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PubMed2002

The relationship between rabbit semen characteristics and reproductive performance after artificial insemination.

The relationships between several rabbit buck semen traits, concerning either the ejaculate or the dose inseminated (volume, mass motility, pH, percentage of motile sperm (PMS), concentration, number of total and motile sperm per ejaculate and per insemination dose) and the reproductive performance of does was investigated in 839 inseminations involving 54 bucks and 111 does. Four genetic types were involved: INRA1601 strain (A), INRA2066 strain (B) and the two reciprocal crossbreds (AB and BA). The mating design was A x A, B x B, (AB or BA) x (AB or BA). Semen was diluted (1:9) and a constant volume of 0.5 ml was inseminated 2-4h after collection. Therefore, the total number of spermatozoa per dose was variable and proportional to the initial concentration. Mass motility significantly influenced the kindling rate. Taken separately, volume, PMS and concentration did not influence the kindling rate but their product, the number of motile sperm per ejaculate, did. Litter size (total born) was significantly influenced by concentration and all variables depending on it, particularly the number of total and motile sperm per dose. However, reproductive performances were predominantly influenced by the physiological status of the does at insemination (lactation stage and receptivity).

Animals↗

PubMed1992

The potential role of molecular genetic manipulation in the improvement of reproductive performance.

Revolutionary opportunities for the modification of animal performance are being created by the development of new methods for embryo manipulation and the application of molecular biology. This paper reviews the potential application of these procedures for the improvement of reproductive performance in livestock. There are three sections: a consideration of the methods of molecular manipulation that are available at present and those that seem likely to become available, a discussion of the modifications to hormonal systems and, finally, an analysis of candidate genes for manipulation of seasonality, number of ovulations, sex ratio and prenatal survival. The analysis points to a number of ways forward. Many of the most promising opportunities will depend upon the isolation of embryonic stem cells or the establishment of alternative methods of site-directed mutation. In most cases, the genes of interest have not yet been cloned and much remains to be learned about the molecular regulation of reproduction. A greater understanding seems likely to reveal the inadequacies of some of the present suggestions, but it is also certain to reveal further opportunities. However, in the longer term, there seems to be a real prospect of modification of at least some of these aspects of reproductive performance by molecular means.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Sources of variation in the reproductive performance of ewes inseminated with frozen-thawed ram semen by laparoscopy.

Fertility data from 8 artificial insemination programs, involving more than 5000 ewes and 110 rams in 3 flocks, were analyzed to determine variation due to individual AI program and ram in the reproductive performance of ewes inseminated with frozen-thawed semen by laparoscopy. The semen had been previously frozen by commercial AI centers in either pellets or straws. Both AI program and individual ram affected the proportion of ewes pregnant and the number of fetuses per ewe inseminated, but not the number of fetuses per pregnant ewe. Semen samples from 97 of the rams used were analyzed on a Hamilton Thorn HTM 2000 image analyzer for sperm concentration, percentage of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa, mean progressive velocity, and mean linear index. The correlations between these traits and reproductive performance obtained after insemination were calculated. There was large variation in the quantity and quality of the frozen semen, but only the number of total and motile spermatozoa inseminated per ewe was correlated with fertility (0.25 and 0.26, respectively). Regression analysis showed that none of the traits measured were useful for predicting fertility.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1988

Effect of beta-carotene supplementation on reproductive performance of lactating Holstein cows.

Fifty-four lactating Holstein cows were assigned by parity and calving date to a 2 X 3 factorial arrangement of a randomized block design to determine effects of beta-carotene supplementation and ration fiber content on reproduction. Because ration fiber treatments did not differ in their effects on reproductive performance, data for beta-carotene analyses were pooled over the three rations. From 3 to 98 d postpartum, cows were individually fed either 0 or 300 mg supplemental beta-carotene daily by adding it on top of their complete mixed ration. By wk 3 postpartum, concentrations of beta-carotene in blood serum were higher in cows fed supplemental beta-carotene and remained higher throughout the experimental period. Feeding supplemental beta-carotene had no effect on the interval from the time of parturition to uterine involution, ovulation, first observed estrus, or conception. Feeding beta-carotene did not influence incidence of cystic follicles based on palpation, ovarian cyclicity based on blood progesterone patterns, peak progesterone concentrations, or first service conception rate. Cows fed supplemental beta-carotene required fewer treatments for clinical mastitis. Reproductive performance in lactating Holstein cows was not improved by feeding supplemental beta-carotene.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Aluminium-induced deterioration in reproductive performance and seminal plasma biochemistry of male rabbits: protective role of ascorbic acid.

