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The influence of ovarian activity and uterine involution determined by ultrasonography on subsequent reproductive performance of dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that a follicle >8 mm diameter in the ovary ipsilateral to the previously gravid uterine horn (PGUH), between 14 and 28 days postpartum, improves subsequent reproductive performance. Lactating Holstein-Friesian cows (n=284) in 3 commercial herds were examined using transrectal ultrasonography once between 14 and 28 days postpartum to determine associations between uterine and ovarian measurements and subsequent fertility. There were fewer cows with a corpus luteum in the ovary ipsilateral to the PGUH compared with the contralateral ovary (16.9% vs. 37.0%; P<0.001). In addition, in the ovary ipsilateral to the PGUH there were fewer follicles >5 mm diameter (mean +/- SEM; 0.69 +/- 0.06 vs. 1.02 +/- 0.06; P<0.001) and fewer animals with a follicle >8 mm diameter (26.1% vs. 49.6%; P<0.001). These differences between the ovaries ipsilateral or contralateral to the PGUH declined with increasing time between 14 and 28 days postpartum. The presence of a purulent vaginal discharge decreased the number of animals with a corpus luteum in the ovary contralateral to the PGUH (45/143 vs. 60/141; P<0.05), but not in the ovary ipsilateral to the PGUH. The presence of a follicle >8 mm diameter in the ovary ipsilateral to the PGUH was associated with a shorter calving to conception interval compared with animals without such a follicle (99.0 +/- 5.6 days, n=74, vs. 112.8 +/- 4.4 days, n=210; P<0.05). These observations raise an intriguing issue: how does this follicle affect subsequent fertility--does the follicle exert a local influence on the uterus, or vice versa?

Animals↗

Effects of supplementary feeding and suckling intensity on postpartum reproductive performance of small East African Zebu cows.

Small East African Zebu cows (n = 120) which calved during the dry season were used to determine the effects of postpartum nutritional supplementation and suckling intensity on body weight, body condition score, reproductive performance and on calf mortality and preweaning growth performance. Cows were allocated based on calving body weight to either receive a supplementary feed of molasses blocks containing 10% urea or to serve as controls and to be grazed only. Within nutritional groups, cows were further assigned either to continuous suckling or to restricted suckling twice daily. Intact bulls were introduced 21 days after the first cow had calved, and data were collected for 8 months. Calving body weight and body condition score of dams ranged from 186 to 192 kg and from 3.8 to 4.2 and did not differ among the treatment groups. Supplementary feeding significantly (P<0.05) reduced calf mortality from 40 to 20%, while restricted suckling reduced mortality by 13% from 36 to 23%. Body weight and body condition score did not vary between groups during the supplementation period. Over the 8-month period, 65% of supplemented and 53% of control cows exhibited estrus (P>0.05). A significantly (P<0.05) karger percentage of restricted suckled cows showed estrus than of continuously suckled cows (74 vs 42%). The postpartum estrus interval was shorter by 54 days in supplemented than in control cows and by 13 days in restricted than in continuously suckled cows. The pregnancy rate was higher in supplemented than in control cows (37 vs 33%; P>0.05) and in restricted than in continuously suckled (46 vs 22%; P>0.05) cows.

Journal Article↗

The influence of supplemental corn oil and free fatty acids on the reproductive performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary corn oil (CO) and commercial free fatty acids on the fatty acid composition of blood plasma and egg yolk lipids and on the reproductive performance of Japanese quail. When quail were fed a semi-purified low-fat basal mix, the substitution of 3% of CO for corn starch (CS) improved egg weight (11.2 versus 10.8 g), reduced late embryonic mortality (16.7 versus 28.4%), and improved hatchability (75.7 versus 64.1%). Diets in which palmitic acid or oleic acid were substituted on a weight basis for 3% of CS performed as well as those in which CO was used. When linoleic acid replaced 3% of CS, late embryonic mortality was reduced (13.7 versus 28.4%) and hatchability was improved (80.1 versus 64.1%), but fertility was depressed (85.8 versus 93.6%). The substitution of linolenic acid for 3% of CS depressed feed consumption, body weight, and egg weight relative to the low-fat CS diet and did not improve the low 18-day embryonic livability and low hatchability. The fatty acid compositions of plasma and yolk were influenced by the lipid composition of the diets. Quail fed 3% of CO deposited more linoleic acid in the egg than those fed 3% of linoleic acid (15.2 versus 11.7%). Thus, quail fed a simplified basal breeder diet containing .6% of linoleic acid showed decreased embryonic livability and hatchability and these parameters achieved normal levels in response to the substitution of 3% of either CO, palmitic acid, oleic acid, or linoleic acid for CS.

