Theriogenology Flashcards

Question

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at embryo transfer on pregnancy rates in cows: A meta-analysis Besbaci et al., 2021

Answer 1

- NSAID treatment with was associated on average with a 15% higher P/ET compared to no treatment (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.2). - The use of NSAIDs at the time of ET was particularly effective in cows with difficulty in passing the catheter from the cervix during ET, with 71% more likely P/ET (RR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.07 to 2.74) with the use of NSAIDs for these cows compared to other cows.

Answer 2

- The Holstein group's alert detection rate was significantly lower than the Japanese Black group's (p < 0.05). - The daily average temperature was higher in the Hol group and the primiparous dams - The daily average temperature increased slightly from Day-7 to-3 (Day 0 = the day of calving) and then dropped dramatically on Days-1 and 0. - The hourly vaginal temperature difference from-48 h of calving showed a typical pattern, i.e., a decrease from-30 h of Alert 1 and an increase at-6 h of Alert 1. The decrease and increase might be the regression of the pregnant corpus luteum and the beginning of the contractions, respectively. - The temperature differences were significantly affected by parity and calving ease (p < 0.01), but no typical temperature difference pattern was observed in assisted calving or dystocia. - Measuring vaginal temperatures proved useful for predicting the calving regardless of the breed and parity.

Answer 3

- There was a treatment by season interaction for P/AI (P < 0.001). In spring, overall P/AI was 59.1% (414/701) and was affected by treatment (59.3 v 49.6 v 68.2%, for Treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively P < 0.05). - In contrast, in autumn, ov erall P/AI (51.5%, 364/707) was unaffected (P > 0.05) by treatment (50.1 v 53.7 v 48.7% for Treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively). - Overall, eCG had a positive effect on P/AI for cows lacking a CL at treatment initiation (P < 0.05). - In addition, in cows with low BCS (<= 2.25), eCG supplementation tended (P = 0.09) to improve P/AI. - Seasonal differences in response to synchronization treatment may be reflective of different management regimens (grazing v confinement) and breed type and remain to be elucidated.

Answer 4

- The P12 PCR assay targeting the gyrB gene performed best, detecting the pathogen in 95.1% of positive samples. - For the discrimination of C. fetus subspecies, we were able to identify a proportion (85.4%) of the C. fetus-positive samples correctly as C. fetus venerealis with at least one subspecies-specific PCR, but C. fetus fetus was not detected in any of the samples tested. - C. fetus subspecies amplification was observed following PCR on some samples (33.1%) considered C. fetus -negative, highlighting the need for rigorous criteria for discriminating between C. fetus subspecies

Answer 5

- By comparing circulating P4 concentrations in non-lactating Holstein cows treated with PRID (1.55 g) vs. CIDR (1.38 g) for 7 d, it was found greater circulating P4 produced by the PRID after device insertion, most likely associated with its greater surface area. - Although the circulating P4 profile and mean circulating P4 over 10 d differed among treatments, no effects were observed on the DF diameter and follicular growth rate from Day 7-10 after P4 device insertion. - Devices that provided higher circulating P4 concentrations were associated to a slower DF growth during the treatment period, “which might be associated with greater fertility in dairy cattle”

Answer 6

- Spermatozoa from bulls with low DFI% had significantly higher (P < 0.05) membrane integrity, acrosome intactness, and mitochondrial membrane potential. - Binding index (BI) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher (>2 times) in the bulls with low-DFI% as compared to high DFI% bulls. - The correlation between binding index and DFI% was negative and significant (r = similar to 0.528; P < 0.05). Further, the binding index was positively correlated with conception rate (r = 0.703), intact sperm membrane (r = 0.631) and mitochondrial membrane potential (r = 0.609). - Sperm phenotypic characteristics and oviduct binding ability are impaired in breeding bulls with high sperm DFI%, which might be associated with low conception rates in these bulls.

Answer 7

- In mature bulls, final liver Zn concentration was positively correlated (P = 0.02) with sperm concentration (r = 0.31) and tended (P = 0.06) to be negatively correlated with acrosome damage (r = -0.39). - Each BSE and novel fertility component improved from Day 0-84 in peripubertal bulls and were not affected (P > 0.10) by mineral supplementation. - Liver Zn was correlated with acrosome damage (−) and sperm concentration (+) in bulls.* - Zn & Cu fed to peripubertal bulls had only minor effects on fertility measures. - Trace minerals improved ability of sperm to withstand oxidative stress in young bulls. - Trace minerals increased sperm viability at 3 h in peripubertal bulls. In summary, it appears the homeostasis mechanisms for bull trace mineral maintenance are extremely efficient and mineral supplementation of mature and peripubertal bulls did not have major improvements in any laboratory or chute-side measures of bull fertility, however bulls exposed to breeding or in environments with diet antagonists might respond differently.