Aluminium (Al) has been proposed as an environmental factor that may contribute to some diseases, affect several enzymes and other biomolecules and induced free radical-mediated cytotoxicity. Also, Al induced reproductive toxicity and exerted a significant adverse effect on the steroidogenesis. The antioxidant ascorbic acid (AA) plays an important role in various physiological processes in the body including detoxification of different toxic materials. Therefore, the present investigation aimed to elucidate possible protective effects of AA in alleviating the toxicity of aluminium chloride (AlCl3) on reproductive performance, lipid peroxidation and enzyme activities in seminal plasma of male New Zealand white rabbits. Six rabbits per group were assigned to one of four treatment groups: 0 mg AA and 0 mg AlCl3 /kg body weight (BW) (control); 40 mg AA/kg BW; 34 mg AlCl3 /kg BW; 34 mg AlCl3 plus 40 mg AA/kg BW. Rabbits were orally administered their respective doses every other day for 16 weeks. Results obtained showed that AlCl3 significantly (P<0.05) decreased libido (by increasing the reaction time), ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility (%), total motile sperm per ejaculate (TMS), packed sperm volume (PSV), total functional sperm fraction (TFSF), normal and live sperm and semen initial fructose. While initial hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and dead and abnormal sperm were increased (P<0.05). Live body weight (LBW), feed intake (FI) and relative weights of testes (RTW) and epididymis (REW) were significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly (P<0.05) increased in seminal plasma of rabbits treated with AlCl3 compared with control. While, activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and acid phosphatase (AcP) were significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Ascorbic acid alone significantly increased LBW, FI, RTW, REW, semen characteristics and seminal plasma enzymes, and decreased the levels of free radicals. Also, the present study showed that ascorbic acid might be effective in the protection of aluminium-induced reproductive toxicity. It was suggested that AlCl3 exerted a significant adverse effect on reproductive performance of male rabbits. Furthermore, AA could be able to antagonize the toxic effects of AlCl3 and improved semen quality of male rabbit.

Aluminum Chloride↗

PubMed2003

Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows in different production systems in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia.

The study was conducted to examine the fertility status of crossbred dairy cows in mixed crop-livestock production (MCLP), market-oriented specialized dairy production (MSDP) and urban dairy production (UDP) systems, including the Holetta Agricultural Research Center (HARC). Data on general farm management variables and reproductive histories were collected from study farms by questionnaire and from individual cow records. Age at first service and age at first calving were 29.58 months (n = 424) and 40.6 months (n = 348), respectively. Cows managed under UDP were younger at first service and at first calving (p<0.05). The mean intervals from calving to first service and to conception were 141.98 days (n = 284) and 185.02 days (n = 219), respectively. The mean calving interval for cows was 551.82 days (n = 258). Cows in MCLP had longer intervals from calving to first service and to conception and longer calving intervals than those managed under MSDP, UDP and HARC. First service conception rate (43.42%), number of services per conception (1.75) and pregnancy rate (79.29%) did not differ significantly between production systems. Reproductive performance was best in UDP followed by HARC and MSDP. The difference between MCLP and the rest points to particular difficulties in that system. To improve reproductive performance and economic benefit, there should be conservative stocking rate, sensible year-round feeding, a herd health plan, and sustainable extension service.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Reproductive performance of multiparous rabbit lactating does: effect of lighting programs and PMSG use.