Animals↗

Pregnancy detection and the effects of age, body weight, and previous reproductive performance on pregnancy status and weaning rates of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama).

Fallow does (n = 502) of different ages (mature, 2-yr-old, and yearling) were maintained with bucks for a 60-d breeding season to determine whether previous reproductive performance and changes in BW affect doe pregnancy rates and to compare the effectiveness of ultrasonography and serum pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) for the detection of pregnancy in fallow does. Ultrasonography was performed, blood samples collected, and BW recorded at buck removal (d 0) and at 30 and 90 d after buck removal. Lactational status (lactating = WET; nonlactating = DRY) were determined from farm records taken at weaning prior to each breeding season (autumn 1990 through autumn 1994). Ultrasonography and PSPB for determining pregnancy were in agreement 93% of the time. Overall pregnancy rates did not differ (P>.10) relative to age of the doe; the combined pregnancy rate was 92%. We also determined that 82.9% of does conceived early in the breeding season and that the incidence of embryonal-fetal mortality during the first 90 d after buck removal was 2.8%. In general, mature and 2-yr-old DRY does were heavier and had lower pregnancy rates than WET does. The overall weaning rate for all does was 77.9%. Loss in the number of fawns from pregnancy detection to weaning was equivalent to 14.8% for mature does, 24.7% for 2 yr old does, and 42.5% for yearling does. These data indicate that even though pregnancy rates were relatively high, further study is needed to determine the causes associated with subsequent fawn losses, particularly among yearling does. As a production tool, lactational WET/ DRY status testing was found to be an acceptable means for determining the reproductive potential of individual does within the herd. In addition, serum PSPB may be used in place of ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis in fallow deer as early as d 30 after buck removal.

Age Factors↗

[Occurrence of zearalenone, alpha- and beta-zearalenol in bile of breeding sows in relation to reproductive performance].

Although zearalenone-induced reproductive disorders and the clinical appearance of hyperestrogenism were reproduced and documented quite often the role of zearalenone-contaminated fodder as a cause for fertility problems in sow breeding is still discussed controversial. Therefore the correlation of zearalenone and zearalenone-derivatives in bile (n = 794) and feed (n = 158) with fertility problems of unknown origin was investigated in this study. For the analysis of zearalenone and its derivatives in bile a HPLC/EIA combination was used. On the one hand, this procedure guaranteed the quantitatively reproducible detection, on the other hand, the investigation expenditure could be kept small with regard to a later effort in the routine diagnostics. The detection limits for zearalenone, alpha- and beta-zearalenol in bile were at 1.0 ng/ml, 1.0 ng/ml, and 3.0 ng/ml, respectively. Results were confirmed by GC-MS. Zearalenone and zearalenone-derivatives were detected in almost every bile analysed. The contamination rate was 96.2%. In opposition to recent investigations beta-zearalenol was perceived as a relevant metabolite in swine. The contamination rate of feeding stuffs was 25.9%. Incubation of samples with beta-glucosidase did not elevate the detected amounts of zearalenone. As the measurable concentrations in bile and fodder were only slightly correlated the analysis of bile represents a reasonable alternative for fodder investigation. However, a correlation between the occurrence of zearalenone, alpha- and beta-zearalenol in bile of sows and non-infectious reproductive disorders could not be established at the loading level found. These results are in line with those statements obtained in feeding experiments regarding the risk evaluation of zearalenone in sow reproduction.

Animal Feed↗

Time of ovulation and reproductive performance over three parities after treatment of primiparous sows with PG600.

