scholarly journals Reproductive Tract Score: A Tool for Evaluating Beef Heifer Reproductive Potential

EDIS ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Binelli ◽  
Thiago Martins ◽  
Cecilia Constantino Rocha ◽  
Felipe A. C. C. Silva ◽  
João Bittar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Beef Heifer ◽  
Cow Calf ◽  
Animal Sciences

This publication explains the RTS methodology and suggests how it can be implemented in a cow-calf operation. Written by Mario Binelli, Thiago Martins, Cecilia C. Rocha, Felipe A. C. C. Silva, João Bittar, Philipe Moriel, Angela M. Gonella-Diaza, Lauren Butler, and Cindy Sanders, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2021.

scholarly journals Beef heifer fertility: importance of management practices and technological advancements

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Moorey ◽  
Fernando H. Biase
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Transcript Abundance ◽  
Antral Follicle ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Beef Heifer ◽  
Fertility Potential ◽  
Cow Calf

Abstract The development of replacement heifers is at the core of cow-calf beef production systems. In 2020, the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service reported 5.771 million beef heifers, 500 pounds and over, are under development for cow replacement. A compilation of data from several studies indicate that between 85% and 95% of these heifers will become pregnant in their first breeding season. Several thousands of heifers being raised for replacement may not deliver a calf on their first breeding season and result in economic losses to cow-calf producers. Many management procedures have been developed to maximize the reproductive potential of beef heifers. Such approaches include, but are not limited to the following: nutritional management for controlled weight gain, identification of reproductive maturity by physiological and morphological indicators, and the implementation of an estrous synchronization program. The implementation of management strategies has important positive impact(s) on the reproductive efficiency of heifers. There are limitations, however, because some heifers deemed ready to enter their first breeding season do not become pregnant. In parallel, genetic selection for fertility-related traits in beef heifers have not promoted major genetic gains on this particular area, most likely due to low heritability of female fertility traits in cattle. Technologies such as antral follicle counting, DNA genotyping and RNA profiling are being investigated as a means to aid in the identification of heifers of low fertility potential. To date, many polymorphisms have been associated with heifer fertility, but no DNA markers have been identified across herds. Antral follicle count is an indication of the ovarian reserve and is an indicator of the reproductive health of a heifer. We have been working on the identification of transcriptome profiles in heifers associated with pregnancy outcome. Our current investigations integrating protein-coding transcript abundance and artificial intelligence have identified the potential for bloodborne transcript abundance to be used as indicators of fertility potential in beef heifers. In summary, there is an ongoing pressure for reducing costs and increasing efficiency in cow-calf production systems, and new technologies can help reduce the long-standing limitations in beef heifer fertility.

scholarly journals Effect of calfhood nutrition on metabolic hormones, gonadotropins, and estradiol concentrations and on reproductive organ development in beef heifer calves

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan K Kelly ◽  
Colin Byrne ◽  
Mark McGee ◽  
George A Perry ◽  
Mark A Crowe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Pituitary ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Ovarian Tissue ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Pulse Amplitude ◽  
Pulse Frequency ◽  
Ovarian Surface ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Beef Heifer

Abstract This study examined the effect of plane of nutrition on the endocrinological regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis in beef heifer calves during a critical sexual developmental window early in calf hood. Forty Holstein-Friesian × Angus heifers (mean age 19 d, SEM = 0.63) were assigned to a high (HI; ADG 1.2 kg) or moderate (MOD; ADG 0.50 kg) nutritional level from 3 to 21 wk of life. Intake was recorded using an electronic calf feeding system, BW was recorded weekly, and blood samples were collected on the week of age 5, 10, 15, and 20 for metabolite, reproductive, and metabolic hormone determination. At 19 wk of age, on sequential days, an 8-h window bleed was carried out for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol analysis. To characterize anterior pituitary gland function, an intravenous GnRH challenge was conducted (19 wk of age). Blood was collected via a jugular catheter every 15 min for 135 min for the analysis of LH, FSH, and estradiol. Calves were subsequently euthanized at 21 wk of age; the anterior pituitary, metabolic organs, and reproductive tract were weighed, and ovarian surface follicular numbers and oocytes recovered were recorded. Mean ADG was 1.18 and 0.50 kg for HI and MOD, respectively, resulting in a 76.6-kg difference in BW (P < 0.001). Blood insulin, glucose, and IGF-1 concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) for HI compared with MOD. There was a diet × time interaction for leptin (P < 0.01); concentrations were greater in HI compared with MOD at 20 wk of age with no difference between treatments before this. Dietary treatment did not alter the concentrations of adiponectin or anti-mullerian hormone. There was a diet × time interaction for FSH, whereby MOD had greater concentrations than HI at 10, 15, and 20, but not at 5 wk of age. Over the duration of an 8-h window bleed (19 wk of age), serum concentrations of LH, LH pulse frequency, and LH pulse amplitude were unaffected by treatment, whereas FSH (0.23 vs. 0.43 ng/mL) and estradiol (0.53 vs. 0.38 ng/mL) concentrations were less than and greater, respectively, for HI than MOD (P < 0.05). Likewise, following a GnRH challenge, the area under the curve analysis revealed greater (P < 0.01) estradiol and lesser (P < 0.01) FSH concentrations in calves on the HI relative to MOD diet, whereas concentrations of LH were unaffected (P = 0.26) between treatments. Ovarian surface follicle numbers were greater (P < 0.05) in HI compared with MOD. Total reproductive tract, uterus, and ovarian tissue expressed relative to BW were greater (P < 0.05) for HI compared with MOD. In conclusion, enhanced nutrition in early calfhood advances the ontogeny development of the HPO axis.