This study aims to determine if Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin (PMSG), used for oestrous synchronization in multiparous lactating does, could be replaced by one of the following lighting schedules without impairing reproductive performance: (a) 12-h L (light)/12-h D (dark) or (b) 8-h L/16-h D, until day 6 before artificial insemination (AI), when in both cases photoperiod was changed to 16-h L/8-h D and maintained until the day of AI, and in the following 4 days post Al the light hours were progressively reduced to the initial schedules. Two groups of 20 does each were respectively submitted to one of the lighting schedules specified above. All does were artificially inseminated in 6 consecutive cycles at 42 days intervals. In the first, third and fifth AIs, PMSG (20 IU/doe via sc 48 h before AI) was used in the two groups of does, whereas in the second, fourth and sixth Als no hormonal treatment was used. Degree of oestrous synchronization (also referred in text as sexual receptivity) was estimated by the colour of the vulva at AI. Reproductive performance of does was evaluated based on fertility (kindling rates), prolificity, mortality at birth, mortality at 21 days post birth, weight of the litter at 21 days post birth and number of weaned rabbits. Oestrous was better synchronized when PMSG was used with any of the two lighting programs. Without using PMSG, a photoperiod of 12-h L/12-h D until 6 days before AI resulted in a better sexual receptivity of does than 8-h L/16-h D. Fertility, prolificity, mortality of young rabbits at 21 days, the weight of the litters at 21 days and the number of weaned rabbits did not vary with the lighting program and were not affected by the PMSG treatment. Mortality at birth, however, was higher (+1 dead kit per litter) in litters housed under a light program of 12-h L/12-h D. Global productivity (number of weaned rabbits per 100 inseminated does) was better when using PMSG, for both lighting schedules. When using a photoperiod of 12-h L/12-h D until 6 days before AI, and omitting the PMSG treatment, global productivity was scarcely reduced, however, it was considerably impaired when using a photoperiod of 8-h L/16-h D until 6 days before AI and no PMSG treatment.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

The effects of nutrition on reproductive performance of beef cattle.

The concept of feeding for optimal reproductive performance is not new. The effects of prepartum and postpartum nutritional levels on return to postpartum estrus and conception rates was reported in 1962. The effect of body condition regardless of nutrition regimen was first reported in 1975. Body condition scoring has become a popular topic for Extension and practitioner sponsored producer meetings. To effectively promote a management change that requires increased cash flow and does not have an immediate return requires demonstration of cost-effectiveness. This requires knowledge of the biologic information and transformation of that knowledge (through partial budget analysis) into additional profit for the producer. Controlling reproduction through proper nutrition at critical times of the reproductive cycle requires: 1. Calving and breeding seasons of 60 days. 2. Cows to be in moderate to good body condition at calving (BCS 5-7). 3. Cows to be slightly gaining at the beginning of the breeding season. 4. Cows to be bred to fertile bulls. 5. Evaluation and correction of body condition well in advance of the actual impact of BCS on reproductive function. 6. Producer to be prepared to initiate "alternate" plans (i.e., early weaning or 48 hour calf removal).

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

PubMed2002

Reproductive performance after ultrasound-guided transvaginal ethanol sclerotherapy for ovarian endometriotic cysts.

OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound-guided transvaginal ethanol sclerotherapy (TV-EST) has been widely practised in Japan for ovarian endometriotic cysts. We investigated the possible adverse effects of TV-EST for ovarian endometriotic cysts on reproductive performance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively medical records and compared clinical outcomes of 45 subfertile women who underwent TV-EST for ovarian endometriotic cysts (Study group) with those of 65 subfertile women without ovarian endometriotic cysts (Comparison group). Patients were followed up monthly for 24 months. Serum levels of LH, FSH, CA125 and CA19-9 were determined before and after TV-EST. RESULTS: No complications associated with TV-EST were observed. There were no differences in the numbers of pregnancies (47% (21/45) versus 39% (25/65)), term deliveries (76% (16/21) versus 76% (19/25)), abortions (19% (4/21) versus 24% (6/25)), retrieved oocytes, or quality of embryos between the Study and Comparison groups, respectively. The serum levels of LH and FSH did not increase after TV-EST. The serum levels of CA125 and CA19-9 did not significantly decrease after TV-EST. Ovarian cysts recurred in six (13.3%) of the 45 women 5.2+/-3.9 months after TV-EST. CONCLUSION: Although only a small number of women were studied, our observational study suggested that TV-EST appeared not to adversely affect reproductive performance in subfertile women with ovarian endometriotic cysts.