Answer 8

- The genomic enhancement methods, especially single step GBLUP, that combined phenotype and pedigree data with direct genomic values generated gains in accuracy in relation to pedigree BLUP, suggesting that genomic predictions should be applied to improve genetic gain and to narrow the generation interval compared to traditional methods.

Answer 9

- Fasting for 24 h prior to semen collection by electroejaculation reduced the bladder size and increased the proportion of bulls with penis protrusion, erection, and ejaculation without any difference detected in behavioral responses, volume of rectal fecal content, and ejaculate parameters.

Answer 10

- PGF(2 alpha) treatments during early CL development reduced circulating P4 concentrations 7 d after G1 but did not effectively control CL and follicle function and was an ineffective model to test high vs. low serum P4 on fertility parameters in Holstein heifers.

Answer 11

- Supplementation decreased mRNA expression for glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), prostaglandin E synthase 3 (PTGES3), translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), mucin 1 (MUC1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1) in cytological smear samples. - For uterine tissue samples, supplementation increased the mRNA expression of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (SAAH), FGF7, GLUT4, and apolipoproteins 3 (APOL3), with an effect of time for APOL3 where its expression increased over time. - Supplementation during transition period and early lactation is beneficial for uterine immune response and metabolism in early lactation as indicated by the favorable expressions of genes affecting the uterine immunometabolism during such a challenging period

Answer 12

- Polymorphisms in mu-calpain (CAPN1) that beneficially associate with beef tenderness are reported to antagonistically associate with calving day in beef heifers and post-partum interval to estrus in beef cows. - Selecting for tenderness using genomic predictions had minimal or no antagonistic association with reproductive performance in heifers.

Answer 13

- In summary, inducing the formation of an accessory corpus luteum from d 5 to 7 of the estrous cycle with hCG reduced expression of estrus in multiparous Holstein cows. Moreover, hCG increased estrous cycle length in Holstein and Jersey cows, and it did not affect first service P/AI at 37 +/- 3 d post-AI in Holstein and multiparous Jersey lactating cows. However, hCG increased P/AI in primiparous Jersey cows

Answer 14

- Cows first ovulating before median Day 33 were classified as early, whereas those first ovulating after Day 33 were classified as late. - Compared with late ovulating cows, early ovulating cows had lesser (P < 0.05) concentrations of FFA, BHB, and haptoglobin on Days 0, 3, 7, and 14 after calving - Compared with late ovulating cows, early ovulating cows had lesser (P < 0.05) rectal temperatures (d0,3,7,14) and ear-surface temperatures. - Ear-surface temperatures began to decrease 4 d before parturition - Early ovulating cows tended (P = 0.07) to spend more time eating, and less (P = 0.02) time resting and being active during the first 3 wk after calving, and lost less (P = 0.03) BW and BCS - Although no differences were detected in yields of milk or energy-corrected milk during the first 9 wk after calving, early compared with late ovulating cows produced more (P < 0.01) milk protein. We concluded that metabolic measures during the first 2 wk after calving, and physical and behavioral traits are associated with the onset of postpartum ovarian activity

Answer 15

- Bovine dam prepartum body weight and calf size at birth were positively correlated with dried placental weights. - Determining placental dry matter weights is necessary to better characterize placental size compared with wet weights. - Primiparous dams and dams with low body condition at calving had reduced placental weights. - Proper nutritional management of pregnant cattle is necessary for optimal placental growth.

Answer 16

- Herds with high seroreactivity (>20%) had more reproductive problems. - Those with a predominance of Sejroe were associated with ED (P < 0.05), while those with Icterohaemorrhagiae were associated with abortion.

Answer 17

- MMP3 mRNA and protein levels significantly increased and positive correlative with severity of endometritis in vivo. - Likewise, MMP3 expression also positive correlative with intensity of LPS inflammatory response in vitro. - Increasing of MMP3 directly correlates with bovine endometritis and may contribute to progression of bovine endometritis

Answer 18

- Meloxicam administration before caesarean section had no effect on the incidence of retained placenta (18.2% of treated vs 25.0% of control cows, p = 0.35). - The pregnancy rate was higher in treated than in control cows (83.1% vs 67.8%, p = 0.04 after multivariate analysis) - Survival analysis showed that the median calving interval was 35 days shorter in the meloxicam (t50% = 417 days) compared to the control group (t50% = 452 days, p = 0.05). - A trend was also observed for culling rate to be lower in treated (4.7%) compared to control cows (13.3%, p = 0.09) In conclusion, this study suggests that there is a beneficial effect of meloxicam administration before caesarean section on reproductive performance in Charolais heifers.

Answer 19

- Lactations were divided into four time periods (<50d, 50 < d < 100,100 < d < 200 and 200 < d < 305). - Protein concentrations were also divided into three classes: 1-3%, 3-5%, 5-7%. - There was a negative relationship between MP% in the first 50 days of first lactation in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows and subsequent calving intervals. ▪ Calving intervals decreased as MP% increased and the shortest calving intervals were observed for the third class of milk protein concentrations.