Primiparous sows from a commercial pig farm in central Brazil were utilized to investigate the effect of post-weaning gonadotrophins (given during summer) on estrus, time of ovulation and reproductive performance over three parities. One group of sows (PG600) was treated with a combination of 400 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG)+200 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) (PG600) 24h after weaning (n=420), whereas the control group received saline (n=408). In a subset of sows (n=150), estrus was detected and time of ovulation was determined by transcutaneous ultrasound. Treatment with PG600 increased the percentage of primiparous sows in estrus within 10 days after weaning (94.8% versus 79.7%) and reduced the first weaning-to-estrus interval (5.3 days versus 8.0 days) relative to control sows (P<0.05). Although the duration of estrus was longer (P<0.05) in sows given PG600 (65.7 h versus 61.0 h), the interval from estrus to ovulation was not different (P>0.05) between PG600 and control sows (46.6 h versus 43.3 h). Treatment with PG600 did not affect (P>0.05) rates of return-to-estrus and farrowing over three parities, but it increased the number of total piglets born (P<0.05) in the second parity (11.2 versus 10.4), thereby minimizing the magnitude of second-litter syndrome. Culling rates from the first to the fourth parity were 26.7 and 24.5% (P>0.05) for PG600 and control sows, respectively. In conclusion, PG600 given 24 h after the first weaning reduced the weaning-to-estrus interval and increased the size of the second litter.

Animals↗

Effects of feeding grains naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins with and without a polymeric glucomannan mycotoxin adsorbent on reproductive performance and serum chemistry of pregnant gilts.

Contamination of animal feedstuffs with Fusarium mycotoxins can cause reduced feed intake and hyperaminoacidemia resulting from reduced hepatic protein synthesis. The current study investigated the effects of feeding grains naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins on reproductive performance, serum chemistry, ADFI, and ADG of gilts, and tested the ability of a polymeric glucomannan mycotoxin adsorbent (GMA) to reduce or eliminate the effects of the contaminated feeds. Thirty-six Yorkshire gilts were fed 3 diets (n = 12 gilts/diet) from 91 +/- 3 d of gestation until farrowing. Diets included 1) control, 2) contaminated grains, and 3) contaminated grains + 0.2% GMA. Diets contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins did not affect ADFI (P = 0.24), but ADG (P = 0.029) and G:F (P = 0.047) were reduced. Serum concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate, haptoglobin, protein, albumin, globulin, urea, glucose, cholesterol, Ca, Na, Mg, P, K, and Cl, and hepatic enzyme activities were not affected by diet. The frequency of stillborn piglets was greater (P = 0.03) for gilts fed contaminated grains compared with that of gilts fed contaminated grains + GMA. The feeding of contaminated grains + GMA also increased (P = 0.026) the percentage of pigs born alive compared with gilts fed the contaminated diets. In conclusion, feeding gilts diets that are naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins can increase the incidence of stillborn piglets and this effect can be reduced by dietary supplementation with GMA.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

Effect of exposure to long photoperiod during the rearing period on the age at first egg and the subsequent reproductive performance in geese.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of photoperiods longer than 14 h of light:10 h of dark (14L:10D) during the rearing period on the age at first egg laying (AFE) and the subsequent reproductive performance in geese. Sixty-six White Roman geese (18 male and 48 female) were divided into three groups and subjected to different lighting schemes, i.e. natural lighting (NAT; 23 degrees 51'N, 120 degrees 33'E), 14L and 18L. Birds in 14L and 18L groups were exposed to 14L:10D or 18L:6D, respectively, beginning at 19 weeks of age and followed by a photoperiod of 10L:14D from 40 weeks of age. The natural photoperiod, including both dawn and dusk was between 11.5L:12.5D and 14.5L:9.5D. The results showed that the AFE was postponed (P < 0.05). Average weight of the first three eggs laid and the fertility of these eggs were improved (P < 0.05) for the geese in 14L and 18L groups when compared to those raised under natural lighting conditions. Meanwhile, the duration of laying were shifted from spring to autumn, with the peak laying rate in September and November instead of March. It was concluded that geese exposed to the photoperiod longer than 14L:10D for 21 weeks during the rearing period would suppress their AFE. Thereafter, the onset of laying could be induced by being transferred to the photoperiod of 10L:14D. The manipulation of photoperiodic regimes used in this study might have a potential benefit for geese farmers through improved weight and fertility of eggs.

