scholarly journals Effects of Season on Donor and Recipient Cows and Calf Performance from Birth to Weaning in Embryo Transfer Programs in the Tropics

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3596
Author(s):  
José Francisco Martínez ◽  
Carlos Salvador Galina ◽  
Pablo Ortiz ◽  
Martín Guillermo Maquivar ◽  
Juan José Romero-Zúñiga
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Seasonal Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Transfer Program ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Transfer Programs ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
The Tropics

The aim of this study was to assess the seasonal effect of an embryo transfer program in the tropics on the donor response, recipient reproductive performance and calf growth from birth to weaning. This study included five-year records from 145 donors, 1149 embryo transfers (ET) and 609 in calves. The effect of the season (dry or wet) was evaluated at the time of embryo flushing, embryo transfer and birth of the calves. There was a seasonal effect on the yield and quality of the embryos. The number of nonfertilized and transferable good quality embryos increased in the wet season. For the recipients, the probability of pregnancy after an ET decreased by 6% for each year of the dam’s age. However, no seasonal effect was found when comparing ET calves with their control group (natural mating—NM), nevertheless, weaning weight was associated with birth body weight, treatment, sex of the calf, season at birth, year of treatment, and dam’s age. Calves born by NM had lower average daily gain (ADG), and male calves registered higher gains than females. Likewise, calves born during the rainy season had lower ADG compared with calves born during the dry season. In conclusion, this study shows that seasonal effect is more apparent in donor and calf performance than in the recipients.

scholarly journals 181COMPARISON OF THE PREGNANCY RATES AFTER SYNCHRONIZATION OF OVULATION USING GnRH AND PGF2± IN RECIPIENT DAIRY CATTLE

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 212 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Nishisouzu ◽  
M. Sugawara ◽  
S. Aoki ◽  
K. Kishida ◽  
M. Moriyoshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Transfer Program ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Follicle Diameter

Treatments with GnRH and PGF2α for synchronization of ovulation has resulted in acceptable pregnancy rates after fixed-time artificial insemination in dairy cows without estrus detection. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the practicability of ovulation synchronization (Ovsynch, Pursley JR et al. 1995 Theriogenology 44, 915–923) in dairy cattle using GnRH and PGF2α for the embryo transfer recipients. Dairy cattle (cows; n=100, heifers; n=88) were randomly allocated to one of two groups. The control group (cows; n=45, heifers; n=37) was composed of cows in natural estrus. The ovulation synchronization group (cows; n=55, heifers; n=51) was treated with an intramuscular injection of 100μg of GnRH at a random stage of the estrous cycle. Seven days later, the cattle received PGF2α (Cows; 25–30mg) or PGF2α analog (Heifers; 0.5mg) in order to regress the corpora lutea (CL). Forty-eight hours later, cows and heifers received a second injection of 100μg GnRH. Embryo transfer was carried out 7 days after the second injection of GnRH in the ovsynch group and 7 days after estrus in the control group. The cattle judged to have CL 17mm were classified as acceptable recipients. The size of the follicles and the CL were determined to be of estrus stage and embryo transfer by means of ultrasonography. The mean numbers of follicles and CL were analyzed by ANOVA, while pregnancy rates were analyzed by chi-square test. The results are presented in the Table. The proportion of cows and heifers determined to be acceptable embryo transfers was not different between the control group and the ovsynch group. There were no differences in the proportion of acceptable embryo transfers between the control group and the ovsynch group. Follicle diameter at the time of estrus in the control group (cows; 20.7±0.7mm, heifers; 16.8±0.5mm) were significantly larger than that of the ovsynch group (cows; 18.0±1.0mm, heifers; 14.7±0.2mm) (P<0.05). Although CL diameter at the time of embryo transfer in heifers showed no differences between the control group and the ovsynch group (25.0±1.0mm v. 22.8±1.5mm), The CL diameter of the control cow group was larger than that of the ovsynch group (29.8±0.7mm v. 26.1±1.0mm, P<0.05). However, no differences in pregnancy rate were seen between the control group and the ovsynch group. These results suggest that ovsynch can be effectively applied in an embryo transfer program for cattle. Table 1 Proportion of acceptable embryo transfer recipients and pregnancy rate in dairy cattle in the control ovsynch groups

Replacement of a protein–energy supplement by a same-cost maize-based supplement on performance and product quality of pasture-finished Nellore heifers