Answer 20

- The average incidence of RP per cow over a year was 12.3% (ranged between 9.0 and 15.4%). - Each incidence of RP significantly reduced milk, fat and protein yields in primiparous and multiparous cows (P < 0.05). - The adverse effect of RP on the milk production was much higher in the cows at the early phase of lactation (i.e. 100-d lactation group) than the cows in mid or late lactation. ▪ The estimated production losses (+/- standard deviation) due to the RP event were 282.1 +/- 43.0 and 295.7 +/- 40.8 kg per cow for a 305-d lactation period in primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively. - The fertility performance was less affected by the RP in primiparous compared to multiparous cows. ▪ The average of days open increased by 8.3 +/- 5.3 and 19.8 +/- 7.1 d in primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively. - The financial losses associated with RP were on average US$ 350.4 and US$ 481.2 per incidence in primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively, ranged from US$ 311.9 to 456.2 depending on the parity number (primi-or multiparous) and herd management. - The highest financial losses due to RP were associated with reduction in milk production (38.5% of total loss) and low fertility (28.5% of total loss) had the highest contribution in in primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively

Answer 21

- Automated detection Vs FTAI with a 5d Cosynch 72 + P4 - There was no difference in overall P/AI or days to pregnancy between treatments. - However, number of AI was greater in the TAI than the AAM group. - For the first AI, the P/AI was less in the TAI compared to the AAM group; however, the interval to first AI was less in TAI. - There was a net gain of $11.97 per heifer when switching from a TAI to AAM protocol, due to the increased P/AI to the first AI and reduced cost of hormones Considering only the first AI, switching to an AAM collar and a larger herd size all increased the net gain. Considering a greater P/AI to the first AI in the TAI group, outsourcing AI, using more AAM ear tags, and smaller herd sizes resulted in a net loss when switching from TAI to AAM. The AAM system resulted in exceptional P/AI and may be an economically viable alternative to improve heifer reproductive efficiency in herds with suboptimal P/AI to TAI.

Answer 22

- In cows with assisted birth, oxytocin administration accelerated placental expulsion (P < 0.05) and improved several reproductive parameters, such as the number of services until conception (P < 0.05) and the calving to conception intervals (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. - On the other hand, oxytocin administration slightly accelerated placental expulsion (P < 0.05), but failed to improve fertility in cows with unassisted birth.

Answer 23

- THI – 58 in winter, 73 in summer. BS collected during each season. - In cows, total ghrelin levels differed between gestation stages in winter and summer (p < 0.04), while acylated ghrelin levels differed by gestation stage in winter (p < 0.001) but not in summer. - Both in cows and heifers, acylated ghrelin levels were lower in summer compared to winter, (p < 0.002). - During the summer months the low ghrelin levels might explain the reduced feed consumption of heat stressed animals.

Answer 24

- High postpartum plasma FFA concentrations affect the quantity of oocyte TAG: - Plasma FFA positively correlated with oocyte TAG (P < 0.05) - Oocyte TAG was higher during early lactation stages and in cows Vs heifers. - Oocyte FFA quantity and composition were stable regardless of lactation stage. - oocyte quality in postpartum cows may be impaired due to high circulating FFA concentrations.

Answer 25

- The mean level of tulathromycin in plasma was 75.8 +/- 40.2 ng/mL, which was lower than mean seminal plasma levels of 781 +/- 482 ng/mL (P = 0.001). - The plasma peak tulathromycin concentration (C-max) was 160 +/- 27 ng/mL at 21 +/- 6 h (T-max) post-administration. - Tulathromycin is a suitable antibiotic based in its pharmacokinetic properties that could be used for treatment of bull genital infections when its application is indicated.

Answer 26

- Primer (0.5 g); Prociclar (0.75 g); Sincrogest (1 g); or CIDR (1.9 g) - Overall, the devices resulted in distinct increases in circulating P4 concentrations over 10 d - Primer provided the lowest circulating P4 concentrations over time, whereas, CIDR had the greatest concentration - Greater circulating P4 concentrations, mainly during the first 3 d of device insertion, were associated with smaller DF diameters regardless of the treatment

Answer 27

- The mean serum P4 concentration was 8.84 ng/ml, higher (P < 0.0001) for females with the CLcav (11.31 ng/ml) than for those with the CLhom (7.15 ng/ml). - The PR was 36.1%, higher (P < 0.05) for recipients with the CLcav (47.7%) compared to the CLhom (29.9%). - The CLcav may give the embryo better chances of surviving the time of pregnancy recognition and in consequence, may have a positive effect on PR in heifers.

