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Reproductive performance of first parity sows.

An investigation of the reproductive performance of first parity sows is described. In a retrospective study it was found that the size of the second litter was significantly greater in those sows with a prolonged weaning to oestrus interval of more than 15 days. Deliberately delaying mating until at least 12 days after weaning produced a similar increase in second litter size. This improvement was not associated with an increase in ovulation rate.

Animals↗

Influence of inbreeding on reproductive performance, ejaculate quality and testicular volume in the dog.

An established foxhound colony employing an outbreeding and inbreeding program was evaluated to assess the influence of increased homozygosity on overall reproductive performance and ejaculate quality. A total of 14 outbred and four inbred male dogs were naturally bred to 544 outbred and 51 inbred bitches, respectively. Mean conception rate and total number of puppies whelped and number born alive were greater (P<0.01) in outbred compared to inbred lines. Duration of gestation and number of puppies surviving from birth to weaning were not different between outbred and inbred groups. Ejaculate quality of studs also appeared affected by genotype with outbred males producing a greater (P<0.025) average sperm count/ejaculate and sperm count/ml of ejaculate. Ejaculate volume, % motility of spermatozoa and testes volume, although not significantly different, also favored the outbred compared to inbred sires. These results: 1) indicate that a breeding program utilizing dogs with inbreeding coefficients ranging from .125-.558 can experience reduced reproductive performance; 2) suggest that a portion of the infertility associated with conception may be attributed to the male, since inbred studs produced lower quality ejaculates compared to outbred counterparts.

Journal Article↗

Serum immunoglobulin G levels are positively related to reproductive performance in a long-lived seabird, the common tern (Sterna hirundo).

The evolution of longevity requires a low risk of mortality from extrinsic factors, relative to intrinsic factors, so that individuals that differentially invest in physiological self-maintenance and minimize their annual reproductive costs will maximize lifetime fitness through a prolonged reproductive lifespan. The trade-off between reproductive effort and self-maintenance, as measured by immune function, has been well documented in short-lived birds, but is difficult to demonstrate in long-lived birds. To assess self-maintenance in a long-lived seabird, we measured serum protein levels, including immunoglobulin G (IgG = IgY), in 30 breeding pairs of common terns (Sterna hirundo) and their first-hatched (A) chicks. Most parents were of known age from banding as hatchlings; our sample was selected to contrast young breeders (6-9 years) with very old birds (17-23 years). Body-mass of the parents declined by 5% during the chick-rearing period, while serum protein levels were stable. Serum IgG levels were higher in parents of offspring with faster growth rates, while IgG levels were lower in parents whose broods were reduced by starvation. A-chicks in broods of two had higher IgG levels than singleton chicks. Albumin levels were not related to reproductive performance. Thus, despite adequate statistical power, we could find no evidence for a trade-off between reproduction and self-maintenance in common terns, even in old age. The results are consistent with life-history predictions for long-lived vertebrates, in which selection favors sustained self-maintenance across the reproductive lifespan. The positive relationships between IgG levels and reproductive performance indicate that IgG can be used as an index of parental "quality."

Aging↗

The effect of retained placenta and metritis complex on reproductive performance in dairy cattle -- a case control study.

A study of the computer stored records of 293 dairy cows and 652 calvings reveals the effects of retained placenta and metritis complex on reproductive performance. The overall incidence rate of retained placenta was 11.2%. Retained placenta was 4.6 times more likely to occur following twin births than following single births. Most cases of retained placenta occurred during the fall. Forty-five percent of that seasonal increase was explained by an increased number of calvings. Metritis complex was diagnosed following 54.8% of retained placenta cases. Retained placenta alone did not significantly impair reproductive performance. Metritis complex, in the presence or absence of retained placenta, caused a significant (P</=0.05) increase in days open, services per conception, calving to first heat intervals and days from calving to first service. There is an indication (interaction P</=0.1) that cows with both retained placenta and metritis complex are more severely affected than cows with either retained placenta or metritis complex alone. The influence of retained placenta on fertility appears to depend on the proportion of cows with retained placenta that have metritis complex.