Adult↗

PubMed1986

Genetic parameters and factors affecting reproductive performance in White Fulani cattle in Southern Nigeria.

Data on reproductive performance of the White Fulani (Bunaji) cattle in Southern Nigeria were analysed. Age at first calving, first and overall calving intervals averaged 4.03 +/- 0.43 years, 436.19 +/- 9.32 and 420.98 +/- 4.11 days respectively. The year of birth significantly affected age at first calving and calving interval (P less than 0.01) but the season of birth had significant effect only on calving interval (P less than 0.05). In addition the age of the dam also affected the calving interval (P less than 0.05) but the sex of the calf nursed had no effect. Heritability estimates from half-sib analysis were 0.01 +/- 0.03, 0.26 +/- 0.10 and 0.28 +/- 0.08 respectively for age at first calving, first and overall calving intervals. Low repeatability estimates were obtained for calving intervals.

Aging↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Reproductive performance after selective tubal catheterization.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reproductive performance of women after selective tubal catheterization. DESIGN: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Ninety-eight infertile women with hysterosalpingographic findings of proximal tubal occlusion. INTERVENTION: Hysterosalpingography and selective tubal catheterization. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Repeat hysterosalpingography examination before selective tubal catheterization in 98 patients revealed bilateral tubal patency in 14 patients and patency of one of the tubes in 12 others (12.2%). True proximal tubal occlusion was encountered in 72 patients (139 tubes). Successful recanalization of both tubes was achieved in 25 patients (34.7%), and successful recanalization of at least one tube was achieved in 44 patients (61.1%). Of the 72 patients who underwent selective tubal catheterization, 23 patients conceived. The cumulative probability of conception was 28%, 59%, and 73% at 12, 18, and 24 months of follow-up, respectively. The median procedure-conception interval was 16.2 months. CONCLUSION: One-quarter of patients diagnosed with bilateral proximal tubal occlusion on hysterosalpingography do not have tubal obstruction. Among those with true occlusion, selective tubal catheterization leads to an overall pregnancy rate of 31.9%.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Effects of periparturient diseases and conditions on the reproductive performance of New Zealand dairy cows.

AIM: To determine the effect of retained foetal membranes (RFM), periparturient recumbency, calf mortality, dystocia, twin births and induction of parturition on submission and pregnancy rates of pasture-fed, seasonally-calving dairy cows in New Zealand. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected for 2652 cows from 11 herds on the occurrence of periparturient diseases and condition, calving date, age and treatment for anoestrus prior to the planned start of mating (PSM). The effects of each disease or condition on submission and pregnancy rate by 28 days after PSM, final pregnancy rate, and the proportion of cows that conceived more than 50 days after PSM were examined using separate logistic regression models. Results are expressed as odds ratios (OR). Additionally, the effect of each disease or condition on the interval from PSM to conception was examined using survival analysis. Age, herd and late calving (i.e. cows calved < or =40 days before PSM) were included as factors in the models examined. RESULTS: Induction of parturition increased the risk of RFM (OR=3.3, p<0.01). The 28-day submission rate was affected by age and herd but not by any of the periparturient conditions examined. The 28-day pregnancy rate was reduced by RFM (OR=0.04, p<0.05), induction of parturition (OR=0.67, p<0.01), assisted calving (OR=0.61, p<0.01), late calving (OR=0.55, p<0.05) and anoestrus (OR=0.27, p<0.05). The final pregnancy rate was reduced by RFM (OR=0.013, p<0.01), induction (OR=0.25, p<0.05), assisted calving (OR=0.30, p<0.005) and anoestrus (OR=0.32, p<0.05), and was increased if the cow was submitted for mating within 28 days after PSM (OR=2.72, p<0.05). Effects of recumbency and twinning were not significant in any of the models. CONCLUSIONS: Cows that had had RFM or were assisted, induced or late to calve, had significantly lower pregnancy rates or took longer to conceive than unaffected herd-mates. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intervention programs aimed at the examination and treatment of cows with periparturient conditions may improve the reproductive performance of New Zealand dairy herds. Investigations of poor reproductive performance of a herd should include analysis of the prevalence and effects of periparturient diseases and conditions.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1997