Answer 28

● On Days 230–239 of gestation during May through September (hotter months) cows with high (H, range of 33.67–38.89 °C, mean ± SEM = 32.9 ± 0.2 °C) or medium high (MH, 25.06–31.66 °C, 29.4 ± 0.2 °C) temperatures were grouped together (n = 209 per group). ● For comparable gestational days during October through April (colder months), cows with medium low (ML, 17.82–25.00 °C, 21.1 ± 0.2 °C) and low (L, −0.70 to 17.80 °C, 13.4 ± 0.2 °C) temperatures were grouped together (n = 216 per group). ● Prepartum traits including mean ear temperature, gestation length, days in milk at dry-off, days in close-up pen, previous 305-d milk yield, proportion of heifer calves born, and cow PTA for milk differed (P < 0.05) between seasons, but not between temperature groups within season, except predicted transmitting ability for milk was greater (P = 0.02) for ML than L cows. ● Postpartum treatment with antimicrobials occurred more (P = 0.02) often in H than MH cows, whereas more (P = 0.04) lameness and greater (P = 0.05) projected 305-d mature equivalent milk yield was observed in ML vs. L cows. ● Less (P = 0.04) prepartum eating time during the last 10 d before calving was detected in L than in ML cows, less (P = 0.06) rumination time in ML than L cows, and more (P = 0.03) activity time was observed in H than MH cows. ● After calving, H cows were more (P = 0.03) active than MH cows and ML cows tended (P = 0.07) to be more active than L cows. In conclusion, late gestational ear-surface temperatures were associated with some postpartum health disorders and modifications in daily eating, ruminating, and active times during the transition period of gravid heifers and dry cows.

Answer 29

● Venous pH, sO2, HCO3, and BE of calves with perinatal asphyxia were significantly lower than the healthy calves. ● sRAGE, sE-selectin, pCO2, and lactate were significantly high in calves with asphyxia. ● Also, pH, pCO2, lactate, HCO3, BE, and respiratory rate along with serum sRAGE and sE-selectin were useful indicators in the prediction of mortality

Answer 30

- For those heifers bearing a CL, pregnancy rate was greater in heifers with a 72 h proestrus length (77.0%, 134/174) than with 48 or 60 h proestrus length (67.7%, 107/158 and 68.5%, 111/162; respectively; P < 0.05). - In heifers without a CL, proestrus length did not affect pregnancy rate. - In summary, extending proestrus length by delaying the interval from device removal to GnRH/FTAI from 48 to 72 h, was associated with a greater diameter of the preovulatory follicle, greater proportion of heifers expressing estrus at the time of FTAI, and greater pregnancy rate in cycling beef heifers.

Answer 31

- Sperm from high fertility bulls had a higher curvilinear velocity and binding affinity to the oviductal epithelium compared to low fertility bulls. - Straight line velocity explained 18.9% of variation in bull sperm rheotaxis, but there was no significant difference between high and low fertility bulls in most of the sperm motility, kinematic and sperm functional parameters (namely, motility, average path velocity, linearity, straightness, amplitude of lateral head movement) - Differences in the kinematics of sperm motility and ability to bind to oviductal explants between high and low fertility bulls were modest and are unlikely to explain the inherent differences in fertility between these cohorts of bulls.

Answer 32

- In pregnant group CL area and CL tissue area were greater (P < 0.001) than those in non-pregnant group (n = 89) on and after Day 19. - Blood Flow Area (BFA) was greater (P < 0.05) in pregnant group on and after Day 18. - The overall central cavity incidence was lower (P < 0.001) and CCA was smaller (P < 0.001) in pregnant group. - The best single predictor for pregnancy diagnosis was BFA on Days 17–20 (sensitivity = 69%–100% and specificity = 65%–91%). - On Day 21, CL area or CL tissue area was the most accurate predictor (cutoff value = 267.78 mm2, sensitivity = 100%, and specificity = 100%). - The best set of predictors for pregnancy diagnosis was specified as the BFA and [CCA × BFA] pair. Setting BFA cutoff value in the cattle without central cavity at 55.26 mm2 yielded the highest sensitivity (97%) and specificity (88%) on Days 18–20.

Answer 33

- There was no difference in median AFC between home and contract-reared heifers (24.4 months). - At univariate level, variables significantly associated with AFC were occurrence of pyrexia before MSD, pre-breeding ADG, body weight and BCS. - When the frailty effect of farm was incorporated into the multivariable model, these variables were no longer significant, indicating wide variation in individual farm management practices not measured in this study. - Rearing strategy (home versus contract-rearing) did not significantly affect heifer AFC.

Answer 34

- The most abundant genera in the seminal microbiome include Bacteroides, Corynebacterium 1, Escherichia, Gemella, and S5-A14a (an uncultured bacterium from the Clostridiales order). - Bulls with satisfactory spermiograms had a higher abundance of sequence types belonging to many genera including Bacteroides, S5-A14a, Trueperella, and two methanogenic archaea genera Methanosphaera and Methanobrevibacter. - Comparatively, samples from bulls with unsatisfactory speriograms had greater abundance of sequence types belonging to Veillonellaceae, Campylobacter, and Methanobacterium. In the satisfactory group, Methanobrevibacter cooccurred with twelve amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), indicating that it may be important for maintenance of the microbiota in satisfactory samples, and members of this genus were enriched in the satisfactory group. Opportunistic pathogens such as Campylobacter, and Fusobacterium co-occurred with four and ten ASVs, respectively, in the unsatisfactory group, potentially indicating they are acting in synergy with other member of the microbial community, but only in the unsatisfactory group.