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (15) ◽  
pp. 1808
Author(s):  
Laura Cristina Souza Castro ◽  
Wellington da Costa de Campos ◽  
Ivanna Moraes de Oliveira ◽  
Rodolfo Maciel Fernandes ◽  
Matheus Henrique Moretti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Mineral Salt ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Energy Supplement ◽  
Protein Energy ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Total Digestible Nutrient

Context In the largest beef-producing countries in the world, the slaughter of female cows accounts for ~30–40% of all beef produced. Aims The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of a protein–energy supplement (PES) by a same-cost maize-based supplement (MBS) on the performance and final product of Nellore heifers grazing Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture during the wet season in Brazil. Methods Ninety-six Nellore heifers of bodyweight (BW) 281 ± 7.55 kg and aged 23 months were used. Six were slaughtered at the start of the experiment. The remaining 90 heifers received one of the following three supplements with their predominantly pasture diet for 133 days: control, mineral salt ad libitum; PES, with protein 250 g/kg dry matter (DM) and total digestible nutrient 600 g/kg DM, offered at 3 g/kg BW.day (as-fed basis); MBS, with crude protein 90 g/kg DM and total digestible nutrient 850 g/kg DM, offered at 7 g/kg BW.day (as-fed basis). The variables were evaluated in a completely randomised block design with 30 heifers per treatment. Key results Average daily gain and final BW were similar (P > 0.05) in PES and MBS treatments, and relative to the control increased (P < 0.01) average daily gain by ~24% and final BW by 7%. Pasture intakes were decreased, with substitution levels of 8.0% for heifers receiving PES and 10.4% for those receiving MBS. Carcass weight (kg/day) and carcass gain (g carcass/kg BW) were greater (P < 0.001) for heifers receiving MBS and PES than for the control group. Backfat depth was greater (P < 0.001) in heifers receiving MBS (7.91 mm) than in those receiving PES (6.25 mm), and the lowest (P < 0.001) measurement was observed in the control group (4.85 mm). Conclusions Maize-based supplement (7 g/kg BW.day) provided the same growth rate as PES (3 g/kg BW.day) but yielded heavier and slightly fatter carcasses of pasture-finished Nellore heifers during the wet season (133 days) with a similar cost, and with more total digestible nutrients than pasture plus mineral salt. Implications Maize-based supplement provided to Nellore heifers on pasture may improve performance despite lower pasture intakes but needs to be evaluated carefully in terms of costs involved.

Effect of hormonal growth promotant implants in weaner and hogget ewes on subsequent growth and reproductive performance

2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 755
Author(s):  
G. Bortolussi ◽  
A. R. Bird ◽  
C. L. Playford ◽  
J. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
North West ◽  
Daily Gain

Ninety young Merino ewes, depastured on Mitchell (Astrebla spp.) grass pastures in North West Queensland, were used in a hormonal growth promotant implantation study. The ewes were given 1 implant of Compudose, Ralgro, Revalor or Synovex-H, either at lamb marking (mid-dry season) or the start of the following summer wet season, which was ~180 days post-marking. The hormonal growth promotant implanted groups had greater (P<0.05) liveweights than the control group early in the trial (days 22 and 57) and also from the end of the period of activity of the wet season implant (day 277) until the middle of the dry season (day 412). Dry season (at lamb marking) implantation did not improve average daily gain. From the end of the wet season onwards, ewes with a wet season implant were heavier (P<0.05) than those ewes implanted at lamb marking. This liveweight advantage had diminished by the start of the autumn mating. Hormonal growth promotant implantation had a favourable (P<0.05) effect on growth rate, but adversely affected reproduction in the ewes, regardless of time of implantation. Implantation with Compudose or Synovex-H significantly (P<0.001) reduced the demonstration of oestrus, while Revalor or Synovex-H reduced pregnancy rates by up to 100%. Despite Ralgro reducing these variables by up to 25%, its effect was not significant. All ewes that were diagnosed as pregnant at 140 days later produced lambs. It was concluded from this study that hormonal growth promotant implantation at lamb marking provides no later-life advantage, while wet season implantation provides a growth or liveweight advantage to young Merino ewes and this persists for a long period after implantation. Despite the lack of an effect of Ralgro on oestrus and pregnancy results, however, implantation of young breeding ewes of any age should not be carried out, due to the long term and negative effects on reproductive performance. Wet season implantation may be best used for animals intended for slaughter.

