REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN EWES ON A LOW-SELENIUM DIET

1975 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 513-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. MITCHELL ◽  
M. HIDIROGLOU ◽  
K. J. JENKINS

Sixty-four Selenium (Se)-deficient ewes (group 1) and 65 Se-adequate ewes (group 2) were exposed to fertile, harnessed rams for a 42-day period (1 October–12 November 1973). Between 26 October and 7 December, approximately half of the animals in each group were slaughtered 25–30 days after their last marked mating to determine numbers of embryos and corpora lutea (CL). The percentages of ewes pregnant and CL not represented by normal embryos were 80.6 and 12.8 in group 1 and 78.8 and 34.1 in group 2 and the average number of CL/ewe was 1.57 and 1.63, respectively. The remaining ewes were kept until anticipated time of lambing. The percentage of ewes which lambed and the average number of lambs/ewe were 67.9 and 1.47 (group 1) and 71.9 and 1.44 (group 2). No group differences in sex ratio of lambs was observed. Composite conception rates for the slaughtered and lambed ewes were 76.2% for the Se-deficient and 76.6% for the Se-adequate animals. It was concluded that under the conditions of this experiment Se depletion had no adverse effect on ewe conception rates, embryonic mortality or numbers of lambs born.

2016 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Kuźnicka ◽  
Witold Rant ◽  
Aurelia Radzik-Rant ◽  
Małgorzata Kunowska-Slósarz ◽  
Marek Balcerak

Abstract. A herd of sheep (40 heads) was divided into two equal groups: group 1 was kept under an overhead shelter and group 2 in a warm barn. The effect of maintenance on ewe's reproductive performance, corpora lutea and corpora lutea of pregnancy rate, as well as the concentration of plasma progesterone and estradiol in peripheral blood was investigated. At the first laparoscopy fewer corpora lutea than during the following one were observed (P ≤ 0.01). In sheep kept under the overhead shelter, a greater number of corpora lutea were noted. More corpora lutea of pregnancy were observed in group 1 than in the group from the barn. On the first day after mating the average level of progesterone was 190 pg mL−1, and after 2 weeks it increased to more than 300 pg mL−1 (P ≤ 0.01). The positive correlation between the number of corpora lutea of pregnancy and progesterone concentration (P ≤ 0.01) and the negative correlation (P ≤ 0.01) with number of corpora lutea of pregnancy, as well as between the litter size and estradiol concentration, were observed. Harsh environmental conditions did not cause a significant decrease of the reproduction performance of ewes kept under the overhead shed.


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 208
Author(s):  
C. Cuello ◽  
F. Berthelot ◽  
F. Martinat-Botté ◽  
P. Guillouet ◽  
V. Furstoss ◽  
...  

The present study was designed to determine the effect of pooling embryos from two donors on the reproductive success of transfer of vitrified/warmed porcine blastocysts. Superovulated Large White hyperprolific gilts (n=24) were used as embryo donors. Gilts were artificially inseminated 12 and 24h after initial detection of estrus using fresh semen, and slaughtered on Days 5.5 to 6 of the estrous cycle (Day 0=Onset of estrus). Embryos were recovered by flushing the uterine horns, and unhatched blastocysts were selected. Vitrification and warming were performed as reported previously (Berthelot et al., 2000 Cryobiology 41, 116–124). Embryo transfers were conducted in asynchronous (−24h) Meishan gilts (n=20). Twenty vitrified/warmed blastocysts were surgically transferred into one uterine horn. Ten recipients received embryos from one donor (group 1) and the other ten transfers were performed with mixed embryos from two donors (group 2). Pregnancy was assessed ultrasonographically at Day 25 after estrus and recipients were slaughtered five days later. The pregnancy rate from the different groups was compared using Fisher exact test. The GLM procedure of SAS was used to determine the effect of the origin of embryos (one or two donors) on the number of developed fetuses and viable fetuses at Day 30 of pregnancy. The ovulation rate was 32.5±11.8 (mean±SD). The total number of embryos collected was 634, of which 57 (9.0%), 36 (5.7%), 513 (80.9%) and 28 (4.4%), were unfertilized oocytes and degenerated embryos, morulae, unhatched blastocysts and hatched blastocysts, respectively. The ratio of collected embryos to the number of corpora lutea was 81.3%. The pregnancy rate for group 1 (70%) was not different (P>0.05) than that for group 2 (90%). No significant differences were detected between group 1 and group 2 for in vivo embryo development (number fetuses/transferred embryos in pregnant recipients; 33.3% v. 40%) or in vivo embryo survival (number viable fetuses/transferred embryos in pregnant recipients; 27.9% v. 33.9%). However, the in vivo efficiency (number viable fetuses/total transferred embryos) was higher (P<0.05) when transfers were performed with embryos from two donors (19.5% v. 30.5%). These results indicate that pooling embryos from two donors increases the in vivo efficiency after transfer of vitrified/warmed porcine blastocysts. This study was supported by grant from SENECA (FPI/99, Spain).