Animals↗

Some effects of feeding pasture silage as a supplement to pasture on reproductive performance in lactating dairy cows.

Supplementation of a ryegrass/white clover pasture diet with pasture silage is a common management practice in New Zealand dairy herds. The effect of this supplementation on reproductive performance has not been investigated. Five herds of 20 cows were formed before calving commenced on 1 June 1992. From 5 August to 4 September, two of these herds were fed 5 kg/cow/day of pasture silage in addition to the ryegrass/white clover pasture offered to all herds. Pasture silage supplementation did not alter the intervals from calving to first ovulation, first oestrus, or to conception. However, it reduced the first service conception rate (37.5% v. 53.3%; difference +/- sed = 15.8 +/- 10.0%, for pasture and silage and pasture only cows, respectively). A positive effect on reproductive performance of pasture silage supplementation was not demonstrated in this trial.

Journal Article↗

Reproductive performance of dairy cows not detected in oestrus but with a detectable corpus luteum, in response to treatment with progesterone, oestradiol benzoate and prostaglandin F2alpha.

AIM: To determine if the reproductive performance of dairy cows not previously detected in oestrus but with a detectable corpus luteum before the planned start of mating (PSM), could be improved by treatment with progesterone, oestradiol benzoate (ODB) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF). METHODS: Cows in 18 herds which had not been detected in oestrus, but which had a detectable corpus luteum present at veterinary examination 7 days prior to the PSM (Day -7), were allocated to 1 of 2 groups. Treated cows (n=232) received an injection of 2 mg ODB and an intravaginal progesterone releasing device (CIDR insert) on Day -7, and an injection of PGF on the day of insert removal 7 days later (Treated group). The Control group (n=243) remained untreated. Cows were mated to detected oestrus from Day 0, and conception dates confirmed by manual palpation or transrectal ultrasonography. RESULTS: During the first 7 days of mating, 37.4% of Control cows and 65.9% of Treated cows were inseminated on detection of oestrus (p<0.001). Pregnancy rates for this period were 20.4% and 36.3%, respectively (p=0.001). Conception rates to first insemination, pregnancy rates after 21 days of mating and at the end of the mating period were similar between groups (p>0.1). Median interval from the PSM to conception did not differ between treatment groups (24 and 23 days for Control and Treated, respectively, p>0.1). CONCLUSION: Treating postpartum dairy cows which had not previously been detected in oestrus but which had a detectable corpus luteum, with progesterone, ODB and PGF did not significantly improve their reproductive performance compared with no hormonal intervention.

Journal Article↗

Reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows treated with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and/or prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) for synchronization of estrus and ovulation.

The objective of this study was to determine the reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows treated with GnRH and/or PGF2a for synchronization of estrus and ovulation. Between Days 43 and 57 post partum, a total of 374 dairy cows was divided into 4 groups. Cows in Group 1 (n = 62) were treated with 25 mg, i.m. PGF2a on Days 43 and 57; cows in Group 2 (n = 65) were not treated at this time; cows in Group 3 (n = 118) were treated with 100 ug, i.m. GnRH on Day 50, 25 mg, i.m. PGF2a on Day 57, 100 ug, i.m. GnRH on Day 59, and time-inseminated 16 h later; cows in Group 4 (n = 129) were treated with 25 mg, i.m. PGF2a once on Day 57. Cows in Groups 1 and 4 were inseminated at an induced estrus within 7 d after the last PGF2a treatment, and cows in Group 2 were inseminated at a noninduced estrus within a corresponding period of time. Conception rate, estrus detection rate and pregnancy rate were analyzed using logistic regression, and controlled for lactation number, body condition score and time of year. Days from calving to conception were analyzed using the GLM procedures of SAS, and the model included group, body condition score, lactation number, time of year, and their interactions. Cows in Group 3 had a significantly higher pregnancy rate than cows in Groups 1, 2 and 4. Orthogonal contrasts of mean days from calving to conception showed that cows in Group 3 had significantly (P < 0.01) less days from calving to conception than cows in Group 1 and Group 4. There was a significant effect of time of year on pregnancy rate and days from calving to conception, but there was no interaction between time of year and these reproductive characteristics. There was no effect of body condition score and lactation number on the reproductive characteristics evaluated. From the results of this study, it was concluded that better reproductive performance was observed in cows inseminated at a synchronized ovulation than in those inseminated at a synchronized estrous period.

