Biomedical subjects

R Browning

Publications and source records attributed to R Browning.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Effects of endophyte-infected tall fescue on indicators of thermal status and growth in Hereford and Senepol steers.

Poor growth often occurs in cattle consuming ergot alkaloids associated with endophyte-infected (EI) tall fescue. Hyperthermia may contribute significantly to poor growth resulting from fescue toxicosis. This study examined indicators of thermal status and growth in Hereford (n = 30; heat-sensitive Bos taurus; H) and Senepol (n = 28; heat-tolerant Bos taurus; S) steers fed EI tall fescue (TF) or orchardgrass (OG) in 2 x 2 factorial experiments. Respiration rates, daytime shade use, tail skin temperatures, and body weights were measured during the summer and fall of 2000 (Exp. 1) and 2001 (Exp. 2). Experimental diets consisted of hay and seed for 12 wk in 2000, hay for 6 wk during the summer of 2001, and hay plus seed for 6 wk during the fall of 2001. In Exp. 1, EI tall fescue increased (P < 0.01) respiration rates, shade use, and skin temperatures in both breeds. Breed x diet affected (P < 0.01) 12-wk ADG in Exp. 1. Growth rate was lower for H-TF (262 g/d) than for S-TF, S-OG, and H-OG (475, 497, and 524 g/d, respectively). In Exp. 2, Senepol had lower (P < 0.01) respiration rates, shade use, and skin temperatures compared with Hereford, but diet did not alter (P > 0.14) these indicator traits in either breed. Breed x diet affected (P < 0.01) summer growth rates. Growth rate was lower for H-TF (88 g/d) than for H-OG, S-TF, and S-OG (508, 555, and 566 g/d, respectively). Adding seed to the diets in Exp. 2 decreased (P < 0.01) ADG for both breeds on TF during the fall. Thermal status indicator traits in Senepol and Hereford steers were similarly altered by TF; however, only Hereford showed consistently poor growth. Senepol showed resilience in their capacity for growth under conditions of fescue toxicosis. Senepol influence may enhance cattle performance in production systems that use EI tall fescue as the base forage.

Acremonium↗

PubMed2002

A search for circular dichroism in the VUV photofragmentation mass spectra of 2-amino-1-butanol.

The dissociative photoionization of a single-enantiomer chiral molecule by circularly polarized synchrotron radiation was investigated, for the first time, in the gas phase. Photoion mass spectra were produced by the interaction of (+)-(S)-, (-)-(R)- and rac-2-amino-l-butanol with circularly polarized light. Comparison of these spectra places an upper bound of approximately 2% on circular dichroism in the dissociative photoionization of 2-amino-l-butanol at 21 eV, which may have consequences for the theory that the origin of biological homochirality was predominantly enantioselective photofragmentation by circularly polarized light. We have also identified and elucidated many of the difficulties of performing gas phase CD measurements in crossed beam experiments.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Cyclobenzaprine and back pain: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Back pain is a common problem for which cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride is frequently prescribed. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of cyclobenzaprine's effectiveness in the treatment of back pain. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, PsycLIT, CINAHL, EMBASE, AIDSLINE, HEALTHSTAR, CANCERLIT, the Cochrane Library, Micromedex, Federal Research in Progress, and the references of reviewed articles, and contacted Merck, Sharpe and Dohme for English-language, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of cyclobenzaprine in adults with back pain. Outcomes included global improvement and 5 specific domains of back pain (local pain, muscle spasm, range of motion, tenderness to palpation, and activities of daily living). Study quality was assessed using the methods of Jadad. Summary outcomes were obtained using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Patients treated with cyclobenzaprine were nearly 5 times (odds ratio, 4.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.7-8.1) as likely to report symptom improvement by day 14 as were those treated with placebo. Slightly fewer than 3 individuals (2.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-4.2) needed treatment for 1 to improve. The magnitude of this improvement was modest, with an effect size of 0.38 to 0.58 in all 5 outcomes (local pain, muscle spasm, tenderness to palpation, range of motion, and activities of daily living). Treatment efficacy for these 5 outcomes was greatest early, in the first few days of treatment, declining after the first week. Patients receiving cyclobenzaprine also experienced more adverse effects, the most common being drowsiness. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclobenzaprine is more effective than placebo in the management of back pain; the effect is modest and comes at the price of greater adverse effects. The effect is greatest in the first 4 days of treatment, suggesting that shorter courses may be better. Studies comparing the relative value of acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and cyclobenzaprine individually and in combination in the treatment of back pain are needed.