2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. H. Gardner ◽  
C. K. Reynolds ◽  
R.H. Phipps ◽  
A.K. Jones ◽  
D.E. Beever

AbstractThe study compared the impact of feeding different energy supplements (barley, molassed sugar beet and fat) prior to calving and the effects of feeding supplemental fat post-partum, on subsequent production and reproductive efficiency of dairy cows. Forty-eight multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were assigned to one of two groups, six weeks prior to expected calving date and fed a grass based total mixed ration according to ME requirements for late gestation. Group 1 was supplemented with barley (B) or molassed sugar beet feed (SB) prior to calving and was then given a high starch lactation ration. Group 2 was supplemented with either fat (F) or no supplement (C) pre partum, and was then given a similar lactation ration as Group 1 but supplemented with fat. Lactation rations were fed through to week-20 post partum and the cows were monitored during this period. Milk yield (P<0.002) and milkfat (P<0.02) production were higher and milk protein concentration (P<0.001) was lower in Group 2. The number of days to first rise in progesterone following parturition was greater (P<0.01) in Group 2. Due to the design of the study, effects of prepartum supplementation were only evaluated within each lactation ration group. Conception rate to first service was higher (P<0.001) for B than SB supplemented cows in Group 1 and higher (P<0.02) for F than C supplemented cows in Group 2. Services per conception were lower (P=0.06) for B than SB supplemented cows in Group 1 and lower (P<0.05) for F than C supplemented cows in Group 2. Overall pregnancy rates and days open were not significantly different between the groups. The data shows that pre-partum nutrition had an important role in determining subsequent fertility. Despite having negative effects early post partum, supplementing with fat did not affect overall reproductive performance but it did improve milk production.


2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 1073
Author(s):  
Héctor Nava-Trujillo ◽  
Robert Valeris-Chacin ◽  
Armando Quintero-Moreno ◽  
Juan Escalona-Muñoz

Context Profitability of water buffalo systems depends on a calving interval (CI) &lt;400 days. Several factors affect the achievement of this target. However, milk yield at first lactation has received little attention. Aims Determine the effect of milk yield at first lactation, parity, season of calving and farm, on the length of CI and the probability of a CI ≤ 400 days in water buffaloes. Methods A retrospective analysis of milk yield at first lactation and reproductive records of 1459 water buffaloes was carried out. Milk yield was categorised as Group 1 (≤1090 kg), Group 2 (1090–1377 kg), Group 3 (1377–1684 kg) and Group 4 (&gt;1684 kg); parity was categorised as parity 1, 2 and ≥ 3; and month of calving was grouped into three seasons: December–March, April–July, and August–November. Data were analysed using linear and logistic mixed models. Key results CI increased from 425.3 days (95% CI: 418.8–431.8 days) in group 1 to 463.3 days (95% CI: 456–470.6 days) in group 4 (P &lt; 0.05), while the probability of having a CI ≤ 400 days decreased from 0.5 (95% CI: 0.46–0.54) to 0.26 (95% CI: 0.22–0.29), respectively (P &lt; 0.05). CI decreased from 466 days (95% CI: 460.8–471.3 days) in parity 1 to 410.5 days (95% CI: 405.2–415.8 days) in parity ≥3, whereas the probability of a CI ≤ 400 days increased from 0.26 (95% CI: 0.24–0.29) to 0.51 (95% CI: 0.47–0.54) respectively (P &lt; 0.05). Water buffaloes calving in August–November showed significantly shorter CI and, along with those calving between December–March, showed the highest probability of a CI ≤ 400 days. An interaction between milk yield at first lactation and parity on both outcomes was observed. Conclusions Shorter CI and higher probability of a CI &lt;400 days were associated with lower milk yields at first lactation, higher parity and calving between August–November. Higher milk yield at first lactation affected negatively the reproductive performance of water buffaloes, especially at parity 1 and 2. Implications These results highlight the importance of adequate nutritional management to allow water buffaloes to cope with the challenge of the postpartum negative energy balance and have a calving interval less than 400 days.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
João Batista Souza Gorges ◽  
Andressa Varella Gonsioroski ◽  
Eduardo Pradebon Da Silva

