scholarly journals Effect of melatonin on follicular development parameters in a fixed-timed artificial insemination programme in water buffalo

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesus Alfredo Berdugo ◽  
Jose Luis Konrad ◽  
Roberto Yuponi ◽  
Alexis Bandeo ◽  
Ramon Camelino ◽  
...  

It is well known that buffaloes have seasonal anoestrus and that the use of melatonin reduces the effects of season in reproduction, articularly among sheep and goats. This study evaluates the use of melatonin on water buffaloes to increase pregnancy rates in a fixed-time insemination programme. The study was conducted on an Argentinian buffalo herd, located in the Corrientes Province, during an unfavourable reproductive season. Artificial insemination cycles were performed in September and December 2018. Sixty animals were selected, and melatonin was administered to 29 females at a dose of 18 mg/50 kg. Ten days after the melatonin implant, ovulation synchronization was started. Animals were inseminated with frozen semen of a single bull. Pregnancy was evaluated by ultrasound 35 days after insemination. The pregnancy rate of the two repetitions was 34.62% for September and 6.4% for December (P=0.007). No significant differences were found in the parameters associated with follicular development and formation of the corpus luteum. Analysis of the effects of melatonin on the two replicates showed that there was no statistically significant effect of ovarian response regarding the analysed follicular development parameters. There was also no effect on pregnancy rates (17.85% vs. 20.68%; P=0.15), or on follicular development for treatment and control. In conclusion, this study was not able to demonstrate an effect of melatonin on the ovarian response of buffaloes as reported by other authors. Other factors, such as environmental conditions of subtropical areas and species specificities, may have a more significant effect on buffalo endocrinology. These factors should be evaluated to improve the results of fixed-timed artificial insemination programmes.

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
J A Small ◽  
M G Colazo ◽  
J P Kastelic ◽  
N E Erickson ◽  
R J Mapletoft

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of presynchronization and treatment with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) on corpus luteum (CL) and ovarian follicular development, plasma progesterone concentrations, and pregnancy rates in beef heifers subjected to a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-based, fixed-timed AI (TAI) protocol. All heifers were given GnRH on day 0, prostaglandin F2α (PGF) on day 7, and a second GnRH on day 9 concurrent with TAI (54 h after PGF). In exp. 1 (N = 148), presynchronization with PGF (days -22 and -11) decreased the percentage of heifers with non-luteal plasma progesterone concentrations on day 0 (5.4 vs 29.7%) and day 7 (0 vs 11.6%; P < 0.05), but not on day 9 (74.3 vs. 66.2%; P > 0.20), and reduced the number of heifers in estrus and bred before TAI (P < 0.05). Although presynchronization reduced preovulatory follicle diameter (12.9 ± 0.3 vs. 14.9 ± 0.3 mm; mean ± SEM; P < 0.01), it did not affect TAI pregnancy rates (36.5 vs. 29.7%; P > 0.20). In exp. 2, heifers (N = 128) were presynchronized with melengestrol acetate (MGA) (days -27 to -12), and received a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) on day 0; on day 7, half were given 300 IU of eCG at CIDR removal. Treatment with eCG tended to increase preovulatory follicle diameter in heifers that did not ovulate to GnRH on day 0 (P = 0.06), but did not affect the percentage of heifers with non-luteal plasma progesterone concentrations on day 9 (57.8 vs. 57.8%) or TAI pregnancy rates (48.4 vs. 53.1%; P > 0.20). Experiment 3 was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of presynchronization (PGF concurrent with a CIDR on day -7) and eCG treatments (on day 7) applied to heifers in three herds (A, N = 150, B, N = 260 and C, N = 40). All heifers had a once-used CIDR from days 0 to 7. Presynchronization increased the percentage of heifers (Herd A) with low-luteal plasma progesterone concentrations on day 0 (70.7 vs. 22.7%) and day 7 (90.7 vs. 53.3%; P < 0.01), but did not affect the percentage of heifers with non-luteal concentrations of progesterone on day 9 (97.3 vs. 93.3%; P > 0.20). Combined for all herds, presynchronization reduced the prevalence of a CL on day 0 (23.5 vs. 73.7%; P < 0.01), and increased the prevalence of follicles ≥ 10 mm on day 7 (96.8 vs. 86.7%; P < 0.01); however, TAI pregnancy rates (195/439 = 44.4%) were not improved by either presynchronization or eCG treatment (P > 0.20).Key words: Presynchronization, equine chorionic gonadotropin, GnRH, fixed-time artificial insemination, progesterone