Aging↗

Body condition of sows across parities and relationship to reproductive performance.

Weight, heartgirth, backfat and body condition of sows was monitored in a commercial, farrow-to-finish unit during 1 yr. Measurements were obtained during the third, ninth and fifteenth week of gestation and the day after weaning. Litter performance and rebreeding rate also were recorded. Body weight and heartgirth increased (P less than .01) over parities because gestational gains were larger than lactational losses. Backfat tended to be lower in later parities. Body weight, heartgirth and backfat, but not condition score, declined from weaning to the third week of the subsequent gestation in both first and second litter sows. Correlations among measures of body condition were low (less than .45), except the overall correlation between body weight and heartgirth. Number of pigs born alive increased and interval to estrus decreased in later parities. There were no significant relationships between changes in body condition and rebreeding performance of sows. These results suggest that changes in body condition typically observed in sows housed in commercial production units may be too subtle to have an effect on reproductive performance.

Adipose Tissue↗

Removal of the vomeronasal organ reduces reproductive performance and aggression in male prairie voles.

Several short-duration tests have demonstrated that the surgical removal of the vomeronasal organ (VNX) from sexually-inexperienced male rodents results in a reduction in copulatory behavior, compared to the effects of sham surgery (SHAM). We extended these studies to adult male prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster, and substantially increased the duration of the tests. During the initial interactions with females, VNX males spent significantly less time with their noses in close proximity to the females than did SHAM males. Moreover, only two of nine VNX males sired offspring after having been paired with females for 8 weeks, whereas nine of 12 SHAM males sired offspring in that interval. We also found that VNX and SHAM males were equivalently non-aggressive to an anesthetized stimulus-male prior to being paired with females. However, after spending 2 weeks paired with a female, the VNX males were significantly less aggressive than were the SHAM males, possibly as a result of having copulated less often. In a later test, nearly all of the VNX and SHAM males that sired offspring were vigorously aggressive to a stimulus male. We conclude that the stimulation of the vomeronasal system in sexually-inexperienced male prairie voles is important for maximal reproductive performance and that the VNX-induced impairment in reproduction is associated with a decrease in inter-male aggression. The possible sensory effects of the vomeronasal system on the neural and endocrine control of reproduction and behavior are discussed.

Aggression↗

Rat reproductive performance following photodynamic therapy with topically administered Photofrin.

A rat animal model was used for comparing the photodynamic efficacy of two formulations of topically administered Photofrin in the uterus: 0.7 mg/kg Photofrin and 0.7 mg/kg Photofrin + 4% Azone, a penetration-enhancing agent. Uterine structure and reproductive performance were evaluated following illumination with 80 J/cm2 of 630 nm light. Fluorescence microscopy was employed to determine drug localization in frozen uterine sections at various times after drug administration. Functionality studies demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of implantations per treated uterine horn compared to controls. The mean number of implantations decreased systematically on increasing the interval between Photofrin administration and light application. At 72 h, 0.88 +/- 0.52 gestational sacs per rat were recorded with Photofrin therapy, compared with 8.1 +/- 1.12 (P = 0.01) on the untreated side, indicating nearly complete loss of reproductive capability. Similar results were achieved after only 3 h treatment with Photofrin + Azone (0.38 +/- 0.26 sacs per rat versus 7.5 +/- 1.07 on the untreated side; P = 0.01). This indicates that the effect of Photofrin can be enhanced either by extending the drug incubation period from 3 to 72 h or by adding the penetration-enhancing drug Azone. Fluorescence pharmacokinetic studies suggest that both forms of topically administered Photofrin are diffusely distributed throughout the endometrium at virtually the same rate. However, Azone may enhance the selectivity of photodynamic therapy by facilitating drug targeting to critical endometrial structures.