Answer 35

- Ejaculate volume and sperm concentration were not affected by treatment but the first ejaculate of the day (HF only) had a greater volume (P < 0.001) and sperm concentration (P < 0.05) than the second ejaculate. - HF had higher pre-freeze total (P < 0.01) and gross (P < 0.05) motility than LF. - HF had higher post-thaw (2 h) total and gross motility than LF (P < 0.05). - Ejaculate rejection rates did not differ between treatments. - There was no effect of treatment, week or ejaculate number of the day (HF only) on post-thaw motility and kinematic parameters or sperm viability, membrane fluidity, acrosome integrity and DNA fragmentation. - However, HF had lower superoxide production than LF (P < 0.05). - Pregnancy per artificial insemination was 64.5 ± 1.0% and 59.9 ± 1.1% for the HF and LF bulls, respectively (mean ± SEM; P = 0.05). - In conclusion, collecting ejaculates more frequently from young bulls significantly reduced the number of days required to obtain 1000 straws, increased semen quality in terms of lower superoxide production and increased field fertility.

Answer 36

- Odds for pregnancy by 120 DIM did not differ among clusters, however, cows in clusters SCH-3 and SCH-5 had lower odds for pregnancy by 200 DIM compared to HIGH (OR = 0.55, P = 0.02, and OR = 0.49, P = 0.004, respectively). - SCH-3 and SCH-5 had the highest (36% and 38%, respectively), while NORM and HIGH the lowest (16% and 17%, respectively) proportion of cows not inseminated for the 1st time by 120 DIM, - compared to HIGH, cows in SCH-5 had a lower hazard of pregnancy by 120 DIM (HR = 0.42, P = 0.005) - the proportion of open cows by 200 DIM for NORM and HIGH were 57% and 47%, respectively, while for SCH-3 and SCH-5 66% and 68%, respectively - compared to HIGH, SCH-3 (HR = 0.54, P = 0.008) and SCH-5 (HR = 0.50, P = 0.001) presented the lowest hazard for pregnancy by 200 DIM. - In conclusion, cows that during the entire first week after calving were continuously normocalcemic had the best reproductive performance, while those of SCH-3 and SCH-5 the worst.

Answer 37

cryopreserved bull semen comprises 95% of all kinds of semen that is used for artificial insemination in the dairy industry, -LN2 has been determined as the most suitable for using. Nevertheless, LN2 has some disadvantages like contaminations, affected by climatic and seasonal temperature changes, costs, labor force and human initiative. -it can be expected that storing frozen semen at lower temperatures than the freezing range does not harm semen. outcome: 1)Liquid nitrogen based frozen semen storage has lots of disadvantages. 2)Cryogenic deep freezers could be a feasible alternative with their low temperature. 3)Cryogenic deep freezers have negative effects on PMOT and STR, for 1-week storage. 4)Cryogenic deep freezers have no effect on fertility, for 1-week storage. 5)Cryogenic deep freezers might be a limited alternative to store frozen bull semen.

Answer 38

Outcome 1) Cortisol and testosterone concentrations were not different between bulls from the unsatisfactory and satisfactory groups. 2) The most common limb/foot lesions found in the unsatisfactory and satisfactory groups were laminitis-related. 3) The odds of a satisfactory BSE result were 4.4 times higher in not-lame bulls when compared with lame bulls.

Answer 39

1) Oxytetracycline long-acting presents satisfactory pharmacokinetics properties for the treatment of bull genital infections when its use is indicated. 2) The levels of oytetracycline in seminal plasma were 6 or more times higher than plasma levels. 3) The mean residency time of oxytetracycline in seminal plasma was longer than in plasma

Answer 40

In conclusion, high BCS has beneficial effects during the entire reproductive period, whereas TAI during heat stress, the presence of a pre- or postpartum disorder, a larger number of days to first TAI following calving, and TAI number (second or ≥ fifth) adversely affects the outcomes associated with pregnancy during the early or later breeding periods in lactating dairy cows undergoing Presynchronization-Ovsynch and successive resynchronization programs.

Answer 41

1) Corn or wheat in Jersey cows diet induced minimal change in circulating lipids. 2) Type of grain supplement did not affect embryo morphology or recovery rates. 3) Corn supplementation caused reduction in mitochondrial function in embryonic cells. 4) Lipids known to be associated with lower cryotolerance were affected by the diet. 5) Indirect mechanism of lipid uptake leading to mitochondria dysfunction is suspected. These treatment effects suggest an indirect mechanism potentially impacting embryo quality through mitochondrial dysfunction rather than direct lipid uptake.