An apparent effect of immunopotentiation during late gestation on the postpartum reproductive performance of Nili-Ravi buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Thirty-two Nili-Ravi buffaloes were used to determine the effect of prepartum immunopotentiation in late gestation with levamisole hydrochloride (0.5 mg/kg), vitamin E+selenium (vitE-Se) (Etosol-SE, 10 ml intramuscularly) or Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) (0.5 ml/animal, subcutaneously) on postpartum reproductive performance. The immunopotentiating treatment was given twice, with treatments one week apart, approximately 80 days prior to the expected date of parturition. Prepartum treatment with vitE-Se or BCG significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the calving to first oestrus interval and the length of the postpartum service period compared to the control group. The uterine involution period was significantly shorter in buffaloes treated with vitE-Se compared to the control group. Levamisole hydrochloride apparently improved the reproductive performance, but this result was not statistically significant.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed1976

Reproductive performance of women successfully treated for gestational trophoblastic tumors.

The reproductive performance of 36 women who had been successfully treated for gestational trophoblastic tumors with multiple courses of cytotoxic agents including methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, actinomycin D, and 6-azauridine, between 1962 and 1972, has been studied in comparison with 36 patients who had spontaneously aborted a hydatidiform mole but received no treatment and a control group consisting of 36 women attending an antenatal clinic. The majority of patients who wanted further pregnancies following chemotherapy had one or more successful conceptions. The incidence of abnormal pregnancies in the treated group was higher than that of the control group. Similarly, there was a higher number of abnormal pregnancies in the untreated mole patients when compared with the control group. This suggests that patients who develop trophoblastic tumors tend to have a poor obstetric history and that this is not significantly worsened by chemotherapy.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

PubMed2002

Oxytocin treatment during early life influences reproductive performance in ad libitum fed and food-restricted female rats.

Oxytocin treatment may permanently alter endocrine axes resulting in anti-stress and anabolic effects. However, the nutritional status influences the effects of oxytocin. The specific aims of this study were to investigate the effects of postnatal oxytocin treatment on reproductive performance in adult life, by studying maternal weight gain, adiposity, plasma levels of IGF-I as well as fetal and placental weights in the following groups of animals: (1) Ad libitum fed dams coming from ad libitum fed mothers. (2) Ad libitum fed dams coming from food-restricted mothers. (3) Food-restricted dams coming from ad libitum fed mothers. (4) Food-restricted dams coming from food-restricted mothers. Oxytocin treatment postnatally had long-term effects and increased adiposity in pregnant dams and stimulated placental and fetal growth relative to saline-treated dams. However, if the dams themselves had been exposed to food restriction during fetal life, the effect of postnatal oxytocin treatment changed. The oxytocin-treated mothers were still fatter but had smaller fetuses. In conclusion, postnatal oxytocin treatment influences reproductive performance in later life but is dependent on the mother's previous and current nutritional experience.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2006

Effects of prepartum intramammary antibiotic therapy on udder health, milk production, and reproductive performance in dairy heifers.