Amitriptyline↗

PubMed2001

Effect of an acute ergotamine challenge on reproductive hormones in follicular phase heifers and progestin-treated cows.

The objective of this research was to determine if ergotamine, an ergopeptine alkaloid isolated from Neotyphodium-infected grasses and associated with toxicoses in livestock, altered plasma concentrations of reproductive hormones in follicular phase heifers and in cows given a progestin implant. In Experiment 1, blood was sampled for 8h from four cycling heifers 2 days after synchronized luteolysis. Heifers were treated with ergotamine tartrate (19microg/kg) i.v. or saline vehicle in a simple cross-over design after 1h of pre-treatment blood sampling. Heifers received oxytocin (100USP units) i.v. 4h after ergotamine or saline treatment. Ergotamine reduced (P<0.01) prolactin concentrations from 1 to 4h post-treatment and increased (P<0.01) 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F2alpha (PGFM) concentrations from 2 to 5h post-treatment. A PGFM response to oxytocin was not detected. In Experiment 2, blood was sampled for 8h from six cycling cows 10 days after receiving a s.c. norgestomet implant. Cows were treated i.v. with ergotamine (20microg/kg) or saline in a simple cross-over design after 1h of pre-treatment blood sampling. Cows received gonadorelin (GnRH, 100microg) i.v. 1h after ergotamine or saline. Cows received oxytocin (100USP units) i.v. 4h after ergotamine or saline treatment. Ergotamine reduced (P<0.01) serum prolactin concentrations by 120min after treatment, with prolactin returning to pre-treatment concentrations by 200min after treatment. Saline-treated cows had lower (P<0.01) prolactin by 280min after treatment. Ergotamine-treated cows had higher (P<0.01) PGFM concentrations compared to saline-treated cows 120-240min after treatments, but the groups exhibited similar increases in PGFM after oxytocin. Plasma LH and FSH concentrations increased to peaks 100-120min after GnRH for both groups. However, the LH response to GnRH was greater (P<0.01) for ergotamine-treated cows. In summary, ergotamine lowered prolactin and elevated PGFM concentrations in follicular phase heifers and cows on norgestomet therapy. Ergotamine increased the LH response to exogenous GnRH in cows with norgestomet implants. These data highlight the potential of ergopeptine alkaloids to affect reproduction through altered endocrine function.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Mental health. For good measure.

A trust which has developed care pathways for eating disorders, acute mental health admissions and acute psychosis over three years found the process increased awareness of best practice throughout the team. Patients and carers are more aware of what to expect. The development process increases staff understanding of the evidence base for much of their work. Clinicians should be encouraged to take responsibility for development of pathways.

Benchmarking↗

PubMed2000

Physiological responses of Brahman and Hereford steers to an acute ergotamine challenge.

Research was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle to a tall fescue ergopeptine alkaloid by assessing vital sign responses. Eight Polled Hereford and seven Red Brahman steers received bolus i.v. injections of ergotamine tartrate and saline vehicle in a simple cross-over design. Physiological traits measured 30 min and immediately before and 30, 60, and 90 min after treatment were respiration rate, rectal temperature, skin temperature at the tailhead and tail tip, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. Blood samples were collected immediately before and 105 min after treatments to determine plasma prolactin and cortisol concentrations. Steers were fed a fescue-free diet in drylot. Ambient temperature and relative humidity averaged 31 degrees C and 55%, respectively, during data collection. No breed x treatment x time interactions were apparent for vital signs. The treatment x time interaction was significant (P < .05) for blood pressure and skin temperature. Ergotamine increased (P < .01) blood pressure and decreased (P < .01) skin temperature. The breed x treatment x time interactions were significant for prolactin (P < .1) and cortisol (P < .01). Ergotamine decreased plasma (P < .01) prolactin and increased (P < .01) cortisol concentrations in both breeds, despite some breed variation. Across all traits, Brahman and Hereford steers responded similarly to acute ergotamine exposure, indicating that the breeds are alike in acute sensitivity to a systemically administered ergopeptine alkaloid associated with fescue toxicosis.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Ergotamine alters plasma concentrations of glucagon, insulin, cortisol, and triiodothyronine in cows.