Answer 42

Early pregnancy induces changes in plasma ISGs, TLRs, complement components. C1q can be used as an ideal marker for early pregnancy diagnosis in cows. Development of an immunochromatographic test strip for early pregnancy diagnosis. Accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis by this test strip was 91.67% (11/12) for pregnant cows and 80% (8/10) nonpregnant cows at day 18 after insemination. In conclusion, the changes in plasma ISGs, TLRs, complement components, EPF and PAPPA proteins may be related to the maternal systemic immune modulation during early pregnancy, and a colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip was developed for early pregnancy diagnosis using C1q as the ideal marker in cows. However, this colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip needs further studies to improve the accuracy.

Answer 43

Efficacy trials demonstrated significantly decreased somatic cell count to safe levels in milk samples of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells and UCB-MSC-extracellular vesicles treated groups compared to antibiotic group. The leucocytes expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, anti-microbial peptides, and angiogenic genes were significantly upregulated in UCB-MSCs and UCB-MSC-EVs treated groups as compared to antibiotic therapy group.

Answer 44

No serum components measured were within adult bovine reference intervals for all calves at all sampling times. All serum albumin concentrations were outside of reference intervals, and the majority of serum glucose, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, CK, GGT, and total bilirubin were outside of reference intervals. More serum chemistry measures diverged from reference intervals in the first 24 h of neonatal life. Rectal temperature decreased (P = 0.003) from 0 to 6 h of age, then increased (P ≤ 0.02) from 12 to 48 h.

Answer 45

- Structures from primiparous cows, from those with greater progesterone concentration at insemination, and from cows with seven or less accessory spermatozoa were less likely to be fertilized or of better quality than structures from multiparous cows, from those with lower progesterone concentration in plasma, and from those with more than seven accessory spermatozoa, respectively. - Embryos with more blastomeres or without nonviable blastomeres were more likely to be of better quality than embryos with fewer blastomeres or with nonviable blastomeres. - The results of this analysis highlight the importance of low circulating concentrations of progesterone near artificial insemination and potential positive association with number of accessory spermatozoa reaching the embryo and improvement of embryo development up to the morula stage.

Answer 46

- Our model suggests that reproductive strategies that use TAI have a better economic performance than those under NM. However, when performing three TAI with an interval of 40 days, the benefit was lower; in some cases, it was even worse than the ONM. Combining TAI with early pregnancy diagnosis resulted in better economic performance than other TAI programs and NM. The 2TAI/24 + NM scenario outperformed the others due to the contrast between its high income and moderate costs.

Answer 47

The results showed that cows with the number of inseminations to conception (INS) of ≥4 at a low parity had a higher probability of being RB again at subsequent parities compared with cattle with INS 1 or 2. - Additionally, the degree of the negative effect of an INS ≥4 on fertility and survival increased as they became older. On the other hand, cows with an INS of 2 had similar fertility and survival with those with an INS of 1. - In summary, this study suggests that repeat breeders at a low parity have a higher probability of RB again at subsequent parities compared with cattle with INS 1 or 2, and the negative effect of an INS ≥4 increases as parity increases.

Answer 48

- Estimated genetic correlations between RP and production traits (milk, fat, and protein yields) at 100, 200, and 305 d in milk ranged from -0.12 to -0.29; the greatest correlation (-0.29) was for the first 100 d in milk. - A moderate positive genetic correlation (0.25) was found for RP and DO, DFS, and NIC, whereas a low negative genetic correlation (-0.09) was found between RP and SFI. - The pedigree-based genetic analysis of RP showed that this trait has a low heritability, is linked to other reproductive disorders, and generally has an unfavorable relationship with production and fertility traits. Selection against RP can reduce the incidence of reproductive disorders and improve fertility and production traits. Selection against RP can reduce the incidence of reproductive disorders and improve fertility and production traits.

Answer 49

- The estimated heritabilities and repeatabilities of total number of embryos and oocytes were 0.30 and 0.43 by Poisson regression model (POI), 0.35 and 0.47 by zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression models, 0.27 and 0.36 by Gaussian mixed model (GAU), 0.21 and 0.31 by natural log-transformed records (LOG), and 0.24 and 0.35 by Anscombe's variance stabilizing transformation (ANS), respectively. - Those of number of good embryos were 0.29 and 0.36 by POI, 0.31 and 0.40 by ZIP, 0.18 and 0.25 by GAU, 0.19 and 0.24 by LOG, and 0.20 and 0.25 by ANS, respectively. Under the ZIP, the estimated heritabilities and repeatabilities of the probability of zero counts were 0.43 and 0.71 for TNE and 0.42 and 0.51 for NGE, respectively, and the rank correlations between estimated breeding values of the 1546 donor cows for superovulation response and those for the probability of zero count were around −0.40 for TNE and −0.50 for NGE.