172 PREGNANCY RATES AND EARLY PREGNANCY LOSSES IN POSTPARTUM EQUINE EMBRYO RECIPIENTS

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 244
Author(s):  
M. E. Demarchi ◽  
A. M. Tirone ◽  
J. Aguilar ◽  
L. Losinno
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Early Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Transfer Program ◽  
Transfer Programs ◽  
Embryo Transfer Program ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
In Pregnancy ◽  
Loss Rates

In commercial equine embryo transfer programs, the cost of recipient mares represents one of the major economical items that increases the final cost of the pregnancies (Douglas 1985; Losinno and Alvarenga 2006). Due to the risks to newborn foal, it is uncommon to use foaling recipients in the large equine embryo transfer programs in Argentina. The objective of this study was to evaluate pregnancy and early embryonic loss rates between foaling and non-foaling recipients in a commercial embryo transfer program. A total of 173 embryos were collected from Arabian donor mares during 3 consecutive breeding seasons, 2006-2009. Donor mare’s ages ranged from 2 to 22 years, and donors were inseminated with either fresh or frozen semen from 8 stallions 2-17 years old and of proved fertility. Uterine flushing was performed on Day 8 to 9 post-ovulation by standard techniques (Douglas 1985) and recovered embryos were transferred nonsurgically. Recipient mares 3-12 years old were selected clinically by rectal palpation and ultrasound. All embryos were transferred to synchronized recipient mares (-1 to +1 according to donor’s ovulation day) and randomly assigned to non-foaling (n = 84) or foaling (n = 89) recipient groups. For the analysis, we first considered pregnancy and early pregnancy loss rates in both groups, and second, the foaling mares were divided in 3 groups according to the days between foaling and transfer: 1) before 30 days postpartum (n = 10), 2) between 31 and 60 days postpartum (n = 30), and 3) after 61 days postpartum (n = 49). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography on Days 14, 30, and 60 post-ovulation of the donor. Results were evaluated by chi-square test. No statistical differences (P > 0.05) were observed in pregnancy rates between non-foaling and foaling recipients (76.2% and 80.9%, respectively) and in post-foaling groups (80% for recipients transferred before 30 days postpartum, 73.3% for recipients transferred between 31 to 60 days postpartum, and 85.7% for recipients transferred after 61 days postpartum). No statistical differences (P > 0.05) were found in pregnancy loss rates between recipients transferred before 30 and after 61 days postpartum (25% v. 4.8%, respectively) and between recipients transferred before 30 days postpartum and the non-foaling group (25% v. 10.9%, respectively). Pregnancy loss rates for recipients transferred after 31 and 61 days postpartum (9.1% and 4.8%, respectively) were not significantly different with the non-foaling group, and both are within previously reported values. Our results show that postpartum recipients can be used 30 days after normal foaling in a commercial embryo transfer program with similar pregnancy and early pregnancy loss rates and can be a valuable tool maximizing the use of the recipient mares during consecutive breeding seasons.

170 PREGNANCY RATES OF NONCYCLING RECIPIENT MARES TREATED WITH A NEW FORMULATION OF LONG-ACTING PROGESTERONE

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 243
Author(s):  
M. M. B. Castro Chaves ◽  
C. G. Schutzer ◽  
M. A. Alvarenga
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Transfer Programs ◽  
Embryonic Loss ◽  
Exogenous Progesterone ◽  
Long Acting ◽  
New Formulation

The mare being a seasonal polyestrous animal is a limiting factor for maintenance of embryo transfer programs during the entire year.At the beginning and end of the breeding season, the percentage of recipients showing normal estrous cycles may be low compared to donors. Exogenous progesterone has been administered to acyclic mares to allow them to be used as recipients. Noncyclic recipient mares treated once a week with long-acting progesterone (P4) have been widely used in Brazil in equine embryo transfer (ET) programs. P4LA was developed for weekly administration of 1.5 g of P4 to acyclic recipients until approximately 120 days of pregnancy. The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the pregnancy rates of noncyclic recipients treated with a new formulation of long-acting P4 developed in our laboratory that allows a longer interval between treatments (14 days). Noncyclic mares (n = 36) were used as recipients between August and September of 2008 (transition between winter and spring in Brazil). Noncyclic mares were treated with 5 mg of estradiol benzoate during 2 consecutive days followed by the application of 10 mL (i.m.) of P4LA containing 300 mg mL-1 of P4, for a total P4 dose of 3 g. Embryos were transferred between 6 to 12 days after P4LA injection. The same dose of P4LA was repeated on the day of ET and every 14 days until 110 days after pregnancy diagnosis. One hundred fifty-five cyclic recipients were used as a control group, with embryos transferred 4 to 8 days after ovulation. No differences were observed (P > 0.05) when comparing pregnancy rates from acyclic recipients treated with P4LA (82%, 56/68) or cyclic recipients (88%; 137/155) on Day 15. The rate of embryonic loss at 50 days was similar (P > 0.05) for noncycling (11%) and cycling recipient mares (10%). The results obtained in the present study demonstrated that the new formulation of P4LA containing 300 mg mL-1 of P4 and administered every 14 days was effective in maintaining pregnancy in noncyclic recipient mares, allowing a larger treatment interval and longer window of time to transfer embryos.