Administration, Topical↗

Relationships between reproductive performance and organochlorine contaminants in great black-backed gulls (Larus marinus).

The great black-backed gull Larus marinus is a top predator in subarctic and temperate marine ecosystems, and the aim of this study was to investigate if organochlorines (OCs) were related to reproductive performance in this species at the subarctic parts of the Norwegian Coast. We measured blood levels of various OCs in 53 breeding birds. The OC levels were relatively low compared to levels found in nearby arctic areas. In females, however, there was a significant positive relationship between blood concentrations of OCs, especially hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), and egg laying date, and a positive relationship between the probability of nest predation and blood concentration of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH), oxychlordane, and DDE. In females with high levels of OCs, especially persistent polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), there was also a decline in egg volume as egg laying progressed; i.e. the second and third laid egg were relatively smaller, compared to females with low OC levels. No relationships between reproductive parameters and OC levels were found in males.

Animals↗

Effect of gestational and lactational exposure to lead and/or cadmium on reproductive performance and hepatic oestradiol metabolising enzymes.

Adult female rats were treated subcutaneously (0.05 mg/kg body wt./day) with lead acetate and cadmium acetate separately and in combination during the gestational and lactational periods with a pre-exposure before mating. No change in the reproductive cyclicity was observed in any of the treated groups. The number of pregnancies was similar in all groups and no effect was observed on reproductive performance. The litter size, placental weights, pup weights, pup liver weights, maternal weights or maternal liver weights did not differ significantly. The activities of hepatic steroid metabolising enzyme 17-beta-hydroxy steroid oxidoreductase and of UDP glucoronyl transferase were decreased and the hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP450) content was reduced by the metal exposure. Hepatic DNA and glycogen content were decreased in the cadmium and the combined treated groups in both lactating mother and pups at post-natal day 21 (PND 21). Lead and cadmium accumulated in the liver of the metal treated pregnant and lactating rats. The accumulation of the metals was also observed in foetal and pups (PND 21). Hepatic zinc content was increased in the cadmium and the combined treated pregnant and lactating mothers whereas foetal and neonatal livers showed a decrease in the zinc as compared to control. The results of the study indicate that despite the ability of lead and cadmium to alter various biochemical parameters the effect in the liver is not intensified at combined exposure to both lead and cadmium. The observed biochemical alterations in the liver of rats co-exposed to lead and cadmium may result from an independent effect of lead and/or cadmium and also from their interaction. However, these results suggest that when lead and cadmium are administered together in similar concentrations, the major effects are mediated by cadmium.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Reproductive performance of farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) in New Zealand: II. Risk factors for adult hind conception.

A 2-year longitudinal observational study of 15 red deer farms was carried out in New Zealand from March 1992. About 2600 adult hinds were individually monitored for reproductive success. After mating, hinds were pregnancy-tested by ultrasound and were classified as having conceived before 1 May, after 1 May or as being not pregnant. Risk factors potentially affecting the probability of conception before 1 May or of conception that year were investigated using path analysis. Final path diagrams were used to formulate a putative management strategy for farmers to achieve the desired reproductive performance from adult hinds. To achieve a high pregnancy rate early in the mating season, farmers should wean calves early, exclude hinds which failed to rear a calf to weaning and hinds with a body condition score < or = 2.0 at mating, join hinds early with one or more sire stags, use only experienced sires for mating, limit the hind: stag ratio, use at least one back-up sire after the peak of mating, keep mating mobs away from disturbance and avoid shifting or handling mating mobs. The farmer should choose paddocks with high green pasture allowance and grazed down to no less than 5 cm high.

Animal Husbandry↗

Effects of restrictive suckling on postpartum reproductive performance in mares.