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 43-44
Author(s):  
Anna L Smith ◽  
Rebecca K Poole ◽  
Kyle Mayberry ◽  
McKayla A Newsome ◽  
Harrison B Dudley ◽  
...  

Abstract Advancements in reproductive technologies have improved pregnancy rates in postpartum cows; however, undesirable consequences leading to reduced fertility still occur. Thus, the objectives were to determine if presence of a corpus luteum (CL) at the start of estrous synchronization (AIM1) or if the length of proestrus (interval from progesterone removal to a GnRH-induced LH surge; AIM2) alters fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) pregnancy rates. Cycling postpartum cows (n = 285) at two locations were synchronized using the CO-Synch+CIDR® FTAI protocol. Ultrasonographic measurements of luteal area were recorded at CIDR insertion. To determine the impact of proestrus length, cows were randomly assigned to either undergo CIDR removal at the time of PGF2a injection (long proestrus, n = 145), or CIDR removal 24 hours post PGF2a injection (short proestrus, n = 140). Blood samples were collected at CIDR insertion and at insemination for progesterone (P4) analysis. Pregnancy status to FTAI was assessed using ultrasonographic diagnosis at 30 d post insemination. Data were analyzed using a MIXED procedure of SAS and examined for effects of length of proestrus, P4 concentration, luteal area, sire, location, and age. Statistical significance was determined at P0.05) pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates were greater in cows with >1 ng/mL P4 compared to cows with 0.05). Cows > 4 y old had higher AI pregnancy rates compared to 2–3 y cows (70.2±7.4 vs. 51±5.8%, respectively; P > 0.05). Based on these data, incorporating a presynchronization program to ensure the presence of a functional CL at the start of a FTAI protocol may improve pregnancy success in postpartum beef cows.


2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 560-570
Author(s):  
J. Almeida ◽  
M.F. Brito ◽  
B.P. Neves ◽  
V.A.B. Becerra ◽  
P.A. Auler ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to compare the reproductive efficiency of dairy buffaloes undergoing fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols based on progesterone/estrogen (P4/E2) and eCG during unfavorable breeding season using cooled (CS) and frozen semen (FS). A total of 446 buffaloes (> 40 days postpartum) were randomly distributed into four blocks (years): B1-2014 (n = 143), B2-2015 (n = 34), B3-2016 (n = 90), and B4-2017 (n = 179). Each block was subdivided into two (AI with CS and FS using the same ejaculate of each bull). Thus, the block subdivision was as follows: B1 (CS = 71 and FS = 72); B2 (CS = 18 and FS = 16); B3 (CS = 47 and FS = 43); and B4 (CS = 90 and FS = 89). The ejaculates of eight Murrah bulls collected using an artificial vagina were divided into two aliquots: one aliquot was diluted in Botu-Bov® commercial extender and cooled (BB-CS), and the other was diluted in the same extender and frozen (BB-FS). BB-CS aliquots were cooled at 5 °C/24 h using a refrigerator. BB-FS group aliquots were also cooled, and after equilibrating at 5 °C for 4 h, were placed in a 21-L Styrofoam box, 5 cm above the surface of liquid nitrogen. In the afternoon (A) on D0 (2:00 p.m.) the animals received EB 2.0 mg IM (Estrogin®) and an ear implant (CRESTAR® 3.0 mg P4). At D9 (A), the implant was removed, and the animals received eCG 400 IU IM (Folligon® 5000) + Cloprostenol PGF2α 0.530 mg IM (Sincrocio®). At D10 (A), the animals received EB 1.0 mg IM (Estrogin®), and at D12 (8:00 a.m.), AI was performed. At D42, pregnancy was diagnosed via ultrasonography. Total CRs were 48.2% CS and 34.6% FS for years 2014 to 2017, with a significant difference of 13.7% (P<0.05). In conclusion, cooled semen resulted in higher CR than frozen semen in dairy buffaloes under the P4/E2 and eCG FTAI during the unfavorable reproductive season.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 170
Author(s):  
J. Lambe ◽  
W. Forbes ◽  
B. M. Olcott ◽  
D. E. Sanders ◽  
R. A. Godke ◽  
...  