scholarly journals 268PREGNANCIES FROM FROZEN IVF CATTLE EMBRYOS USING SEX-SORTED AND UNSORTED SPERM

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 254 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.C. Fry ◽  
C.R. Earl ◽  
F.K. Hollinshead ◽  
D. Wild ◽  
W. Lindemans
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adult Cattle ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Transfer Programs ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
User Friendly

Previously we demonstrated that sex-sorted sperm could produce IVF embryos from juvenile and adult cattle at rates similar to those for unsorted sperm (Fry et al., 2003 Theriogenology 52, 198). In this study we investigated the pregnancy rates of recipient cattle following the transfer of frozen/thawed IVF embryos generated from young heifers using sex-sorted and unsorted sperm. COCs collected from FSH-stimulated Senepol or Beefex heifers by TVR were matured, fertilized with either sex-sorted or unsorted Senepol sperm and cultured for 6 days under our standard laboratory conditions (Fry et al., 2003 Theriogenology 59, 446, Earl et al., 1997 Theriogenology 47, 255). Embryos reaching the blastocyst or expanded blastocyst stage of development were frozen by the CL-V method of vitrification. Briefly, embryos were equilibrated for 5–10min in HEPES-199 media containing 20% FCS (HM), placed in HM containing 10% EG, 10% DMSO for approximately 2 minutes and then in HM containing 20% EG, 20% DMSO for between 20–60sec (Vatja et al., 1997 Cryoletters 18, 191). Vitrification was achieved by collecting between 5–10 IVF embryos in a 3-μL droplet and securing this droplet to a coded CL-V holder. The droplet was vitrified using the CL-V kit (Lindemans et al., 2004 Theriogenology in press) and then sealed in a precooled ‘‘straw’’ for storage in liquid nitrogen. To thaw, the ‘‘straw’’ with specimen was removed from storage;; the specimen droplet was withdrawn from the ‘‘straw’’ and placed directly into HM containg 0.2M sucrose (SM). After approximately 5–10min each embryo was assessed, loaded into a tomcat catheter in SM and transferred surgically into a recipeint cow within 10–15min of thaw. Of 129 Brahman and Brahman cross cows receiving 2 injections of 125μg cloprostenol 11 days apart, 60 exhibited oestrus 2–4 days after the second injection and 53 were deemed suitable for embryo transfer. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasound on Day 40. No difference in pregnancy rate was found between treatment groups (P&gt;0.05; Table 1). The low submission rate (60/129) and pregnancy rate for the in vivo control group indicate that the fertility of the recipient cows may have been compromised by the drought conditions predominating in Central Queensland. Notwithstanding, the CL-V method for the vitrification of IVF embryos produced by either sex-sorted or unsorted sperm gave similar and very promising pregnancy results of around 40%. This provides new opportunities for the rapid banking of large numbers of sexed IVF embryos generated from elite cattle by TVR for user friendly embryo transfer programs. Table 1 Pregnancies from IVF embryos derived from sex-sorted and unsorted sperm and frozen by the CL-V method of vitrification, or from in vivo embryos frozen in glycerol

Experience of using time-lapse microscopy in IVF and ICSI programs

2020 ◽  
pp. 47-50
Author(s):  
N. V. Saraeva ◽  
N. V. Spiridonova ◽  
M. T. Tugushev ◽  
O. V. Shurygina ◽  
A. I. Sinitsyna
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Single Embryo Transfer ◽  
Main Group ◽  
Clinical Pregnancy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Time Lapse Microscopy

In order to increase the pregnancy rate in the assisted reproductive technology, the selection of one embryo with the highest implantation potential it is very important. Time-lapse microscopy (TLM) is a tool for selecting quality embryos for transfer. This study aimed to assess the benefits of single-embryo transfer of autologous oocytes performed on day 5 of embryo incubation in a TLM-equipped system in IVF and ICSI programs. Single-embryo transfer following incubation in a TLM-equipped incubator was performed in 282 patients, who formed the main group; the control group consisted of 461 patients undergoing single-embryo transfer following a traditional culture and embryo selection procedure. We assessed the quality of transferred embryos, the rates of clinical pregnancy and delivery. The groups did not differ in the ratio of IVF and ICSI cycles, average age, and infertility factor. The proportion of excellent quality embryos for transfer was 77.0% in the main group and 65.1% in the control group (p = 0.001). In the subgroup with receiving eight and less oocytes we noted the tendency of receiving more quality embryos in the main group (р = 0.052). In the subgroup of nine and more oocytes the quality of the transferred embryos did not differ between two groups. The clinical pregnancy rate was 60.2% in the main group and 52.9% in the control group (p = 0.057). The delivery rate was 45.0% in the main group and 39.9% in the control group (p > 0.050).