Bovine plasma was assayed to determine whether ergotamine, an ergopeptide isolated from endophytic tall fescue, affected cortisol, triiodothyronine, insulin, and glucagon concentrations. In Exp. 1, four heifers received an i.v. bolus injection of ergotamine tartrate (19 microg/kg BW) or saline vehicle in a simple crossover design 2 d after induced luteolysis. Oxytocin (100 USP units) was i.v. administered 4 h after ergotamine or saline. Treatment x time affected (P < .01) respiration rates and plasma concentrations of cortisol, triiodothyronine, insulin, and glucagon. Respiration rates were elevated (P < .01) 2 to 7 h after ergotamine, but they were unchanged after saline. Plasma cortisol concentrations were increased (P < .01) 1 to 3 h after ergotamine but not after saline. Plasma triiodothyronine was elevated 2 h after ergotamine, but it was unchanged in response to saline. Insulin decreased (P < .01) and glucagon increased (P < .01) during the 1st h after ergotamine, but not in response to saline. A second increase (P < .01) of glucagon was observed 3 h after ergotamine. In Exp. 2, six cows were treated with an i.v. bolus injection of ergotamine (20 microg/kg BW) or saline in a simple crossover design 10 d after receiving a s.c. ear implant containing norgestomet. Oxytocin (100 USP units) was i.v. administered 4 h after ergotamine or saline. Treatment x time affected (P < .001) respiration rates, cortisol, insulin, and glucagon and tended to influence (P = .12) triiodothyronine concentrations. Respiration rates were elevated (P < .01) 1 to 7 h after ergotamine but were unaltered by saline. Plasma cortisol was elevated (P < .01) 1 to 5 h after ergotamine, but not in response to saline. Plasma triiodothyronine was elevated (P < .01) 1 to 2 h after ergotamine, but not after saline. Insulin was decreased (P < .01) and glucagon increased (P < .01) within 1 h after ergotamine treatment, but they were not altered by saline. A second increase (P < .01) of glucagon occurred by 4 h after ergotamine. In Exp. 1 and 2, glucagon increased (P < .01) 1 h after oxytocin in saline and ergotamine cows. Results indicate that ergotamine can alter plasma concentrations of hormones that mediate nutrient metabolism and thermoregulation in cattle.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1999

Video networking of cardiac catheterization laboratories.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of a video telecommunication network to transmit coronary images to provide on-line interaction between personnel in a cardiac catheterization laboratory and a remote core laboratory. METHODS: A telecommunication system was installed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Kaiser Hospital, Los Angeles, and the core laboratory at the University of California, Irvine, approximately 40 miles away. Cineangiograms, live fluoroscopy, intravascular ultrasound studies and images of the catheterization laboratory were transmitted in real time over a dedicated T1 line at 768 kilobytes/second at 15 frames/second. These cases were performed during a clinical study of angiographic guidance versus intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance of stent deployment. During the cases the core laboratory performed quantitative analysis of the angiograms and ultrasound images. Selected images were then annotated and transmitted back to the catheterization laboratory to facilitate discussion during the procedure. RESULTS: A successful communication hookup was obtained in 39 (98%) of 40 cases. Measurements of angiographic parameters were very close between the original cinefilm and the transmitted images. Quantitative analysis of the ultrasound images showed no significant difference in any of the diameter or cross-sectional area measurements between the original ultrasound tape and the transmitted images. The telecommunication link during the interventional procedures had a significant impact in 23 (58%) of 40 cases affecting the area to be treated, the size of the inflation balloon, recognition of stent underdeployment, or the existence of disease in other areas that was not noted on the original studies. CONCLUSIONS: Current video telecommunication systems provide high-quality images on-line with accurate representation of cineangiograms and intravascular ultrasound images. This system had a significant impact on 58% of the cases in this small clinical trial. Telecommunication networks between hospitals and a central core laboratory may facilitate physician training and improve technical skills and judgement during interventional procedures. This project has implications for how multicenter clinical trials could be operated through telecommunication networks to ensure conformity with the protocol.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

PubMed1998

Multiply-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: failure of spread in community-based elderly care facilities.

