ioab190 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nicolas Aranciaga ◽

James D Morton ◽

Evelyne Maes ◽

Jessica L Gathercole ◽

Debra K Berg

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Protein Trafficking ◽

Embryo Quality ◽

Post Partum ◽

Bioinformatic Analysis ◽

Estrus Cycle ◽

Uterine Receptivity ◽

Lactating Dairy Cows ◽

Molecular Determinants

Abstract Dairy cow subfertility is a worldwide issue arising from multiple factors. It manifests in >30% early pregnancy losses in seasonal pasture-grazed herds, especially when cows are inseminated in the early post-partum period. Most losses occur before implantation, when embryo growth depends on factors present in maternal tract fluids. Here we examined the proteomic composition of early and mid-postpartum uterine luminal fluid in crossbred lactating dairy cows to identify molecular determinants of fertility. We also explored changes in uterine luminal fluid from first to third estrus cycles postpartum in individual cows, linking those changes with divergent embryo development. For this, we flushed uteri of 87 cows at day 7 of pregnancy at first and third estrus postpartum, recovering and grading their embryos. Out of 1563 proteins detected, 472 had not been previously reported in this fluid, and 408 were predicted to be actively secreted by bioinformatic analysis. The abundance of 18 proteins with roles in immune regulation and metabolic function (e.g. cystatin B, pyruvate kinase M2) was associated with contrasting embryo quality. Matched-paired pathway analysis indicated that, from first to third estrus postpartum, upregulation of metabolic (e.g. creatine and carbohydrate) and immune (e.g. complement regulation, antiviral defense) processes were related to poorer quality embryos in the third estrus cycle postpartum. Conversely, upregulated signal transduction and protein trafficking appeared related to improved embryo quality in third estrus. These results advance the characterization of the molecular environment of bovine uterine luminal fluid and may aid understanding fertility issues in other mammals, including humans.

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Endocrine and physiological events from ovulation to establishment of pregnancy in cattle

BSAP Occasional Publication ◽

10.1017/s0263967x00033607 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 81-91 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

W.W. Thatcher ◽

M. Binelli ◽

D. Arnold ◽

R. Mattos ◽

L. Badinga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Post Partum ◽

Secretory Response ◽

Embryo Survival ◽

Endometrial Cells ◽

Stat Proteins ◽

In Vivo Experiments ◽

Feeding Diets

AbstractA series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to characterise the dialogue between embryo and maternal units relative to the mechanisms controlling embryo survival in dairy cattle. Endometrial explants from pregnant cows had an attenuated PGF2α secretory response following treatment with melittin (stimulator of PLA2) and phorbol 12, 13 dibutyrate (PDBu). Thus previous exposure to the conceptus appears to regulate the endometrial synthetic pathway at a point coincident with or distal to PLA2 as well as inhibit PKC or PKC mediated events. Endometrial explants collected from cows receiving intrauterine infusions of rblFN-τ had a reduced secretory response following stimulation with PDBu indicating attenuation in PKC activity. Based upon tyrosine-phosphorylation of STAT-proteins and their translocation to the nucleus after treatment with rbIFN-τ, the JAK-STAT pathway is functional in immortalised bovine endometrial cells (BEND cells). Bend cells, exposed to rblFN-τ, reduced PDBu induction of PGF2α secretion and also decreased protein expression of Cox-2 and PLA. RblFN-τ clearly reduced PKC mediated events leading to an antiluteolytic response in endometrial cells. Feeding diets containing 2.6, 5.2 and 7.8% Menhaden fish meal to lactating dairy cows reduced uterine secretion of PGF2α following sequential injections of oestradiol and oxytocin. Thus antiluteolytic effects in early pregnancy may be amplified by feeding by-pass fats. Pregnancy rate to a timed insemination at first service post-partum is increased in association with injection of bST(500 mg; sc) given at insemination. Furthermore injection of bST at time of insemination in superovulated donor cows increased the number of blastocysts and reduced number of unfertilised embryos. Prospects of integrating novel strategies to improve embryo development and survival into reproductive management systems appear to be attainable in high producing dairy cows.