During the fall 2008 breeding season in Louisiana, 2 synchronization protocols for fixed-timed artificial insemination (FTAI) in White-tailed deer were assessed. The objective was to determine if GnRH at FTAI improved pregnancy rates in White-tailed deer. White-tailed does (n = 35) with a mean body weight of 65.8 kg (range: 54.0 to 79.8 kg) and average age of 5.9 years (range: 1.5 to 9.5 years) were stratified by weight, age, and last fawning date into 2 groups. Treatment and control synchronization protocols were randomly assigned to each group. Does were synchronized with a CIDR-G device for 14 d and were then subjected to either FTAI 60 hpost-CIDR removal (control, n = 17) or 100 μg (i.m) injection of GnRH at FTAI 60 h post-CIDR removal (treated, n = 18). At insemination (AI), insemination pipette placement score (IP; 0 = at cervical os to 3 = within uterine body), mucous scores (clear/cloudy, viscous/nonviscous, or no secretions), vulva assessments (hyperemic/nonhyperemic and swollen/not swollen), and sperm progressive motility were recorded. Does were inseminated with frozen-thawed sperm (5 × 107 progressively motile cells pre-freeze) from 2 fertile bucks stratified across each treatment group. Starting 28 d following AI, intact bucks (ITB) were introduced into both groups for natural mating. Pregnancy was determined via transrectal ultrasonography 73 or 80 d postinsemination. Does, confirmed pregnant via ultrasonography, had fawns within the reported gestation range of 187 to 222 days. Placentomes were visualized and measured in AI pregnancies (range: 32.7 to 56.2 mm in length), whereas pregnancies derived from ITB presented no identifiable placentomes. However, crown-rump measurements were obtainable from ITB pregnancies (range: 13.4 to 21.7 mm). Five does were not included in the final analyses as they were either lost to predators or removed because of illness. IP (1.4 ± 0.24 v. 1.3 ± 0.30; P = 0.671), mucous classifications (3.0 ± 0.35 v. 2.5 ± 0.39; P = 0.311), vulva assessments (2.1 ± 0.29, 1.7 ± 0.23; P = 0.223), and sperm motility (1.6 ± 0.16, 1.7 ± 0.22; P = 0.829) were not different for pregnant and nonpregnant AI does, respectively. Treatment did not affect AI pregnancy rates (53 v. 27%) or fecundity rates (1.6 v. 1.3 offspring/doe) for the GnRH treated and control groups, respectively. Addition of GnRH to a 14-day estrus synchronization protocol did not result in significantly higher pregnancy rates compared with controls. More studies are needed to determine the effect of GnRH on White-tailed pregnancies following FTAI protocols. We have demonstrated that differentiating pregnancies derived from AI and ITB could be accomplished by utilizing transrectal ultrasonography as early as 73 d postinsemination in White-tailed does.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1779-1783
Author(s):  
D. A. Vallejo ◽  
J. D. Londoño ◽  
Y. A. Yepes ◽  
V. Tamayo ◽  
A. F. Mejia ◽  
...  