Answer 50

- In cows with assisted birth, oxytocin administration accelerated placental expulsion (P < 0.05) and improved several reproductive parameters, such as the number of services until conception (P < 0.05) and the calving to conception intervals (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. - On the other hand, oxytocin administration slightly accelerated placental expulsion (P < 0.05), but failed to improve fertility in cows with unassisted birth.

Answer 51

- No significant difference was found for length of interovulatory interval, however, zebuine heifers presented a greater number of follicular waves, number of antral follicles on day of ovulation, and higher insulin concentration than the other two breeds. - Taurine heifers had highest maximal diameter of first wave dominant and ovulatory follicles and CL volume. - Bubaline heifers presented overall lowest progesterone concentrations and CL volume, but higher IGF1 levels. No difference was observed between taurine and zebuine heifers regarding IGF1 concentration. - Despite higher CL volume found in taurine heifers, no difference in mean progesterone concentration was observed between them and zebuine heifers. Insulin and IGF1 concentrations were greater in follicular phase than in luteal phase when breed was not evaluated. - After evaluating the three breeds simultaneously, at the same nutritional and management status it is possible to conclude that each genetic group has a specific follicular development and endocrinology of the estrous cycle.

Answer 52

● In conclusion, the study showed a high prevalence of SE in cows clinically cured after treatment of clinical endometritis with cephapirin or PGF2a and after self-healing. The prevalence of SE was significantly higher in cows with purulent vaginal discharge than with mucopurulent vaginal discharge. ● Therefore, in cows clinically recovered from clinical endometritis, the prevalence of SE should always be considered a negative consequence, and the resulting management of this uterine disease should be implemented at the herd level

Answer 53

● Based on the results of the present study, we conclude that Neospora caninum seropositive bulls do not have lower semen quality parameters compared with seronegative bulls.

Answer 54

● Regardless of calving season the total bacterial content in the vagina was greater on d 7 compared to d 21. While metritis incidence was increased in the warm season, the vaginal content of total bacteria, Escherichia coli, Trueperella pyogenes, Fusobacterium necrophorum and Prevotella melaninogenica were similar during the cool season and the warm season. ● Our data suggests that prepartum heat stress related to season of calving increased the incidence of metritis and persistence of uterine disease in the dairy cow independent of vaginal bacteria content.

Answer 55

● These data indicate that nutrient restriction did not alter mammary hemodynamics nor endocrine profile throughout gestation.

Answer 56

● No statistically significant differences were observed between gestational losses when the treatments or temperaments (excitable or adequate) were compared. ● In conclusion, the use of GnRH or P4LA, 7 days after insemination, improves pregnancy rates in excitable animals and is a viable alternative to minimize the negative impact of stress and improve reproductive efficiency in beef cattle.

Answer 57

- It can be concluded that the median number of CFU was higher in semen compared with penile mucosa, and flushing the preputial cavity either with 0.05% CHG or 1% POI maintained for 10 min reduced the number of CFUs from penile mucosa and semen. - The level of antiseptic activity was higher for CHG than for POI - 1% of povidone-iodine solution (POI; 500 mL) or 0.05% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG; 500 mL

Answer 58

- Compared with no presynchronization treatment those that included PGF2α or PGF2α and GnRH increased (P < 0.05) first P/AI. - Presynchronization had no association with P/AI for cows with BCS at calving <3.00 compared with those with BCS ≥3.00. - Daily milk yields at first AI differed among parities. - Daily milk yield at first AI decreased (P < 0.001) linearly as BCS at AI increased, with an exacerbated greater negative effect during summer. - More prebreeding loss in BCS was associated with more (P < 0.05) milk yield in first- and second-parity cows. - Cows having BCS ≥2.75 at AI had greater (P < 0.01) first P/AI than cows with BCS <2.75. - As BCS at first AI increased, P/AI increased in a linear (P = 0.04) fashion. - Increasing BCS at AI was associated with decreased (P = 0.01) pregnancy loss. - Multiparous cows tended (P = 0.06) to have greater P/AI when they calved with BCS ≥3.00 compared with <3.00. - Multiparous cows losing more than 0.5 units of BCS tended to have greater pregnancy losses ▪ second-parity cows (P = 0.09) ▪ third or greater (P < 0.001) parity. - We concluded that greater BCS at first AI was associated with improved P/AI, but magnitude of prebreeding BCS loss was not associated with P/AI. In contrast, more pregnancy loss was associated with more prebreeding BCS loss in multiparous cows. Cow having lesser BCS at AI and greater prebreeding loss in BCS produced more milk.

Answer 59

- echotextural differences were observed in placentomes in the last stage of pregnancy in cows, and there were significant changes in placental and uterine artery blood flow. These changes may be related to placental maturation, especially on the days close to birth.