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Luteal Blood Flow and progesterone concentration during first and second postpartum estrous cycle in lactating dairy cows

Reproduction in Domestic Animals ◽

10.1111/rda.13513 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 (10) ◽

pp. 1341-1347

Author(s):

Eleonora Iacono ◽

Martina Lucci ◽

Gaetano Mari ◽

Barbara Merlo

Keyword(s):

Blood Flow ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Estrous Cycle ◽

Progesterone Concentration ◽

Lactating Dairy Cows

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Improving reproductive performance in lactating dairy cows by synchronising ovulation or inducing oestrus

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica ◽

10.1556/avet.50.2002.2.12 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 231-234 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Gy. Gábor ◽

J. P. Kastelic ◽

S. Pintér ◽

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Pregnancy Rates ◽

Preliminary Trial ◽

Lactating Cows ◽

Lactating Dairy Cows ◽

Considerable Promise ◽

Holstein Friesian ◽

Prostaglandin F

Lactating crossbred Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (n = 331) were started on an Ovsynch regimen 68 ± 8.2 days after calving; 200 µg GnRH intramuscularly (i.m.) on Days 0 and 9, and 35 mg prostaglandin F2a i.m. on Day 7. Thirty-eight and 31 cows (11.5 and 9.4%, respectively) were in oestrus on Days 0 to 6 and 7 to 8, respectively, and inseminated, and the remainder were fixed-time inseminated (on Day 10). For these three groups, pregnancy rates (60-65 days after breeding) were 31.6, 38.7 and 34.0%, respectively (P = 0.82) and calving rates were 100, 100 and 89.9% (P = 0.23). In a preliminary trial, twelve lactating cows (45 to 60 days postpartum) with inactive ovaries were given 1500 IU eCG i.m.; 10 were in oestrus within 10 days after treatment (and inseminated) and eight of these were pregnant (30 days after breeding). The Ovsynch program resulted in acceptable reproductive performance in cyclic cows and eCG treatment has considerable promise for inducing oestrus in anoestrous cows.

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The Effect of Luteolysis at d 5, 6, or 7 of a GnRH-Induced Second Follicular Wave on Peak Serum Estradiol-17beta Concentrations in Lactating Dairy Cows.

Biology of Reproduction ◽

10.1093/biolreprod/81.s1.543 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 81 (Suppl_1) ◽

pp. 543-543

Author(s):

Rachel K. Policelli ◽

Joao Paulo N. Martins ◽

Nora M. Bello ◽

J. Richard Pursley

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Peak Serum ◽

Serum Estradiol ◽

Follicular Wave ◽

Lactating Dairy Cows

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Effects of GnRH, PGF2α and oxytocin treatments on conception rate at the time of artificial insemination in lactating dairy cows

Czech Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.17221/1283-cjas ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 56 (No. 6) ◽

pp. 279-283 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

A. Gümen ◽

A. Keskin ◽

G. Yilmazbas-Mecitoglu ◽

E. Karakaya ◽

S. Cevik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Reproductive Tract ◽

Female Reproductive Tract ◽

Conception Rate ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Lactating Dairy Cows ◽

