THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF THREE IMPORTED HOLSTEIN HERDS IN IRAQ

The reproductive performance of three imported Holstein herds in Iraq was investigated in a field study. For this purpose a total number of 889 cows and heifers from three dairy stations that had been on a poor fertility management were palpated rectally for pregnancy determination. Of these, only 289 cows (32.5 %) were pregnant and 541 (60.85 %) were not pregnant. Regarding the non pregnant cows, 385 cows (70.38 % of the non pregnant, 43.3 % of the total) had a normal genital tracts (normal uteri and functional corpora lutea), indicating that they were cycling; the rest had palpable pathological findings; 69 (12.6 % of the total non pregnant) had ovarian inactivity, 56(10.2%) had purulent metritis; 14 (2.55 %) had cervical fibrosis; 12 (2.19 %) had cystic ovary and only two cows (0.36 %) had a mucometritis. The present data indicate low reproductive performance of these herds. Causes of high conception failure in these herds are discussed.

Effects of Extra-Long-Acting Recombinant Bovine FSH (bscrFSH) on Cattle Superovulation

Over the last few years, several commercial FSH products have been developed for cattle superovulation (SOV) purposes in Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) programs. The SOV response is highly variable among individuals and remains one of the main limiting factors in obtaining a profitable number of transferable embryos. In this study, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from different origins was included in two SOV protocols, (a) FSH from purified pig pituitary extract (NIH-FSH-p; two doses/day, 12 h apart, four consecutive days); and (b) extra-long-acting bovine recombinant FSH (bscrFSH; a single dose/day, four consecutive days), to test the effects of bscrFSH on the ovarian response, hormone profile levels, in vivo embryo production and the pluripotency gene expression of the obtained embryos. A total of 68 healthy primiparous red Angus cows (Bos taurus) were randomly distributed into two experimental groups (n = 34 each). Blood sample collection for progesterone (P4) and cortisol (C) level determination was performed together with ultrasonographic assessment for ovarian size, follicles (FL) and corpora lutea (CL) quantification in each SOV protocol (Day 0, 4, 8, and 15). Moreover, FSH profiles were monitorised throughout both protocols (Day 0, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 15). In vivo embryo quantity and quality (total structures, morulae, blastocysts, viable, degenerated and blocked embryos) were recorded in each SOV protocol. Finally, embryo quality in both protocols was assessed by the analysis of the expression level of crucial genes for early embryo development (OCT4, IFNt, CDX2, BCL2, and BAX). P4 and cortisol concentration peaks in both SOV protocols were obtained on Day 15 and Day 8, respectively, which were statistically different compared to the other time-points (p < 0.05). Ovarian dimensions increased from Day 0 to Day 15 irrespective of the SOV protocol considered (p < 0.05). Significant changes in CL number were observed over time till Day 15 irrespective of the SOV protocol applied (p < 0.05), being non- significantly different between SOV protocols within each time-point (p > 0.05). The number of CL was higher on Day 15 in the bscrFSH group compared to the NIH-FSH-p group (p < 0.05). The number of embryonic structures recovered was higher in the bscrFSH group (p = 0.025), probably as a result of a tendency towards a greater number of follicles developed compared to the NIH-FSH-p group. IFNt and BAX were overexpressed in embryos from the bscrFSH group (p < 0.05), with a fold change of 16 and 1.3, respectively. However, no statistical differences were detected regarding the OCT4, CDX2, BCL2, and BCL2/BAX expression ratio (p > 0.05). In conclusion, including bscrFSH in SOV protocols could be an important alternative by reducing the number of applications and offering an improved ovarian response together with better embryo quality and superior performance in embryo production compared to NIH-FSH-p SOV protocols.

Effects of increased ambient temperature and supplemental altrenogest prior to pregnancy establishment in gilts