Answer 60

- The risk for LEL was associated with serological titers to BVDV (P = 0.03) and tended to be associated with seroconversion to BVDV, given that 19.6% (9/46) in LEL and 6.5% (3/46) in NLEL cows seroconverted to BVDV (P = 0.09). - In addition, BVDV was detected in conceptuses from LEL cows that seroconverted to BVDV but not in LEL cows that did not seroconvert. - Conversely, the risk for LEL was not associated with the titers or seroconversion to BoHV-1 and N. caninum. BoHV-1 and N. caninum were not identified in any of the conceptuses. - Finally, blood progesterone concentration was similar in LEL and NLEL cows, and it was not associated with the risk for LEL (P = 0.54). In conclusion, BVDV infection is a risk factor for LEL in dairy cows.

Answer 61

⋅ When sperm were incubated in capacitating conditions, a higher percentage of viable sperm from HF bulls exhibited high membrane fluidity when compared to LF bulls (8.8 ± 0.8% and 5.8 ± 1.2%, respectively; mean ± standard error; P < 0.05). ⋅ There was no difference between fertility groups in the percentage of acrosome-reacted sperm following the incubation in in vitro capacitating conditions or following the induction of the acrosome reaction using calcium ionophore. ⋅ However, more sperm from HF bulls became hyperactive in response to caffeine stimulation than sperm from LF bulls (21.6 ± 2.5% versus 14.1 ± 2.4%, respectively; mean ± standard error; P < 0.05). Taken together, sperm from LF bulls had an impaired ability to undergo membrane remodulation and to hyperactivate when induced in vitro. These are key events in the journey of sperm along the female reproductive tract and in the interaction with the oocyte and thus could explain the lower field fertility exhibited by some bulls.

Answer 62

These results suggest that an imbalanced protein expression of IL-1β and IL-1Ra in the endometrium of dairy cows could be part of the maternal immune response mechanism necessary to propitiate early conception and probably to maintain pregnancy

Answer 63

Treatment with hCG resulted in a greater intensity of estrus expression and CL with a higher Doppler score, which determined rates of utilization, conception, and pregnancy similar to conventional protocols using eCG. However, nulliparous recipients treated with hCG exhibited a lower overall reproductive rate,

Answer 64

Therefore, administration of eCG on Day 5 of the designed protocol hastened ovulation of a greater follicle, which produced a larger CL and greater concentrations of progesterone by Day 9 after ovulation, resulting in 11.2% increase in cows pregnant

Answer 65

The study suggests that immune function of peripartal cows is in an active state and that, in addition to other well-known factors driving the changes of parameters herein investigated, cortisol could have a role in the immune-modulatory adjustment during peripartum in cows. Furthermore, it can be hypothesized that cortisol is transferred from the cow to newborn calf through the placenta only and not through colostrum, whereas IL-6 levels in calves during the 24 h after birth seem to be influenced by IL-6 values measured in cows around calving due to its transfer through colostrum.

Answer 66

Expectedly, the amount of damaged collagen was increased in the cervices of old cows. Increased HSP47 amounts were observed in the cervices from the old cows, but damaged collagen and HSP47 were not located in the same areas. The age differences were confirmed by western blotting using the anti-HSP47 antibody. These findings revealed the specific location and amounts of denatured collagen in the uterine cervices of old cows compared with those of heifers.

Answer 67

Our experiments reinforce the idea that exogenous DNases present in the semen should be considered as one of the primary contributing causes of sperm DNA fragmentation post ejaculation. In the case of the bull, post-thaw incubation of commercial straws contaminated with bacteria, resulted in increased levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, most likely associated with DNase activity (potentially restriction endonucleases) derived from the bacteria. Such adverse changes in sperm DNA fragmentation, as described here in vitro, may be also operative after insemination in the female reproductive tract (in vivo) and highlight the importance of implementing high levels of hygiene practice during semen processing, especially in light of future trends of bacterial resistance to the common antibiotics used in semen diluents

Answer 68

In conclusion these findings show, that lipid alteration caused by oxidative stress is one essential reason for highly augmented acrosome reacted spermatozoa in bad freezer bulls. Therefore, increased use of antioxidants in the extender could be a possible starting point for developing individualized extenders for bad freezer bulls of high genetic value, in order to raise sperm quality after cryopreservation even in those bulls

Answer 69

⋅ Plasma prolactin decreased markedly during treatment (−52.4%; Experimental period p < 0.01). ⋅ Rectal temperature increased during the treatment and post-treatment periods (EP p < 0.01) but was within the normal physiological range. ⋅ Bull weight increased during the study (EP p < 0.01). ⋅ Scrotal circumference in low ergot group increased during treatment (+0.8 cm; Tx∗EP p = 0.05). ⋅ Progressive motility in high ergot group decreased during treatment (−7%; Tx∗EP p = 0.05), however, semen volume and sperm concentrations were unaffected (p ≥ 0.11). ⋅ Live sperm with high and medium MMP decreased during treatment (−1.4 and −3.7%; EP p < 0.01). Results suggest that feeding ≤2227 μg ergot alkaloids/kg has only minor effects on adult bull semen quality

Theriogenology Flashcards

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