Background: More recently, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplements have been used in grazing beef herds in attempt to influence specific metabolic pathways and hormones that directly modulate reproductive function. Supplementation of calcium salts of PUFA can positively influence ovarian follicular growth, luteal function, and improve reproductive performance in dairy and beef females. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate strategies of dietary treatments using PUFA supplementation for 30 days before or after FTAI protocol and its effects on of ovulatory follicle size, ovulation, pregnancy and gestational losses rates in beef heifers.Materials, Methods & Results: One hundred and ninety-nine Brangus heifers (24 ± 3 months-old; BW= 320 ± 15 kg; BCS= 2.85 ± 0.17) were randomly assigned in three different groups to receive dietary treatments. Group 1 (n = 70) was fed with 0.5 kg/day of a protein-mineral mixture supplement containing 0.2 kg/day PUFA (Mix A)during 30 days before FTAI, Group 2 (n = 68) received the same supplement 30 days after FTAI and Control (n = 61) only the supplement without PUFA (Mix B) during all period. Heifers were submitted to estrous synchronization treatment using progesterone (P4), estradiol benzoate (E2) and prostaglandin F2a  (PGF). Ultrasound exams were done to measure ovulatory follicle diameter and to determinate ovulation and pregnancy rates on Day 30 and 60 after FTAI. Daily gain (DG) was higher (P < 0.05) only when heifers received supplement containing PUFA (Group 1= 30 days prior FTAI) and (Group 2= 30 days after FTAI). PUFA supplementation before FTAI also resulted in larger ovulatory follicles diameter (P < 0.05) in Group 1 (11.2 ± 2.5 mm) compared to Group 2 (9.9 ± 2.3 mm) and Control (10.0 ± 2.07 mm). Ovulation rates were similar (P > 0.05) in Group 1 (90%), Group 2 (75%) and Control (67%). Pregnancy rates were higher (P < 0.05) in Group 1 (Day 30= 67.1% and Day 60= 64.2%) when compared with Group 2 (Day 30= 48.5% and Day 60= 44.1%) and Control (Day 30= 49.2% and Day 60= 45.9%). Gestation losses were similar (P > 0.05) among Groups 1 (6.6%), 2 (9%) and Control (6.6%).Discussion: Rumen-protected supplemental lipids have been used to increase energy density and to determine direct positive effects on reproduction in dairy and beef herds.  There is evidence that feeding moderate amounts of PUFA supplements can improve energy status and result in significant differences in DG as it was observed during experimental period. Thus, heifers that received 0.2 kg/day of PUFA supplement 30 days before FTAI protocol had also a positive effect on ovulatory follicles size, but ovulation rates were similar in groups. Beneficial effects of pre-breeding PUFA supplementation were observed on pregnancy rates on Days 30 and 60 after FTAI, but pregnancy loss was not different among dietary treatments in beef heifers. Based on this study, PUFA supplementation before FTAI protocol had a positive effect on reproductive performance of beef heifers by directly improving ovarian function, uterine environment and early embryonic development. Results indicate that pre-breeding PUFA supplementation to beef heifers is a suitable strategy to increase pregnancy rate in FTAI programs. Therefore, for a better understanding of interactions of nutritional strategies and utero-ovarian functions more evaluations are needed to understand the mechanisms by which feeding PUFA may improve reproductive function in beef heifers.


2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-123
Author(s):  
Haddawi M. Dahham

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different hormonal treatments protocols (PGF2α ,GnRH, estradiol and progesterone) hormones on reproductive performance of postpartum anoestrus native dairy River buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), endemic south of Baghdad under field conditions . Present study was conducted on 128 animals that had postpartum anoestrus (PPA) for a period between 4 to 8 months. The animals were subjected to two experiments according to the type of anoestrus. In the first experiment 94 animals (73.5%) with persistent corpus luteum on their ovaries without any signs of estrous (sub-oestrus) were classified into two sub-groups.Sub-group1 (n=47) treated with PGF2α hormone alone and sub-group 2 (n= 47) were treated by two injections. The first injection was PGF2α. while the second injection GnRH+ PGF2α was injected after 9 days.In second experiment 34 buffalo cows without any structure on their ovaries (True anestrous) were classified into two sub-groups according to design of the treatment. Sub-group 1(n=14) was treated with estradiol as single injection. Sub-Group 2(n=20) received estradiol + progesterone .The results indicated that the pregnancy rate in sub- groups1 and 2 of the first experiment were 85.1% and 89% respectively , which was not significantly differ from each other (P < 0.05). While in the second experiment, the pregnancy rate for the first and second sub- groups were 71% and 75%, respectively. This study concluded that the prevailing situation of anestrous in postpartum buffaloes endemic south of Baghdad is anestrous with corpus luteum (Sub-oestrus) , 94 out of 128 (73.5%) , and the most efficient treatment protocol of these case are PGF2α + GnRH hormones ( pregnancy rate= 89%) . While estradiol + progesterone treatment are efficient in the treatment of animals suffering from true anestrous (pregnancy rate 75%).