Preparturient heifers (n = 561) from 9 herds in 6 US states and 1 Canadian province were enrolled in a study to test the hypothesis that prepartum intramammary therapy would cure existing intramammary infections (IMI) and lead to increased milk production, reduced linear somatic cell count (LSCC), and improved reproductive performance. Mammary secretions were collected 10 to 21 d before expected calving from each quarter. Heifers were then assigned by identification number to receive intramammary therapy consisting of infusion of one tube per mammary quarter of a lactating cow commercial antibiotic preparation containing cephapirin or to a nontreated control group. Overall, 34.1% of mammary quarters were infected with a mastitis pathogen before parturition and 63.4% of heifers had at least one mammary quarter infected. The coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) caused the majority (74.8%) of prepartum IMI. Coagulase-positive staphylococci, environmental streptococci, and coliforms accounted for 24.5% of prepartum infections. Treatment had a significant effect on the cure rate of infected mammary quarters. Mammary quarters that were infected prepartum and treated with antibiotics had a 59.5% efficacy of cure rate and the percentage reduction in heifers with IMI was 51.9. Control quarters had a spontaneous cure rate of 31.7%. Treatment did not significantly affect milk production or LSCC in the first 200 d of lactation; however, there was a significant treatment by herd interaction for milk production. Quarters cured of either CNS or major pathogens had a lower LSCC in the first 200 d of lactation. No significant effect on services per conception or days open between treatment and control groups was observed. This trial demonstrated that prepartum intramammary antibiotic therapy did reduce the number of heifer IMI postpartum. Milk production, LSCC, and reproductive performance during the first 200 d of the first lactation were not significantly affected by treatment. Given these results, use of prepartum intramammary antibiotic therapy in heifers as a universal strategy to increase milk production in first-lactation dairy cows may not be warranted.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Factors affecting reproductive performance of Holstein heifers.

The objectives were to evaluate factors affecting reproductive performance of dairy heifers. Holstein heifers (6389) were housed in a feed lot located in Parma, ID. Each week heifers weighing > or =290 kg were initiated in the reproductive program, which consisted of one injection of PGF(2alpha) and AI on detection of estrus. Heifers not inseminated by 11 days after the initiation of the breeding program received a second injection of PGF(2alpha). Pregnancy was diagnosed at 40+/-3 and 90+/-3 days after AI. Average daily minimum temperature (ADMnT), average daily maximum temperature (ADMxT), and average daily rainfall (ARF) were recorded between 15 days prior to and 15 days after the day of AI or the day of initiation of the breeding program. Exposure to air temperature was classified as: cold stress (CS=ADMnT< or =4 degrees C), no stress (NS=ADMnT>4 degrees C and ADMxT<29 degrees C), and heat stress (HS=ADMxT> or =29 degrees C). Exposure to rainfall was classified as above (HRF) or below (LRF) the mean for the period in question. Heifers were classified according to body weight at initiation of the breeding program as thin (TH<340 kg); moderate (MD=340-365 kg); and heavy (HY>365 kg). Service sire was associated with conception rate at 40 and 90 days after first AI. Although exposure to air temperature was not correlated with conception rate at 40 days after first AI, heifers exposed to cold stress had smaller conception rates at 90 days after first AI because they were more likely to lose pregnancy between 40 and 90 days of gestation. The proportion of heifers inseminated after initiation of the breeding program was correlated with body weight and exposure to cold stress. Exposure to cold stress was also correlated with the proportion of heifers conceiving within 11 and 22 days after initiation of the breeding program. From this study a correlation was established between body weight and rate of insemination and between the exposure to cold stress and reproductive efficiency of Holstein heifers.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

PubMed1984

Folic acid and reproductive performances of sows.

Two-hundred nine sows were used in a 2 X 2 split-plot unbalanced design to measure the effect of folic acid against control, and flushing against a normal level of feeding, between weaning and mating on the following variables: serum folates at weaning and at 60 d of gestation, blood hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) after 15 wk of gestation and reproductive performance at farrowing. Folic acid was administered im according to a schedule that maintained serum folates at approximately the same level between weaning and 60 d of gestation. The treatments had no effect on Hb or Ht after 15 wk of gestation. Average live litter size was 12.0 piglets/litter for sows receiving the folic acid and flushing treatments as compared with 10.5 for sows without any treatment; the main effect of folic acid was significant (P less than or equal to .04). Intralitter variation in birth weight and total litter weight tended to be increased by folic acid administration. Results showed that the administration of folic acid during gestation could appreciably improve the reproductive performance of sows.

Animals↗