Animals↗

Effects of abnormal ovarian cycles during pre-service period postpartum on subsequent reproductive performance of high-producing Holstein cows.

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of abnormal ovarian cycles during the pre-service postpartum period on subsequent reproductive performance of high-producing Holstein cows. The study was conducted in a commercial dairy farm with approximately 150 lactating cows, in a subtropical region of Japan. Animals were kept in free-stall barn, and fed a total mixed ration. Cows that calved from June 2001 to July 2002 were included in the study. Milk samples were collected twice weekly from 2 to 11 weeks postpartum, and progesterone concentrations in skim milk were determined by ELISA. After a voluntary waiting period of 40 days, cows detected in estrus were bred by artificial insemination (AI). Pregnancy was confirmed by palpation per rectum 40-70 days after AI. Out of a total of 91 cases, 39 (42.9%) had normal ovarian cycles (ovulation within 45 days after calving, followed by normal ovarian cycles), 32 (35.2%) had prolonged luteal phase (i.e. luteal activity for >20 days), and 12 (13.2%) had anovulation or delayed first ovulation (i.e. first ovulation did not occur until >45 days after calving). The remaining (8.8%) had other types of abnormalities. When compared with cows with a normal ovarian cycle, prolonged luteal phase cows had a lower 100 days AI submission rate, conception rate and pregnancy rate (84.2% versus 56.3%; P<0.05, 50% versus 16.7%; P<0.05 and 42.1% versus 9.4%; P<0.01, respectively), and longer intervals to first AI and to conception ( 67+/-6 days versus 98+/-7 days and 95+/-9 days versus 136+/-11 days; P<0.01 for each). Similarly, when compared with cows with normal ovarian cycles, those with anovulation had lower 100 days conception rate and pregnancy rate (50% versus 0%; P<0.05 and 42.1% versus 0%; P<0.01, respectively), and longer intervals to first AI and to conception ( 67+/-6 days versus 93+/-12 days; P<0.05 and 95+/-9 days versus 155+/-14 days; P<0.01, respectively). Survival analysis of the data for calving to conception interval showed that cows with prolonged luteal phase or anovulation were getting pregnant at a slower rate, and took longer to get pregnant than the cows with normal resumption of ovarian cyclicity postpartum. In conclusion, abnormal ovarian cycles during the pre-service period postpartum adversely affected reproductive performance, including AI submission rate, pregnancy rate, interval to first AI, and calving to conception interval in high-producing Holstein cows.

Animals↗

Reproductive performance of Polwarth and Corriedale sheep in Tasmania.

The reproductive performance of 27 Polwarth and 9 Corriedale flocks was studied under commercial conditions in Tasmania. Mean ovulation rate was 149% but the mean number of lambs marked per ewe joined was only 88%. The major sources of wastage contributing to the overall loss were identified as an 18% loss of embryos in twin-ovulating ewes which gave birth to only one lamb, and a mean perinatal lamb mortality of 21% of lambs born. There was no significant difference in embryo survival between unilateral and bilateral twin-ovulating ewes.

Journal Article↗

Reproductive performance of gilts bred on first versus third estrus.

Reproductive performance of gilts initially bred on first observed estrus was compared with that of gilts bred on third observed estrus. One-hundred and twelve Yorkshire gilts were used and 106 conceived. Conception rate to initial breeding was lower among gilts bred on first versus third observed estrus (69.6 vs 77.4%). Estrus was observed in some gilts between 140 and 149 days of age; the mean age at estrus for all gilts that were bred was 177.8 days. The mean weight at puberty was 91.7 kilograms. There was a tendency toward increased litter size at birth and weaning when breeding was delayed to third estrus, but the difference was not statistically significant. Live weight of piglets was increased in litters from sows bred initially on third estrus. The weaning-to-estrus or conception interval was not influenced by initial breeding on first or third estrus. Maintaining gilts until third observed estrus required feed and accommodation for approximately 44 additional days before breeding and resulted in 1.4 additional pigs per sow over three parities.