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the pregnancy rates in hair ewes using an Ovsynch synchronization protocol under a breeding system that combines fixed-time insemination plus a 10-day mating period as an alternative. Materials and Methods: Through an experimental study (n=27), ewes were randomly located into one of three treatments: (1) Pre-synch (n=9): Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)+Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)+PGF2α+GnRH; (2) Ovsynch (n=9): GnRH+PGF2α+GnRH; and (3) control: Ewes bred by natural mating (NM) (n=9). Ewes were fixed-time inseminated (fixed-time artificial insemination [FTAI]) with fresh semen, collected just before the insemination time through vaginoscopy at 16 h after the second GnRH (gonadorelin) injection. Each experimental group was placed separately during 15 days and, after this time, fertile rams were allowed back with ewes for a 10-day mating period. Control group ewes remained with the rest of the herd suitable for breeding and were bred under NM. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound at 28-, 56-, and 84-day post-breeding to differentiate between FTAI and NM pregnancies. Total (FTAI±NM) pregnancy rates at 56-day post-breeding were used to compared Pre-synch, Ovsynch, and control. For this purpose, two-tailed proportions comparison z-test was used with a 95% confidence level, for testing as the null hypothesis whether two proportions were equal. Results: Pregnancy rates were higher in control ewes (66.4%) than FTAI (46.6%). When pregnancy rates after a 10-day mating period (40%) were added, the final rate (86.6%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Ovsynch-based protocols. The pregnancy rate was significantly lower in FTAI ewes compared to FTAI +10-day mating group (p<0.05). The overall pregnancy rate was 88.0, 85.7, and 67.0 (p>0.05) for Pre-synch, Ovsynch, and control ewes, respectively. Conclusion: These results provide evidence on the benefits of combined FTAI protocols for improving the reproductive efficiency of sheep.


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 136
Author(s):  
M. B. R. Nogueira ◽  
A. C. F. Farinasso ◽  
A. C. Rezende ◽  
T. L. C. Pinto ◽  
J. C. Souza

Equine AI with frozen semen has become more frequent in reproduction centers, but osmotic shock during thawing is still a major problem as it impairs gamete viability and fertility. To overcome this, multi ultrasonographic (US) exams must be performed to ensure AI at the closest time to ovulation possible. The objective was to evaluate, in vivo, the effects of dilution of the cryoprotectant dimethylphormamide on the success of a fixed timed (20 h post-ovulation) AI protocol, in an attempt to reduce osmotic shock and the intense labour usually required during equine AI with frozen semen. Thirty-five Mangalarga Marchador mares were used in this trial. When dominant follicles reached at least 35 mm in diameter, ovulation was induced with 6 mg of equine gonadotrophin extract (EGE) intravenously. Artificial insemination was performed 20 h after ovulation according to 1 of the following protocols: no dilution (n = 14): three 0.5-mL straws were thawed and the semen deposited by a flexible rod at the uterine tip in the ipsilateral horn where the pre-ovulatory follicle was detected; or dilution (n = 21): three 0.5-mL straws were thawed as described and centrifuged after addition of 1.5 mL of BotuSêmen® extender (1:1 dilution). Pregnancy rates were evaluated between treatments, age and presence of intrauterine liquid (IUL) classes and period between ovulation and AI. Data were analysed as a binomial distribution with the GENMOD procedure (SAS, Cary, NC, USA). Pregnancy rate was higher (P < 0.05) for mares inseminated with diluted semen (42.9%) compared to those inseminated with no semen dilution (4.8%). Age and IUL class did not influence pregnancy rates. It can be concluded that reduction of osmotic stress through the dilution of cryopreserved equine semen increased pregnancy rates after AI. Semen dilution, as tested in this trial, yielded good pregnancy rates in a fixed-time AI protocol in mares, simplified mare management greatly and allowed the use of a fixed-time protocol successfully. Supported by CNPQ, CAPES.