Thirty-eight patients colonized with multiply-resistant, plasmid-mediated, expanded-spectrum beta-lactamase (SHV-2) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (MRK), were discharged from hospital to 22 nursing or residential homes during a hospital-based outbreak, in the Grampian region of north-east Scotland. MRK colonized the urinary tract in 74%, stool in 58%, respiratory tract in 29% and wounds in 11%. Mean length of colonization was 160 days (range 7-548). Mean length of stay in the homes after aquisition of MRK was 298 days. Compared with a control group of MRK-negative residents, MRK-positive residents had histories of more hospital admissions, underlying disease and complete immobility. Evaluation of these homes showed high standards of care and good facilities. Despite prolonged carriage of MRK by the index cases there was no evidence of spread to the other 886 residents who were screened, and there was evidence of only minor environmental contamination. Given the available evidence, patients colonized with MRK can be accommodated in good-quality nursing and residential homes, on discharge from hospital, with little fear of spread to other residents.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Reproductive hormonal responses to ergotamine and ergonovine in cows during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle.

We conducted research to evaluate whether ergot alkaloids associated with endophyte-infected tall fescue could alter plasma concentrations of hormones important to reproductive function in cows. Six primiparous, estrous-cycling Holstein cows nursing calves received single i.v. injections of ergotamine tartrate, ergonovine maleate, or saline vehicle in a simple cross-over design. Each cow received one compound per estrous cycle, d 15 or 16 after estrus, and all compounds over three estrous cycles. Blood samples were collected at 20-min intervals for 40 min before and 240 min after treatments to assess plasma concentrations of prolactin, LH, FSH, and the response by PGF2alpha metabolite 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2alpha (PGFM). Ambient temperature and respiratory rates were measured hourly. Ambient temperature averaged 26 degrees C during data collection. Treatment x time was a significant source of variation for respiration rate and plasma concentrations of every hormone evaluated except FSH. Ergotamine elevated (P < .01) respiration rates 2 to 4 h after treatment. Ergotamine and ergonovine reduced (P < .001) plasma concentrations of prolactin for 2 to 4 h after treatment compared to concentrations before treatment. Plasma concentrations of LH were lowered (P < .01) by ergonovine during the 3rd h after treatment and by ergotamine during the 4th h after treatment. Most cows exhibited secretory PGFM responses after ergotamine and ergonovine treatments compared with an absence of a PGFM response in all cows after saline (P < or = .01). Results indicated that ergot alkaloids implicated as causative agents for fescue toxicosis can alter plasma concentrations of reproductive hormones during the late luteal phase of the estrous cycle in cows.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Effect of ergotamine and ergonovine on plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones and cortisol in cattle.

Plasma samples from two experiments were processed to determine whether ergot alkaloids associated with endophyte-infected tall fescue altered peripheral thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), or cortisol concentrations in cattle. In Exp. 1, seven Angus steers (294 kg) received i.v. bolus injections of saline (SAL), ergonovine maleate (7 mg; EM), or ergotamine tartrate (7 mg; ET) at weekly intervals, and they received all treatments during the study. Blood was sampled every 15 min for 5 h, and treatments were given after h 1. Mean ambient temperature was 34 degrees C. Treatment x time affected plasma concentrations of T3 (P < .05) and of cortisol (P < .001) but not that of T4 (P > .2). Plasma T3 concentrations were not affected by SAL, whereas concentrations increased (P < .01) after either EM or ET treatment. Plasma cortisol concentrations were not altered by SAL or EM, but they were increased (P < .001) by ET treatment. In Exp. 2, six Holstein cows (499 kg) nursing calves received a bolus i.v. injection of SAL, EM (9.5 mg), or ET (9.5 mg) per estrous cycle, and all treatments were given over three cycles. Blood was sampled every 20 min for 5 h; treatments were given after h 1. Mean ambient temperature was 26 degrees C. Treatment x time affected T3 (P = .08) and cortisol (P < .001) and tended to influence (P = .16) T4 concentrations. Plasma T3, T4, and cortisol concentrations were not influenced by SAL treatment. Plasma T3 was higher (P < or = .01) after EM or ET treatment compared with pretreatment concentrations. Concentrations of T4 during the 4 h after EM and ET were increased (P < .001) compared with pretreatment. Plasma cortisol concentrations were not altered by EM but were increased (P < .001) by ET. Ergot alkaloids implicated as contributing agents to fescue toxicosis alter plasma concentrations of hormones important to metabolic and thermoregulatory functions in cattle.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Testicular size at weaning in tropically-adapted beef bulls as influenced by breed of sire and dam.