Conception Rates ◽

Prostaglandin F ◽

And Control

In several studies, hormones such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), prostaglandins and oxytocin were used to increase pregnancy rate by inducing ovulation and improving the sperm transport in the female reproductive tract in lactating dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of GnRH, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and oxytocin treatments at the time of artificial insemination (AI) after spontaneous oestrus on the conception rate (CR) of lactating dairy cows. Oestrus was detected by visual observations by experienced personnel. All cows (n = 430, 308 Holstein-Frisian and 122 Swedish-Red dairy cows) were inseminated based on the am/pm rule by veterinarians of the farm. After AI, cows were alternately assigned to one of the four treatment groups: (1) GnRH (n = 113); (2) PGF2α (n = 106); (3) oxytocin (n = 106) and (4) non-treated control (n = 105). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 28–34 and 58–64 days post-insemination by transrectal ultrasonography. Conception rates on days 28–34 and 58–64 were not different among GnRH (46.0%; 52/113 and 44.3%; 50/113), PGF2α (37.7%; 40/106 and 35.9%; 38/106) and control (49.5%; 52/105 and 47.6%; 50/105) groups. However, conception rates were lower (P = 0.02) in oxytocin (31.1%; 33/106 and 30.2%; 32/106) than in GnRH and control groups on days 28–34 and 58–64. Other covariant factors, such as milk production, days in milk (DIM), breed, parity, service number did not affect the conception rate. Thus, there were no beneficial effects of treatments with GnRH and PGF2α at the time of AI, and oxytocin had an adverse effect on CR in lactating dairy cows in this study.

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Influence of Feeding Dehydrated Poultry Waste on Composition and Organoleptic Quality of Milk1

Journal of Food Protection ◽

10.4315/0362-028x-40.1.29 ◽

1977 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 29-31 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

J. C. BRUHN ◽

G. D. REIF ◽

H. TOONE ◽

J. H. EVANS

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Quality ◽

Poultry Waste ◽

Quality Factors ◽

Lactating Dairy Cows ◽

Period 2 ◽

Lead Zinc ◽

Copper Lead ◽

Composite Samples

A double reversal trial with three, 4-week periods was used to determine the effect on milk quality of feeding dehydrated poultry waste to lactating dairy cows. Fifteen cows were fed a control ration for 4 weeks (Period 1), followed by an experimental ration containing dehydrated poultry waste for 4 weeks (Period 2), and then by the control ration for 4 weeks (Period 3). Milk was collected daily and scored by five judges using the ADSA milk flavor scoring guide. Milk compsition (fat, protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat) was determined on alternate days. During Periods 2 and 3 weekly composite samples were collected to determine concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, and tocopherol. No significant differences were found in any of the milk quality factors studied.

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Respiratory burst activity of blood and milk neutrophils in dairy cows during different stages of lactation

Journal of Dairy Research ◽

10.1017/s0022029901005039 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 68 (3) ◽

pp. 399-415 ◽

Cited By ~ 65

Author(s):

JALIL MEHRZAD ◽

HILDE DOSOGNE ◽

EVELYNE MEYER ◽

ROGER HEYNEMAN ◽

CHRISTIAN BURVENICH

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Respiratory Burst ◽

Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes ◽

Post Partum ◽

Burst Activity ◽

Early Lactation ◽

Respiratory Burst Activity ◽

Lactating Dairy Cows

The non-stimulated and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated luminol-augmented cellular chemiluminescence (CL) response and viability of milk and blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were determined in lactating dairy cows during different stages of lactation. In the first study, ten healthy cows each in early, mid and late lactation were compared. In a second study, the same measurements as in the first study were evaluated longitudinally in 12 cows during 1 month following parturition. The CL activity and myeloperoxidase (MPO) content of milk PMN and macrophages (M) were also compared. Milk M did not possess MPO activity and were devoid of any luminol-enhanced CL. The CL activity of milk and blood PMN was significantly lower in early lactation than in mid and late lactation (P < 0·001). Whereas little changes were observed in viability of blood PMN, the viability of milk PMN was lower in early lactation than in mid and late lactation (P < 0·001). The percentage of PMN in isolated milk cells was also lower during early lactation than during mid and late lactation (P < 0·001). The CL activity in response to PMA during early, mid and late lactation increased 13, 59 and 42-fold in blood PMN and 1·7, 2·6 and 2·4-fold in milk PMN, respectively, in comparison with non-stimulated PMN. The CL activity, both in milk and blood PMN, the milk PMN viability and the percentage of milk PMN were lowest between 3 d and 11 d post partum. These observed changes immediately after calving could contribute to a higher susceptibility to mastitis in that period.

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