2004 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-36
Author(s):  
F. Becker ◽  
E. Kanitz ◽  
F. Schneider ◽  
G. Nürnberg ◽  
W. Kanitz

Abstract. Title of the paper: Practical application of timed artificial insemination in cattle using a GnRH and Prostaglandin treatment Three experiments were conducted to establish a regime of oestrous synchronization and artificial insemination at a predetermined time in dairy cattle. In experiment 1, dairy heifers (n = 43) were synchronized by administering PGF2α on day 5, 8, 11 or 14 and the LH surge was recorded. Release of the LH surge ranged from 57.0 ± 8.6 h to 76.3 ± 10.0 h depending upon the day of induced luteolysis. The release of LH was followed by ovulations. The day of PGF2α administration did not affect the interval from LH peak to ovulation. In experiment 2, heifers (n = 30) were synchronized on days 8, 11 or 14 of the oestrous cycle. Animals received an injection of GnRH 65 h after induction of luteolysis. Uniform intervals from PGF2α application to LH surge were observed in animals given PGF2α on day 11 and 14. Variation for this parameter decreased also in the group of animals where luteolysis was induced on day 8. There were no significant differences due to treatment in the mean interval from LH-peak to ovulation. In experiment 3, fixed time insemination was tested on the basis of data from Experiments 1 and 2. Synchronized heifers and high yielding cows received GnRH 65 hours after PGF2α administererd between d 8 and 14 of the oestrous cycle. Artificial insemination was carried out 13 h after GnRH application. Pregnancy rates show, that fixed time artificial insemination, independent of the recorded onset of estrus can result in high pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates in animals at different locations were higher after induction of ovulation and timed artificial insemination (79.0, 76.0 and 47.1, 53.3 %) than in control groups with insemination after detected estrus (69.8, 63.2 and 38.6, 45.0 %).


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Olufisayo Oluwadamilare Leigh ◽  
Lukman Mustapha ◽  
Agbugba Chinyere Linda ◽  
Adaeze Ezenwanyi Ibiam

Pregnancy rates (PR) resulting from timed artificial insemination (TAI) with frozen semen were investigated in 192 Sokoto Gudali (SG) cattle following estrus synchronization under 11- and 12- day treatment intervals with prostaglandin F2 alpha (Estrumate®). Two-point inseminations at 60 h and 72 h post Estrumate® treatments were used. All cattle were randomly allocated to 2 groups i.e. A and B, such that each sub-group of A1, A2, B1 and B2 had sixteen (16) cows and thirty two (32) heifers. Furthermore, cattle in Groups A and B were administered double Estrumate® injections at 11- and 12-day intervals, respectively. Cattle in sub-groups A1 and B1 were inseminated at 60 h post second Estrumate® injection while A2 and B2 were inseminated at 72 h. Pregnancy was diagnosed using the 60-day non return to estrus and confirmed via rectal palpation at 90 days post insemination. The results showed the following PR: 33%, 83%, 33% and 33% for cattle in sub-groups A1, A2, B1 and B2, respectively. It is concluded therefore that timed artificial insemination at 72 h in SG cattle treated with double Estrumate® injections at 11-day interval produced the best pregnancy rate. These findings raises hope on the future application of TAI in breeding the SG cattle with  prostaglandin F2 alpha as single agent of estrus synchronization.      


2004 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 83-84
Author(s):  
W R Allen

The application of modern breeding technologies to the practical breeding of horses has accelerated worldwide over the past two decades in all breeds and types of horses except the Thoroughbred. Artificial insemination (AI) with fresh extended semen is used routinely on most stud farms with considerable improvements in efficiency, fertility, disease control and management costs. The ability of cooled semen to retain high fertility for 24-48 hours enables its widescale shipment within and between countries by modern transport methods. Even the use of deep frozen semen is increasing rapidly, in conjunction with a single fixed–time insemination in relation to gonadotrophininduced ovulation. The wide scale use of the ultrasound scanner to monitor follicular development and ovulation has markedly improved diagnosis of the optimum insemination time, with consequent improvements in conception rates. However, repeated scanning examinations at intervals of only 4-6 hours in order to carry out insemination of frozen-thawed semen after, rather than before, ovulation is illogical and inefficient.


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