This study was conducted to evaluate testicular size at weaning for bulls representing diverse tropically-adapted genotypes. Calves from 2 locations were weighed and castrated at weaning. In one herd, calves were born to Brahman dams and Angus, Tuli, and Brahman sires. Body weights and paired testes weights were heavier (P < 0.01) for Angus x Brahman (AB) genotype than for Tuli x Brahman (TB) and purebred Brahman (BB) genotype calves. The testes:body weight ratio was greater (P < 0.01) for AB than for TB and BB calves. In a second herd, calves were born to Angus cows and Brahman, Tuli, and Senepol sires. Means were similar between Brahman- (BA), Tuli-(TA), and Senepol-sired (SA) calves for body weight and testes:body weight ratio. Paired testes weight was heavier (P < 0.05) for SA than BA calves. Across locations, paired testes weights were heavier (P < 0.01) for TA than TB calves but their body weights were similar. Within-herd deviations were greater (P < 0.01) for AB than BA calves for paired testes weight and testes:body weight ratio. The correlation between the proportion of Bos indicus genetic contribution and testes:body weight ratio was significantly negative. Tropically-adapted calves differed in testicular size at weaning due to breed of sire and dam effects.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1997

Video networking of cardiac catheterization laboratories.

UNLABELLED: A video telecommunication network was established to transmit coronary images between a cardiac catheterization laboratory and a remote core laboratory. In 40 patients during interventional procedures, cine angiograms, live fluoroscopy, intravascular ultrasound studies, and images of the cath lab were transmitted in real time over a T1 line at 768 kbits/second at 15 frames/second. RESULTS: Measurements of angiographic and intravascular ultrasound parameters were very close between the original studies and the transmitted images. The telecommunication link up during the interventional procedures had a significant affect in 58% of cases.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

PubMed1997

Effect of ergotamine and ergonovine on thermal regulation and cardiovascular function in cattle.

Research was conducted to determine whether individual ergot alkaloids could induce signs of fescue toxicosis. Nine Angus heifers received single i.v. injections of ergotamine tartrate, ergonovine maleate, and saline vehicle in a simple cross-over design. Each heifer received a different compound each week and all treatments during the study. Physiological traits measured 15 min before and 30, 60, and 90 min after treatment were respiration rate, rectal and skin temperatures, systolic and diastolic pressures, and heart rate. Blood samples were collected 5 min before and 105 min after treatments to assess plasma prolactin concentrations. Heifers were on a fescue-free diet in drylot. Ambient temperature averaged 35 degrees C during data collection. A treatment x time interaction existed (P < .05) for respiration rate and prolactin concentrations. Ergot alkaloids altered (P < .05) all traits across time, except rectal temperature. Heifers under the influence of ergot alkaloids exhibited significantly lower skin temperature, heart rate, and prolactin and had higher respiration rate and blood pressure. Results indicated that individual ergot alkaloids administered i.v. induced signs of fescue toxicosis in cattle.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Plasma concentrations of prolactin, growth hormone, and luteinizing hormone in steers administered ergotamine or ergonovine.

This research investigated whether ergot alkaloids associated with endophyte-infected tall fescue could alter plasma concentrations of pituitary hormones that regulate biological processes related to cattle performance. Seven Angus yearling steers received single i.v. injections of ergotamine tartrate, ergonovine maleate, or saline vehicle in a simple cross-over design. Each steer was given a different compound each week. Blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 45 min before and 240 min after treatments to assess plasma concentrations of prolactin, growth hormone, and LH. Respiratory rates were measured hourly to ascertain a systemic effect. Ambient temperature averaged 34 degrees C during data collection. Treatment x time was a significant source of variation for respiration rate and plasma concentrations of each hormone evaluated. Respiration rates were higher for ergonovine than for saline (P < .02) and ergotamine (P < .07) 30 min after treatment, but they were higher (P < .05) for ergotamine than for ergonovine and saline by 210 min after treatment. Both alkaloids transiently elevated (P < .01) plasma growth hormone concentrations compared with before alkaloid treatment and after saline treatment. Ergotamine reduced (P < .01) plasma concentrations of prolactin and LH throughout the 120-min period after treatment compared with concentrations before ergotamine treatment and after saline treatment. Ergonovine lowered (P < .01) prolactin concentrations for a shorter time than ergotamine and did not affect mean LH concentrations. Results indicated that ergot alkaloids implicated as contributing agents to fescue toxicosis can alter plasma concentrations of pituitary hormones important to cattle production.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Fetal raphe transplants reduce seizure severity in serotonin-depleted GEPRs.