Heat stress (HS) mitigation strategies are critically needed to combat the substantial economic effects on animal agriculture. The manifestations of seasonal infertility include delayed puberty onset, reduced conception rates, decreased litter size, and increased wean to estrus interval. To assess the effects of HS during early gestation and evaluate a benefit of supplemental altrenogest (ALT) as a mitigation strategy, thirty crossbred post-pubertal gilts (157 ± 11 kg) were subjected to estrous synchronization via 14 d oral administration of ALT. Artificial insemination during estrus was performed and gilts were then placed into one of four treatment groups; heat stress (HS; 35 ± 1 οC for 12h/31.60 ± 1 οC for 12h) with (HSALT, n = 7) or without (HSCON, n = 7) 15 mg/d ALT supplementation or thermal neutral (TN; 20 ± 1 οC) conditions with (TNALT, n = 8) or without (TNCON, n = 8) 15 mg/d ALT supplementation until 12 d post-estrus (dpe). Administrating ALT occurred at 0600 h from 3-12 dpe and rectal temperatures (TR) and respiration rates (RR) were recorded. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture on 0, 4, 8 and 12 dpe. Gilts were euthanized humanely at 12 dpe followed by collection of ovarian tissue, and uterine flushing for conceptus collection. In HS compared to TN gilts, RR and TR were increased (P &lt; 0.01) but unaffected by ALT supplementation. Feed intake (FI) was reduced (P &lt; 0.01) by HS but unaltered by ALT treatment. Corpora lutea (CL) weight was reduced (P &lt; 0.01) in HSCON gilts when compared to TNCON and HSALT gilts despite progesterone (P4) concentrations in serum and luteal tissue not being affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.10). CL diameter was reduced (P ≤ 0.05) in HSALT gilts compared to other treatments. Interleukin-1β (IL1B) uterine flush concentration was not affected (P &gt; 0.20) by environment or ALT supplementation, although moderate (P = 0.06) interaction between environment and ALT existed, as IL1B concentration in TNALT was increased (P = 0.03) compared to TNCON gilts. While environment did not affect conceptus development (P = 0.90), ALT supplementation advanced conceptus elongation (P &lt; 0.01). Collectively, these data demonstrate that HS may affect luteal development prior to pregnancy establishment, and ALT increases conceptus elongation by12 dpe.

Comparison of four methods of inducing pseudopregnancy in rabbits

This study was conducted to compare several methods for inducing pseudopregnancy in local rabbits. The study used 25 clinically healthy rabbits of local breeds, aged 1-1.5 years, with a bodyweight of 1.8-2.2 kg. The rabbits were divided into five treatment groups (n = 5): R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5. Each group was given a different treatment. Group R1 was injected intramuscularly with 100 IU PMSG and mated with males three days later, which was followed by an intravenous injection of 75 IU hCG. Pseudopregnancy in group R2 was induced through artificial copulation by inserting a 1 cm long cotton bud into vaginal lumen at 5 a.m. Pseudopregnancy in group R3 was induced using 50 IU hCG intramuscularly. Group R4 was injected intravenously with 5 g GnRH and then intramuscularly with 100 IU PMSG and three days later with 75 IU hCG. Blood samples were collected on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 for estrogen and progesterone measurement, whereas an ovarian histological observation of all groups was performed on day 8. The results show that the highest concentration of estrogen was obtained in group R2, which was significantly different from the other groups (P <0.05), but the difference in examination time was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the concentration of progesterone in all groups fluctuated at various times of the day. Progesterone concentrations were higher in group R5, in which pseudopregnancy was induced with PMSG and hCG. Group R5 showed a significant difference (P <0.05) with R2, R3, and R4, but the difference with the positive control group (R1) was not significant (P > 0.05). The numbers of corpora lutea in groups R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 were, respectively, 6.87 ± 1.58, 6.22 ± 2.71, 6.74 ± 1.94, 5.98 ± 2.04, and 8.8 ± 1.90, and the largest diameter was obtained in R5 (1.65 ± 0.37 mm). In conclusion, the best method of inducing pseudopregnancy in local rabbits is the administration of PMSG and hCG.

Effects of melatonin on the production of GnRH and LH in luteal cells of pregnant sows

Effects of melatonin on the release and synthesis of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) at the hypothalamus and pituitary levels have been explored in some species, but a similar study in the corpora lutea (CL) has not yet been conducted. In this study, the immunostaining for GnRH and LH was observed in luteal cells of porcine CL during pregnancy, and a significant effect of pregnant stage on the level of GnRH and LH was found; higher values for GnRH and LH immunostaining and mRNA were detected in the early- and mid- stages CL than in the later-stage CL (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the patterns of melatonin membrane receptors (MT1 and MT2) expression were consistent with those of GnRH and LH expression in the CL of pregnant sows; the relative levels of MT1 and MT2 in the early- and mid- stages were significantly higher than those in the later-stage (P < 0.01). In luteal cells, melatonin dose-dependently increased in GnRH and LH secretion and mRNA expression. Melatonin also increased the GnRH–induced accumulation of LH, and the LH–induced secretion of P4 in luteal cells. Additionally, the effects of melatonin on luteal GnRH and LH production, were blocked by luzindole, a nonselective MT1 and MT2 receptor antagonist. Our results demonstrate the stimulatory effects of melatonin on GnRH and LH production in luteal cells of pregnant sows, suggesting a potential role for melatonin in luteal function through regulating the release and synthesis of GnRH and LH in luteal cells.