The effectiveness of use of enterosorbent Shelltic Es when rearing of young pigs

2020 ◽  
pp. 3-11
Author(s):  
S. Grikshas ◽  
N. Kulmakova ◽  
K. Spitsyna ◽  
A. Dar’in ◽  
T. Mittelshtein
Keyword(s):  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Internal Organs ◽  
Feed Digestibility ◽  
Young Pigs ◽  
Carcinogenic Effects ◽  
Experimental Group

Mycotoxins have been formed in feed are secondary metabolites of fungi and are quite stable substances that have teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. An effective way to combat mycotoxins in feed is the use of feed additives that adsorb toxins, prevent their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal and are excreted from the body. The infl uence of coconut enterosorbent Shelltic Es on fattening and meat qualities of young pigs has been studied. It has been found in the process of fattening that the highest feed digestibility was in pigs of the experimental group, in the diet of which enterosorbent has been added. The results of studies of the chemical composition and technological properties of pork have been provided. The positive eff ect of enterosorbent on precocity, absolute average daily gain of live weight and reduction of feed expenditures per 1 kg of gain has been revealed. In pigs from the experimental group the average thickness of the fat was higher and the area of the “muscle eye” was lower compared with animals of the control group, which indicates that higher rates of carcass yield have been obtained due to faster accumulation of fat tissue. The weight of internal organs of pigs indicates the intensity of metabolic processes in the body. In experimental animals the weight of the lungs was 0,1 kg lower, and the liver and heart were higher by 0,13 and 0,01 kg, respectively. Enterosorbent had no effect on the content of vitamins in the liver of pigs of the compared groups. The content of impurities of organochlorine toxicants and toxic elements in the meat and liver of animals of the experimental group was lower than that of control analogues. Therefore, the use of enterosorbent Shelltic Es promotes more active excretion of them from the body.

scholarly journals Effect of BioPlus YC Probiotic Supplementation on Gut Microbiota, Production Performance, Carcass and Meat Quality of Pigs

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1581
Author(s):  
Artur Rybarczyk ◽  
Elżbieta Bogusławska-Wąs ◽  
Alicja Dłubała
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Bacillus Licheniformis ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Probiotic Bacteria ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Feed Conversion

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of probiotic bacteria Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis on microbiological properties of feed mixtures and on the digestive tract content as applicable to production traits and carcass characteristics of fatteners. The experiment was performed on 83,838 fatteners from four successive (insertions) productions in two groups. From the seventy eighth day of age till marketing to the slaughter plant, the pigs were supplied with BioPlus YC probiotic (Chr. Hansen) in the amount of 400 g/t. The preparation contained a complex of probiotic bacteria Bacillus licheniformis DSM 5749, and Bacillus subtilis DSM 5750 spores in a 1:1 ratio. From the fourth insertion, after reaching a body weight of approximately 112 kg, 60 fatteners were selected from each group to measure carcass quality and half of them for meat quality evaluation. Moreover, microbiological analyses in feed and colon were performed. The study showed that BioPlus YC probiotics supplementation resulted in a significantly higher count of B. subtilis and B. licheniformis in the feed, a higher count of B. subtilis, B. licheniformis and LAB, as well as a lower count of Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, Clostridium and Bacillus sp. in the mucosa and in the colorectal content of the test pigs. Our work has shown that supplementation with the BioPlus YC probiotic had a positive effect on the production traits of pigs mainly by reducing mortality (2.83%, p = 0.010), lowering feed conversion ratio—FCR (2.59 kg/kg, p = 0.013), better average daily gain—ADG (0.95 kg/day, p = 0.002) and shorter fattening period (77.25 days, p = 0.019) when compared to the control group (4.19%; 2.79 kg/kg; 0.89 kg/day; 92.8 days, respectively). The addition of the specific Bacillus bacteria did not influence carcass and meat characteristics of the test fatteners.

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