Animals↗

The influence of premating feed intake on the reproductive performance of gilts.

In an attempt to improve the reproductive performance of gilts mated at puberty, 70 Yorkshire x Landrace gilts were allocated at 120 d of age and 60 kg body weight to one of two treatments. Restricted gilts were fed 2.0 kg d-1 of a diet formulated to provide 18% crude protein and 14.5 MJ DE kg-1 from selection until mated at their first estrus (n = 35). Flushed gilts were fed 2.0 kg d-1 of the same diet from 120 to 150 d of age, but then had their feed intake increased to 3.5 kg d-1 until mated at their first estrus (n = 35). An additional group of gilts (control fed; n = 33) were fed 3.0 kg d-1 from selection until they were bred at their third estrus in order to investigate the influence of feed restriction on the onset of puberty. During gestation all gilts were fed 1.8 to 2.2 kg d-1 of a 16.8% crude protein diet having 13.7 MJ DE kg-1. Control fed gilts were younger (p less than 0.05) at puberty (150 d) than restricted (165 d) or flushed gilts (165 d). There was no difference in subsequent litter size between the restricted and flushed gilts (7.7 and 8.0, respectively). It is concluded that the institution of a flushing nutritional regime in the prepubertal period will not enhance piglet production from gilts mated at puberty.

Animal Feed↗

Effects of feed restriction during the rearing period and age at photostimulation on the reproductive performance of turkey hens.

An experiment with Nicholas parent-stock turkey breeder hens was designed to determine the effects of feed restriction during the rearing period and age at photostimulation on reproductive performance. Hens reared on ad libitum intake of conventional corn-soybean diets (ad libitum), skip-1-day per week (skip-1-day), and 95% of ad libitum (95%) were placed into cages and photostimulated when they reached a target body weight of 10 kg or at the conventional age of 29 wk. A 3 x 2 factorial design was used, with five replicates of three hens for each treatment. All birds were fed for ad libitum access during the breeding period. More eggs were set from 95% birds than from ad libitum or skip-1-day birds (P less than .05); there was no difference between ad libitum and skip-1-day birds. Photostimulating based on 10 kg of BW versus 29 wk of age had no effect on total eggs set. There was no effect of rearing feed restriction on fertility or hatchability. Photostimulating based on 10 kg rather than 29 wk of age reduced fertility and hatchability (P less than .05). The results of this study indicate that optimum reproductive performance is attained by restricting the feed consumption of turkey breeder hens to 95% of ad libitum during the rearing period. No benefits were gained from photostimulating at 10 kg of BW versus 29 wk of age.

Age Factors↗

Effects of dietary salt level during gestation and lactation on reproductive performance of sows: a cooperative study.

Two experiments involving 1,020 litters were conducted at eight research stations to determine the effects of dietary NaCl (salt) concentration during gestation and lactation on reproductive performance of sows. Primiparous and multiparous sows were fed fortified corn- or grain sorghum-soybean meal diets at 1.82 kg/d during gestation. During the winter months (December, January, February) the feeding level was increased to 2.27 kg/d. Sows had ad libitum access to diets during lactation. Dietary concentrations of added salt were .50 and .25% in Exp. 1 and .25 and .125% in Exp. 2. When more feed was fed during gestation, the salt concentrations were reduced to .40, .20, .20 and .10%, respectively, in order to maintain a constant daily intake of Na and Cl during gestation. Gestation weight gain and lactation (21-d) weight loss of the sows were not affected by dietary salt level in either experiment. In Exp. 1, lowering the salt concentration did not influence the number of pigs farrowed, but it resulted in a .05 kg/pig reduction (P less than .01) in average birth weight. Average 21-d pig weights also tended (P less than .19) to be lower in the low-salt group. There was a decrease in litter size from the first to the second farrowing for sows fed low salt, but not for sows fed the higher salt concentration. In Exp. 2, reducing the salt content from .25 to .125% did not alter reproductive performance. The overall ratio of males to females at birth in the population of greater than 10(4) pigs was 52.3:47.7. Lower salt intakes tended to reduce the percentage of males born in both experiments, although the differences were not significant (P greater than .3). The results indicate that reducing the salt concentration in sows diets from .50 to .25 or .125% reduces birth weight in newborn pigs. When continued for more than one reproductive cycle, feeding less than .5% salt appears to reduce litter size at birth and weaning.