Quarter Horse mares (n = 30) and their foals were used in a 2-year study. Objectives of the study were (i) to determine the effects of a treatment regimen, which permitted nursing for four 1-hour periods each day, on the postpartum reproductive performance of the dams, and (ii) to assess the effects of this procedure on the growth and development of foals. Mares in the restricted suckling treatment group showed estrus and ovulated sooner (P less than 0.01) after parturition than did control mares during the first year of the study, but not during the second year. Plasma progesterone concentrations were similar for both treated and control mares and remained less than 1 ng/ml from parturition to ovulation. Conception rates were not significantly influenced by treatment. However, two mares which had records of failing to have estrus while nursing a foal were bred and ovulated, and one of the two conceived while on the restricted suckling treatment. The absence of treatment effects on any of the variables measured in the foals indicates that restricted suckling did not impair foal growth and development.

Animals↗

Reproductive performance of Holstein cows receiving somatotropin.

Some dairy producers resist using bovine somatotropin (bST) beginning at 9 wk postpartum because of the concern that fertility is compromised. We conducted a trial with a total of 205 Holstein cows, 100 multiparous and 105 primiparous, to evaluate reproductive performance in two high producing herds in Arizona and southern California. Rolling herd averages for both herds for milk production exceeded 10,700 kg/yr. Data were collected for cows calving December 1996 through August 1997. The voluntary waiting period was 60 d postcalving, with cows randomly assigned to receive bST or no treatment (controls). In the 180-d interval after calving, 65.4% (68/104) of the control cows were diagnosed pregnant. With bST-treated cows, 48.5% (49/101) were pregnant in that same interval. A chi-square value from a linear model indicated that pregnancy outcome differed significantly between treatment groups. With a similar method of analysis, first-service conception rate was not significantly different between treatment groups. An extended voluntary wait and breeding interval is recommended for cows receiving bST, similar to suggestions from other published reports.

Animals↗

Serum antibody profile and reproductive performance during two consecutive pregnancies of cows naturally infected with Neospora caninum.

The objective of this study was to record how the antibody levels change over time during pregnancy in dairy cows naturally infected with the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum, and relate this to the reproductive performance. Eighteen cows with antibodies to N. caninum were serum sampled monthly during their first pregnancy and 13 of them were also followed for a second pregnancy. In all, five pregnancies ended in abortion and two in stillbirth. Antibodies to N. caninum in serum were demonstrated by immune stimulating complex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iscom ELISA). The N. caninum antibody titres remained well above the 1:100 cut-off limit for the test used during 2 years in all cows. In the non-aborting cows, mean values of antibody titres to N. caninum rose 1.5-2.5 dilution steps to reach a plateau 4-5 months before parturition, and thereafter decreased from 2 months before parturition. These changes were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The same pattern was seen in the aborting cows. The consistent pattern of rise in antibody titres observed during both pregnancies in all cows indicated a reactivation rather than a reinfection of the parasite at mid-gestation.

Animals↗

Effects of energy level and monensin on reproductive performance and lactation of beef cows.

This experiment consisted of a 2 year drylot study involving 80 multiparous, suckled beef cows (40 Angus and 40 Herefords). Experimental treatments (breed, monensin and year) were arranged in 2(3) factorial to evaluate the effect of breed and monensin on reproductive performance and lactation. Cows received 85% of the NRC total digestible nutrient (TDN) requirement for the first 56 days of the 140 day trial. Cows were synchronized with Synchro-Mate B and artificially inseminated 30 days into each trial with blood samples collected for luteinizing hormone (LH) analysis from one-half of each treatment group from 24 to 36 hours after implant removal. Progesterone determinations were made on plasma samples collected at day 9 and 16 after implant removal. On day 56, milk yield estimates were obtained by the weigh-suckle-weight technique. Following these collections, energy levels were increased by allowing ad lib consumption of forage. Calves, which were removed from the cows during feeding, were given access to a 75% TDN creep ration after day 56. Milk estimates were again evaluated at 140 days. Monensin supplementation did not result in a difference in cow weight change through the restricted energy period (first 56 days) or throughout the entire 140 day period. Milk yield estimates at 56 and 140 days and calf gains throught the trial, were unaffected by monensin supplementation. Monensin resulted in no effect on conception rate or services per conception. The time of the LH peak was shifted slightly forward by monensin although not significantly. Progesterone levels were not consistently affected by monensin supplementation.

Journal Article↗