Tramadol Induced Ovarian and Uterine Changes in Albino Rats

Tramadol at the dose levels of 1mg and 3mg/100g body weight was administered to normal cycling rats for 20 days through intraperitoneal routes. At autopsy on 21st day significant reduction in the ovarian, uterine and body weight was observed. Histological observations showed decrease in the number and size of Graafian follicles, corpora lutea and increase in the atretic follicles in the ovary. The uterus showed absences of endometrial glands, decrease in the height of myometrium, endometrium and its epithelial cells. The total protein and glycogen content of the ovary and uterus is decreased whereas the cholesterol content is increased. The hypothalamo-hypophyseal gonadal axis is prominent regulator of reproductive activities in animals through neuro-endocrine regulation. In this study action of tramadol on ovary and uterine parameters is discussed.

Effect of Vitamin E on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Induced by Dehydroepiandrosterone in Female Albino Mice: Histological Study

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder of reproductiveaged women. Vitamin E is used in combination with clomid, metformin, melatonin or other drugs to ameliorate and improve the symptoms of PCOS. The aim is to investigate the histological effect of vitamin E on PCOS. PCOS model using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was adopted. Female mice were divided into eight groups (n = 6). Group 1 was administered with 1% T80; Group 2 was administered with DHEA; Group 3 was administered with clomid; Group 4 was administered with vitamin E; Group 5 was administered with DHEA and vitamin E; drugs were administered for 20 days. Group 6 was administered with DHEA per day for 20 days followed by clomid, a dose per day, for the next 10 days; Group 7 was administered with DHEA per day for 20 days followed by vitamin E, a dose per day, for the next 10 days; Group 8 was administered with DHEA every day for 20 days followed by no treatment for the next 10 days. Mice were sacrificed, at the end of experiment, by neck dislocation, ovary was surgically separated and kept in 10% formalin for histological analysis. DHEA administration produces PCOS changes in ovary. Clomid did not improve PCOS induced by DHEA, while vitamin E ameliorates PCOS to nearly normal. Vitamin E showed marked recovery of the ovarian tissue with the presence of many follicles in the various stages of development, indicating normal oogenesis. Follicles showed normal granulosa layer with defined thecal layers. The presence of corpora lutea was also seen, indicating that vitamin E treatment restore normal estrous cycle.

CXCL12 May Drive Inflammatory Potential in the Ovine Corpus Luteum During Implantation

Adequate corpus luteum (CL) function is paramount to successful pregnancy. Structural and functional CL integrity is controlled by diverse cell types that contribute and respond to the local cytokine milieu. The chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and receptor, CXCR4, are modulators of inflammation and cell survival, but little is understood about CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and CL functional regulation. Corpora lutea from control nonpregnant ewes (n = 5; day 10 estrous cycle (D10C)) and pregnant ewes (n = 5/day) on days 20 (D20P) and 30 (D30P) post-breeding were analyzed for gene and protein expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, and select inflammatory cytokines. In separate cell culture studies, cytokine production was evaluated following CXCL12 treatment. Abundance of CXCL12 and CXCR4 increased (P < 0.05) in pregnant ewes compared to nonpregnant ewes, as determined by a combination of quantitative PCR, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence microscopy. CXCR4 was detected in steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic cells in ovine CL, and select pro-inflammatory mediators were greater in CL from pregnant ewes. In vitro studies revealed greater abundance of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) following CXCL12 administration (P = 0.05), while P4 levels in cell media were unchanged. Fully functional CL of pregnant ewes is characterized by increased abundance of inflammatory cytokines which may function in a luteotropic manner. We report concurrent increases in CXCL12, CXCR4, and select inflammatory mediators in ovine CL as early pregnancy progresses. We propose CXCL12 stimulates production of select cytokines, rather than P4 in the CL to assist in CL establishment and survival.