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.

scholarly journals In vivo exposure to 17β-estradiol triggers premature sperm capacitation in cauda epididymis

Reproduction ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 145 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Ded ◽  
Natasa Sebkova ◽  
Martina Cerna ◽  
Fatima Elzeinova ◽  
Pavla Dostalova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Capacitation ◽  
Epididymal Sperm ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
17Β Estradiol

Estrogens play a crucial role in spermatogenesis and estrogen receptor α knock-out male mice are infertile. It has been demonstrated that estrogens significantly increase the speed of capacitation in vitro; however this may lead to the reduction of reproductive potential due to the decreased ability of these sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction. To date the in vivo effect of estrogens on the ability of sperm to capacitate has not been investigated. Therefore, in this study, we exposed mice (n=24) to 17β-estradiol (E2) at the concentration of 20 ng/ml either during puberty from the fourth to seventh week of age (n=8), or continuously from birth for a period of 12 weeks (n=8) at which age the animals from both groups were killed. The capacitation status of epididymal and testicular sperm was analysed by tyrosine phosphorylation (TyrP) antibody (immunofluorescence and western blot) and chlortetracycline (CTC) assay. According to our results, in vivo exposure to increased E2 concentrations caused premature sperm capacitation in the epididymis. The effect of E2, however, seems reversible because after the termination of the exposure premature epididymal sperm capacitation is decreased in animals treated during puberty. Furthermore the changes in epididymal sperm capacitation status detected by TyrP and CTC positively correlate with plasma levels of E2 and the expression of the estrogen-dependent trefoil factor 1 (Tff1) gene in testicular tissue. Therefore, our data implicate that in vivo exposure to E2 under specific conditions leads to the premature capacitation of mouse sperm in epididymis with a potential negative impact on the sperm reproductive fitness in the female reproductive tract.

scholarly journals Polymorphism of ESR, FSHß, RBP4, PRL, OPN genes and their influence on morphometric traits of gilt reproductive tract before sexual maturity

2013 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 369-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojciech Kapelański ◽  
Robert Eckert ◽  
Hanna Jankowiak ◽  
Aurelia Mucha ◽  
Maria Bocian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Receptor Gene ◽  
Broad Ligament ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Uterine Weight ◽  
Morphometric Traits ◽  
Large White ◽  
Genetic Determination

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of gene polymorphism on the development of the reproductive system in 100 Polish Large White and 100 Polish Landrace gilts. Gilts were slaughtered when they reached 100 kg, and their uterus weight and length, as well as the ovary weight and volume were evaluated. Differences between gilts of both breeds were observed in some traits of the reproductive system, such as the uterine weight without the broad ligament (P ≤ 0.05) and the uterine capacity (P ≤ 0.01). Polish Landrace gilts were characterized with higher uterine weight and higher uterine capacity; they were also younger at the time of slaughter (P ≤ 0.05). No BB homozygote relative to the oestrogen receptor gene was found in the examined populations of Polish Landrace gilts. Also, a very low number of gilts with the AA genotype relative to follicle stimulating hormone gene was observed in both populations. Polymorphism of the examined genes had an effect on numerous traits which define the size of particular uterine sections, and thus it influenced the development of potential fertility of gilts before they entered the reproductive cycle. Based on our results we can conclude that genetic determination of reproductive potential occurs already in prepubertal gilts. The results may be used for the prognosis of fertility potential in gilts.

scholarly journals Potential Bull Buyers and Consignors Perceive Increased Value to Their Operations When Purchasing Bulls from the Florida Bull Test: A 20th Anniversary Survey