Animals↗

Reproductive performance of dairy cows fed two concentrations of phosphorus.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary P concentrations of 0.37 (recommended) or 0.57% (excess; dry matter basis) on reproductive performance. At calving, Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments (n = 134 for 0.37% P and n = 133 for 0.57% P). Cows were fitted with a radiotelemetric transmitter (50 d in milk [DIM]) to record mounting activity during estrus and bred to natural estrus from 50 to 100 DIM, then to synchronized estrus (Ovsynch protocol) after 100 DIM. Weekly ultrasonography was performed from 50 DIM until pregnancy was diagnosed (-30 d after artificial insemination). Pregnancy was confirmed approximately 60 d after artificial insemination (artificial insemination). Weekly blood samples were analyzed for progesterone concentrations. Days to first increase (>1 ng/ml) in progesterone, days to first estrus detected by radiotelemetry, days to first service detected by herd personnel, and conception rate at first service did not differ between the recommended and excess P groups, respectively. Similarly, conception rate at 30 d, days open, pregnancies lost from 30 to 60 d, multiple ovulation rate, and the incidence of anovulatory condition at 71 DIM did not differ between these groups. The mean duration of estrus was 8.7 +/- 0.5 and 8.7 +/- 0.7 h, and the average number of mounts per estrus was 7.4 +/- 0.5 and 7.8 +/- 0.5 for a total mounting time during estrus of 25.8 +/- 1.8 and 24.5 +/- 1.6 s for cows fed the recommended and excess P diet, respectively. Phosphorus treatment had no detectable effect on reproductive performance.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

Influence of protein intake and feeding strategy on reproductive performance of dairy cows.

A study was conducted to determine the impact of dietary CP concentration (13 vs. 20%) and feeding strategy (total mixed ration vs. separate feeding of the forage and concentrate) on reproductive performance of 57 early lactation dairy cows. Cows were assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Rations composed of 40% forage (50% grass-legume silage:50% corn silage) and 60% concentrate (DM basis) were fed from d 5 to 100 postpartum. Cows fed a total mixed ration had lower ruminal ammonia and plasma urea N concentrations compared with cows fed separately. Feeding strategy groups showed no differences in reproductive performance. Cows fed a 20% CP ration had higher CP intake, higher ruminal ammonia, and higher urea N concentration in plasma and vaginal mucus. There were no differences between low and high CP groups in days to first observed estrus (24 vs. 27), days to first service (55 vs. 59), days open (72 vs 82) or services per conception (1.5 vs. 1.8). Days to first estimated ovulation were longer (22 vs. 17) in the high vs. low CP groups, and there was an interaction between protein intake and lactation number. Cows managed with an intensive program for detection of estrus and for reproductive health did not show differences in reproductive efficiency when fed 13 or 20% CP rations.

Animals↗

Effects of induced hypothyroidism on weight gains, lactation, and reproductive performance of primiparous Brahman cows.