2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. e100452
Author(s):  
Alison Ann Tebbett-Mock ◽  
Madeline McGee ◽  
Ema Saito

BackgroundDialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment for adolescents targeting suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviours. Research supports DBT’s efficacy in inpatient settings, but implementation and sustainability are understudied.AimsThis study is a follow-up of a previous study by Tebbett-Mock et al and examines the efficacy and sustainability of an adolescent DBT inpatient unit within a psychiatric hospital in the Northeast. We hypothesised that adolescents who received DBT in our follow-up group (DBT Group 2) would not have statistical difference (ie, greater or fewer) of the following compared with the first group of patients who received DBT on the unit the year prior (DBT Group 1) and would have significantly fewer of the following compared with the treatment as usual (TAU) group: (1) constant observation hours for suicidal ideation, self-injury and aggression; (2) incidents of suicide attempts, self-injury and aggression; (3) restraints; (4) seclusions; (5) days hospitalised; (6) times readmitted to the unit within 30 days of discharge.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review for adolescents receiving inpatient DBT (DBT Group 1, n=425; DBT Group 2, n=393) and a historical control group (TAU, n=376). The χ2 tests and one-way analysis of variance were conducted as preliminary analyses to examine group differences on diagnosis, gender and age. Kruskal-Wallis H tests were conducted to examine group differences on outcomes. Mann-Whitney U tests were used as post hoc analyses.ResultsPatients in DBT Group 2 were comparable to DBT Group 1 for the number of constant observation hours for self-injury (U=83 432.50, p=0.901), restraints (U=82 109, p=0.171) and days hospitalised (U=83 438.5, p=0.956). Patients in DBT Group 2 had a significantly greater number of incidents of suicide attempts compared with DBT Group 1 (U=82 662.5, p=0.037) and of self-injury compared with patients in DBT Group 1 (U=71724.5, p<0.001) and TAU (U=65649.0, p<0.001).ConclusionsResults provide support for adolescent inpatient DBT compared with TAU and highlight staff turnover and lack of training as potential barriers to sustainability and efficacy.


2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 160
Author(s):  
E. Abele ◽  
H. Stinshoff ◽  
A. Hanstedt ◽  
S. Wilkening ◽  
S. Meinecke-Tillmann ◽  
...  

Several factors have been shown to alter the sex ratio of bovine embryos generated in vitro, i.e. the maturity of the oocyte at the time of insemination, the duration of sperm-oocyte co-incubation and the culture conditions after in vitro fertilization. It has been shown that the presence of glucose during in vitro culture reduced the development of female embryos to the blastocyst stage compared with controls cultured in the absence of glucose. The sex ratio of bovine embryos has also been linked with changes in the composition of the follicular fluid in which the oocyte undergoes growth and maturation, i.e. the intrafollicular testosterone concentration. However, no information is available regarding the effect of intrafollicular glucose concentration on the sex ratio of embryos after in vitro production (IVP). The purpose of this study was to determine whether different glucose concentrations in the follicular fluid at the time of cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) collection have an effect on the sex ratio of the resulting blastocysts after IVP. Ovaries from a local abattoir were transported to the laboratory within 2 h of slaughter. Follicles (3–8 mm) were individually dissected and the glucose concentration of each follicle was measured using a blood glucose monitoring system (Freestyle Freedom Lite, Abbott, Germany). Based on a glucose concentration, COC [low glucose: <1.1 mM (group 1) and high glucose: >1.1 mM (group 2)] were pooled in groups and used for blastocyst production employing standard protocols for IVP. Developmental rates were recorded at Day 3 (cleavage) and Day 7/8 (blastocyst stage). Total cell number of blastocysts was determined after Hoechst staining. Sex of the embryos was analysed via PCR using bovine X- and Y-chromosome specific primers. Developmental rates for COC stemming from follicles with different glucose concentrations did not show significant differences (P > 0.05) compared to each other [Cleavage rate: group 1: 81.8 ± 4.7% (93/117); group 2: 79.3 ± 4.9% (94/123); blastocyst rate: group 1: 35.6 ± 5.2% (38/117); group 2: 31.6 ± 5.2% (38/123)]. Total cell numbers were similar in embryos of both groups [Group 1: 117.7 ± 8.1 (n = 18); group 2: 117.2 ± 6.4 (n = 18)]. The overall sex ratio significantly differed (P < 0.05) from 1:1 in favour of females in both groups [Group 1: 85 v. 15% (n = 20); group 2: 63.6 v. 36.4% (n = 22)]. No significant difference (P > 0.05) in the overall sex ratio was detected in blastocysts produced under standard IVP conditions employed in the laboratory [without measurement of follicular glucose concentration, 55.0 v. 45.0%, (n = 20)]. In conclusion, under the conditions used in the present study, the intrafollicular glucose concentration from which the immature COC was collected affects the sex of the resulting embryo after IVP, favouring females. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in living cows using the ovum pickup technique.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew W Gardner ◽  
Polly Montgomery ◽  
Ming Wang ◽  
Biyi Shen