EDIS ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gleise M. Silva ◽  
Nicolas DiLorenzo
Keyword(s):  
20Th Anniversary ◽  
Cow Calf ◽  
Animal Sciences

This publication discusses impacts as well as cow/calf producer perceptions of the Florida Bull Test. Written by Gleise M. Silva and Nicolas DiLorenzo, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, November 2021.

scholarly journals Floria Cow-Calf and Stocker Beef Safety and Quality Assurance Handbook: Appendix

EDIS ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 2006 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd A. Thrift ◽  
Matt J. Hersom ◽  
Max Irsik
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Beef Quality ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
University Of Florida ◽  
Cooperative Program ◽  
Florida Department ◽  
Consumer Services ◽  
Cow Calf ◽  
The University ◽  
Animal Sciences

AN174 includes pages 92-126 of the Florida Cow-Calf and Stocker Beef Safety and Quality Assurance Handbook, which is used for the voluntary Florida Beef Quality Producer program. It Includes several appendices to the handbook, including a glossary and several record sheets. Produced as part of a cooperative program by Florida Cattlemen's Association, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the University of Florida (IFAS) Extension Service. Published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, October 2006. AN174/AN174: Floria Cow-Calf and Stocker Beef Safety and Quality Assurance Handbook: Appendix (ufl.edu)

scholarly journals 104 Impacts of Phosphorus Intake on Beef Heifer Growth Performance and Reproductive Tract Scores

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 82-82
Author(s):  
Hailey Hilfiker ◽  
Elizabeth Kegley ◽  
Rick Rorie ◽  
Pete A Hornsby ◽  
Jana Reynolds ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Free Choice ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Livestock Manure ◽  
Manure Application ◽  
Ultrasound Evaluation ◽  
History Of ◽  
Beef Heifer ◽  
Phosphorus Intake

Abstract This study aims to examine the effects of phosphorus intake on beef heifer growth performance and conception rates. In Northwest Arkansas, there has been an increase in phosphorus concentrations in soil where livestock manures have been repeatedly applied. Consequently, forages grown on soils high in phosphorus tend to contain high amounts of the mineral itself. This has led many to question whether it is necessary to supplement phosphorus in areas where concentrations may be higher. In this study, crossbred Angus heifers (n = 72), approximately 30 d after weaning, were stratified by body weight (average initial weight 251 ± 3.9 kg) and allocated randomly into 8 groups. Groups were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments. Treatments were delivered through either 1) a free-choice-mineral mix that contained no supplemental phosphorus (CON), or 2) a free-choice-mineral mix with 4% supplemental phosphorus and identical concentrations of other supplemental minerals (4PMIN). Heifers grazed 2.42 ha mixed grass pastures with a history of livestock manure application and were supplemented with soy hulls (0.5% of body weight) daily. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedures of SAS with group as the experimental unit. Total mineral intake through d 112 did not differ (P = 0.55) between treatments. On d 112, any heifers > 273 kg body weight (n = 58) had an ultrasound evaluation of their reproductive tract. Reproductive tract score (1, infantile, to 5, corpus luteum present) did not differ (P = 0.65) due to treatment. Body weights were not different (P = 0.78) on d 112, 301 ± 5.0 kg and 299 ± 5.0 kg for CON and 4PMIN, respectively. When grazing pastures with a history of livestock manure application, levels of supplemental phosphorus in the free choice mineral did not affect heifer growth performance and reproductive tract scores.

scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms Controlled by mTOR in Male Reproductive System

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 1633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Moreira ◽  
Pedro Oliveira ◽  
Marco Alves
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Mtor Inhibition ◽  
Cytoskeleton Organization ◽  
Downstream Effectors ◽  
Regulate Protein

In recent years, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has emerged as a master integrator of upstream inputs, such as amino acids, growth factors and insulin availability, energy status and many others. The integration of these signals promotes a response through several downstream effectors that regulate protein synthesis, glucose metabolism and cytoskeleton organization, among others. All these biological processes are essential for male fertility, thus it is not surprising that novel molecular mechanisms controlled by mTOR in the male reproductive tract have been described. Indeed, since the first clinical evidence showed that men taking rapamycin were infertile, several studies have evidenced distinct roles for mTOR in spermatogenesis. However, there is a lack of consensus whether mTOR inhibition, which remains the experimental approach that originates the majority of available data, has a negative or positive impact on male reproductive health. Herein we discuss the latest findings concerning mTOR activity in testes, particularly its role on spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) maintenance and differentiation, as well as in the physiology of Sertoli cells (SCs), responsible for blood–testis barrier maintenance/restructuring and the nutritional support of spermatogenesis. Taken together, these recent advances highlight a crucial role for mTOR in determining the male reproductive potential.

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