Primiparous, spring-calving Brahman cows (BW = 425.0 +/- 13.8 kg, body condition score [BCS] = 5.0 +/- .2 units; SEM) were used to study the effects of thyroid manipulation on weight gain, milk production, and reproduction. Nine cows served as controls. Nine cows were induced to become hypothyroid by daily ingestion of 4 mg/kg BW of 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU). Cows were stratified to treatment 1 d after calving based on season of birth, BW, BCS, calf sex, and calf sire. The treatment period lasted for 84 d and was followed by a 56-d posttreatment period. Cow BW, BCS, and calf weight were recorded twice weekly. Milk production was estimated at 14, 28, 56, 84, 98, 112, and 140 d after calving. Weekly blood samples were obtained for analysis of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and progesterone (P4). Estrus was monitored twice daily with the aid of a fertile bull equipped with a chin ball marker. Hypothyroidism was effectively induced in all PTU cows during the treatment period. The PTU cows gained more (P = .002) weight (54.6 +/- 7.6 kg) and tended (P = .06) to increase body condition (.61 +/- .17 units) more than control cows (15.7 +/- 7.6 kg; .11 +/- .17 units) during the treatment period. Control calves gained at a faster rate (.85 +/- .04 kg/d; P < .01) than PTU calves (.70 +/- .04 kg/d) during the treatment period. Milk production was lower (P < .05) in PTU cows on d 56 and 84. During posttreatment all trends were reversed, and BW, BCS, calf weight, and milk production were similar between the two groups by d 140. Reproductive performance was not affected by induction of hypothyroidism. In conclusion, induction of hypothyroidism was successful in increasing cow weight and BCS gains and suppressing milk production during the treatment period, but these changes were not successful in improving reproductive performance of primiparous Brahman cows.

Animals↗

Heritabilities and correlations among body condition scores, production traits, and reproductive performance.

The objectives of this study were to estimate the heritability of body condition scores (BCS) from producer and consultant-recorded data and to describe the genetic and phenotypic relationships among BCS, production traits, and reproductive performance. Body condition scores were available at calving, postpartum, first service, pregnancy check, before dry off, and at dry off from the Dairy Records Management Systems in Raleigh, NC, through the PCDART program. Heritabilities, genetic correlations, and phenotypic correlations were estimated assuming an animal model using average information REML. Herd-year-season effects and age at calving were included in all models. Prior calving interval was included in models for second and third lactations. Analyses that included reproductive traits were conducted with and without mature equivalent milk as a covariable. Heritability estimates for BCS ranged from 0.09 at dry-off to 0.15 at postpartum in first lactation. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.07 before dry-off to 0.20 at pregnancy check in second lactation and from 0.08 before dry-off to 0.19 at first service in third lactation. Genetic correlations between adjacent BCS within first lactation were greater than 0.96 with the exception of calving and postpartum (0.74). In second lactation, adjacent genetic correlations were 1.0 with the exception of calving and postpartum (0.84). Genetic correlations across lactations were greater than 0.77. Phenotypic correlations between scoring periods were highest for adjacent scoring periods and when BCS was lowest. Phenotypic correlations were lower than genetic correlations, i.e., less than 0.70. Higher BCS during the lactation were negatively related to production, both genetically and phenotypically, but the relationship was moderate. Higher BCS were favorably related genetically to reproductive performance during the lactation.

Animals↗

Effect of dietary chlortetracycline during breeding and(or) farrowing and lactation on reproductive performance of sows: a cooperative study. S-145 Committee on Nutritional Systems for Swine to Increase Reproductive Efficiency.

A cooperative regional study involving 850 litters was conducted at five experiment stations (Arizona, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia) to assess the effects of feeding 220 mg/kg of chlortetracycline (CTC) from 1 wk before to the initiation of the breeding season to 15 d after the breeding season and(or) from 110 d of gestation through lactation on reproductive performance of sows (2 x 2 factorial). Sows were fed 1.82 kg/d (2.27 kg during December, January, and February) during the breeding period and before farrowing. Feed was consumed on an ad libitum basis during lactation. Feeding CTC during the breeding season increased litter size at birth (10.8 vs 10.3; P < .05) and decreased feed consumption (5.4 vs 5.5 kg/d; P < .05) in the subsequent lactation period. Feeding CTC during lactation reduced lactation weight loss in sows (4.3 vs 6.1 kg; P < .07). Feeding the antibiotic at breeding had no effect on conception rate; however, feeding the antibiotic during lactation improved subsequent conception rate at the first service (80 vs 73%; P < .10) and overall conception rate (89 vs 84%; P < .05). This indicates that some carryover effect of feeding CTC during lactation occurred during the subsequent breeding period. Station x treatment interactions were observed for survival rate to 21 d (P < .05) and to weaning (P < .06). Overall, survival rates were not greatly affected by antibiotic feeding. No treatment interaction was observed for any trait measured, indicating that the effects of CTC during the breeding and lactation periods were independent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