This study investigated whether transplantation of fetal raphe tissue into genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPR-3s) would reduce the severity of seizures previously exacerbated by depletion of brain serotonin. Mild-seizure GEPR-3s were depleted of brain serotonin by 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (DHT) and evaluated for seizure severity. Rats then received 15-day fetal raphe tissue, fetal neocortical tissue or were sham grafted. GEPR-3s treated with 5,7-DHT showed increased seizure severity following depletion of serotonin and subsequent reductions in severity as a result of fetal raphe transplantation. Sham- or neocortex-grafted rats maintained elevated seizure severity scores throughout the study. Prominent raphe or cortical grafts were observed within the third ventricle of GEPRs at autopsy. These findings show that transplantation of fetal raphe tissue promotes lasting reductions in increased seizure severity resulting from depletion of serotonin in the GEPR brain.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

PubMed1996

Neither intranigral fluoxetine nor 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine alter audiogenic seizures in genetically epilepsy-prone rats.

Previous studies have shown that widespread depletion of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) exacerbates audiogenic seizures in genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPRs), while elevations in brain 5-HT attenuate these seizures. However, the location of the central nervous system site(s) at which 5-HT exerts its anticonvulsant action on audiogenic seizures, remains unknown. The substantia nigra has been shown to exert modulatory actions over both brainstem and forebrain driven seizures in normal rats, and receives a rich serotonergic innervation. The present study was designed to determine if 5-HT exerts its modulatory effect on audiogenic seizures by an action in the substantia nigra. Microinfusion of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (4 micrograms/0.25 microliter bilateral) into the substantia nigra of GEPRs which display a moderate seizure (GEPR-3s) failed to alter the audiogenic seizure. Consistent with these findings, microinfusions of fluoxetine-HCl into the substantia nigra of severe seizure GEPRs (GEPR-9s) failed to alter any aspect of the audiogenic seizure. This effect was observed when fluoxetine was infused alone, or in combination with systemic administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (75 mg/kg, i.p.). The present findings argue against a modulatory role of nigral 5-HT on audiogenic seizures in GEPRs.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

PubMed1996

Sire breed of calf influences peripartum endocrine profiles and postpartum anestrus in Brahman cows.

The literature indicates that sire breed of calf influences beef calf performance. However, there is little information concerning sire breed of calf effects on reproduction in beef cows. In this experiment, Angus (A), Brahman (B), or Tuli (T) bulls were bred to 136 Brahman (B) cows to examine sire breed of calf influence on peripartum hormone profiles and the length of postpartum anestrus. Cows were bled from 7 d prepartum to 28 d postpartum to determine peripartum hormone concentrations. Cows carrying AB calves had greater (P < 0.05) prepartum estradiol-17 beta concentrations than did cows carrying BB and TB calves. Prepartum and postpartum progesterone concentrations did not differ between cows with AB, BB, and TB calves. Cows with TB calves had lower (P < 0.01) 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) concentrations than did cows with AB and BB calves during the early postpartum period. Adjusting for birth weight removed the sire breed of calf effect on postpartum PGFM concentrations, but not prepartum estradiol-17 beta. Postpartum anestrus was shorter (P < 0.05) for cows nursing BB calves (84 +/- 6 d) than for cows nursing AB (101 +/- 6 d) or TB calves (110 +/- 7 d). Adjustment for estradiol or PGFM concentrations did not reduce sire breed of calf effects on the length of postpartum anestrus. Further work is heeded to determine how calf genotype may modulate the postpartum reproductive function of the dam.

Anestrus↗