Introduction: The aims were to determine (a) whether patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who walked at least 7,000 and 10,000 steps/day had better ambulatory function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than patients who walked less than 7,000 steps/day, and (b) whether these group differences persisted after adjusting for covariates. Hypothesis: Patients who walk at least 7,000 steps/day have significantly better ambulatory function, as measured by greater 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and better HRQoL, as measured by a higher distance score on the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ), than patients who walked less than 7,000 steps/day, and that patients who walked more than 10,000 steps/day would have the best values. Furthermore, group differences in the primary outcomes would persist after adjustment for covariates. Methods: Two hundred forty-eight patients were assessed on their daily activity for one week with a step activity monitor, and were grouped according to daily step counts as follows: Group 1 (<7,000 steps/day; n=153), Group 2 (7,000-9,999 steps/day; n=57), Group 3 (>10,000 steps/day; n=38). Primary outcomes were 6MWD and WIQ distance score, which is a disease-specific measurement of HRQoL. Results: Groups were different (p<0.05) on ankle/brachial index, and on prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, abdominal obesity, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thus, these variables served as covariates in adjusted analyses, along with age, weight, and sex. 6MWD (mean±SD) was significantly different among the groups in unadjusted (p<0.01) and adjusted (p<0.01) analyses (Group 1=313±90 m, Group 2=378±84 m, Group 3=414±77 m), with Groups 2 and 3 having higher 6MWD than Group 1 (p<0.01). Similar results were found for the WIQ distance score (Group 1=30±30%, Group 2=45±35%, Group 3=47±34%; p<0.01). Conclusions: PAD patients who walked more than 7,000 and 10,000 steps/day had greater ambulatory function and HRQoL than patients who walked fewer than 7,000 steps/day, and this finding persisted after adjusting for covariates. The clinical significance is that PAD patients should be encouraged to walk more than 7,000 steps/day because this target is associated with greater ambulatory function and HRQoL


1977 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. MacPherson ◽  
F. D. Deb Hovell ◽  
A. S. Jones

SUMMARY1. Of 80 gilts reared on a restricted plane of nutrition, 75 were allocated to one of four groups. Group 1; 17 gilts mated at puberty were slaughtered after farrowing their first litter. Group 2; 20 gilts mated at puberty were observed for three parities. Group 3; 18 gilts mated at second oestrus were observed for three parties. Group 4; 18 gilts mated at third oestrus were observed for three parities. Group 5; nine additional gilts reared on feed ad libitum and mated at first oestrus were observed for three parities. All animals received the same ration after the first mating.2. The mean age (±SD) of the restricted gilts at puberty was 186 ± 17 days at a weight of 89 ± 9 kg. The gilts fed ad libitum were significantly (P<0·01) older and heavier at puberty (203 ± 15 days and 120 ± 27 kg).3. Conception rates were 83, 86, 94 and 82% for Groups 1 and 2 combined, 3, 4 and 5 respectively.4. Gilts mated at first, second and third oestrus produced, respectively, 7·8, 9·8 and 10·4 ± 2·2 piglets in the first parity. Group 5 gilts had 11·0 ± 2·2 piglets. All significant differences were confined to the first parity.5. By the end of the third parity there were no differences between the restricted gilts mated at first, second or third oestrus in total number of piglets born or reared.6. The gilts slaughtered (at 135 kg) after producing one litter yielded carcasses which were heavier but leaner than those from contemporary maiden gilts grown to 120 kg on a semi-restricted feeding scale.


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