Post partum subclinical hypocalcaemia and effects on ovarian function and uterine involution in a dairy herd.

Episodes of subclinical hypocalcaemia occurred in the first 6 weeks after calving in 6 out of 12 multiparous Friesian cows calving in the winter period and 7 out of 23 calving in the summer in a subtropical environment. In the winter calving group, there were significant (P< 0.05) decreases in mean plasma calcium concentrations (PTCa) on days 6, 27 and 36 after calving in those animals unable to maintain PTCa >2.0 mmol/L in the first 21 days. These cows had a significantly higher mean body weight and higher mean milk production than normocalcaemic cows. In the summer calving group, the seven cows with episodes of subclinical hypocalcaemia had significantly lower mean PTCa over periods of 21 and 60 days. Intervals until involution of the uterus were negatively (P< 0.05) correlated with mean PTCa over the first 21 and 30 days after calving in the winter and summer calving groups (r = -0.62 and -0.42), respectively. The mean size of the first ovulated follicles was significantly smaller in cows showing episodes of subclinical hypocalcaemia in the winter group and the mean number of ovulatory size follicles was less in these cows at 15 days (P< 0.001) (1.2 +/- 0.17 vs 2.3 +/- 0.21) and at 30 days (P< 0.03) (3.5 +/- 0.43 vs 5.2 +/- 0.54). During the first three dioestrus periods, mean plasma progesterone concentration as a function of corpus luteum area was significantly lower (P< 0.05) in the cows with episodes of subclinical hypocalcaemia in the winter group.     

Colour Doppler sonography of cystic ovarian follicles in cows

The goals of the present study were to investigate whether colour Doppler sonography can be used to differentiate temporary from persistent ovarian follicles and follicles with luteal tissue from follicles without luteal tissue and to assess the response of follicular cysts to administration of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue. Fifty-four cows having ovarian follicular structures with a diameter of >15 mm but no corpus luteum were included. These cows were examined via B-mode and colour Doppler sonography. The same examinations were repeated 10 to 12 days later, and the cows with follicular cysts (n=17) received a GnRH analogue. Blood flow was measured before and 30 min after treatment. Ten to 12 days later, the response to treatment was assessed using B-mode sonography. While 31 of 54 follicles disappeared spontaneously (temporary follicles), 23 follicles persisted and were diagnosed as cystic ovarian follicles (COFs). There was no difference between temporary follicles and COFs in regard to total area, wall thickness or the perfused area. In the luteinized follicles (n=13), based on the plasma progesterone concentration, total area was twice as large, wall thickness was three times greater and the perfused area was 4.5 times larger than those of the non-luteinized follicles (n=41). The sensitivity of diagnosing luteinized follicles was 61.5% using B-mode sonography and 92.3% using colour Doppler sonography. Twelve cows responded to GnRH, and five cows did not. There was a trend (P=0.07) toward higher (59.3%) blood flow in the cyst wall 30 min after treatment in the responding cows compared with the non-responding cows. Our results showed that the perfused area more accurately reflects active luteal tissue than wall thickness. Thus, colour Doppler sonography is superior to B-mode sonography for differentiating follicular and luteal cysts and aids in the selection of treatment. However, exact prediction of COFs destined to regress or persist and the response of COFs to treatment with a GnRH analogue were not possible using colour Doppler sonography.     

Body condition and frequency of ovarian cysts in Brown Swiss cows during the first 40 days of lactation

For this investigation 50 Brown Swiss cows from 21 different farms were used. Twenty-five peripartal overconditioned cows (back fat thickness > 38 mm) were compared with 25 peripartal not overconditioned animals (back fat thickness < 38 mm). On days 20, 30 and 40 post partum the ovaries were examined sonographically and 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 days after calving plasma concentrations of progesterone and 17-beta estradiol were determined. In peripartal overconditioned animals 12 ovarian cysts were found while only one cyst was present in not overconditioned cows (P < 0.05). At first examination all ovarian cysts were classified by ultrasound as follicle theca cysts (progesterone < 0.5 ng/ml plasma). Follow examinations resulted in 3 cysts which persisted as theca cysts while 8 cysts became luteinized and 2 cysts completely regressed. There was no indication of increased plasma progesterone and/or estradiol concentrations in overconditioned cows with higher fat deposit before of ovarian cysts had occurred.     

Seasonal effects on estrous behavior and time of ovulation in nonlactating beef cows

Estrous behavior and time of ovulation relative to the onset of estrus were determined in mature Angus x Hereford cows (n = 17 to 21 each season) during summer, winter, and spring for 2 yr. Estrous behavior was evaluated during the first of two consecutive estrous periods, and time of ovulation was determined during the second estrus. Concentrations of progesterone were quantified in twice weekly blood samples to ensure all cows had normal estrous cycles. The HeatWatch system was used to measure the duration of estrus, number of mounts received per estrus, and duration of the longest interval between mounts received. Commencing 16 h after the onset of the second estrus, transrectal ultrasonography was performed every 4 h until the dominant follicle was no longer present on the ovary, and time of ovulation was defined as 2 h preceding the absence of the dominant follicle. There was a seasonal effect on the duration of estrus; cows were estrus longer in summer (17.6 +/- 0.8 h) than in winter (15.5 +/- 0.8 h; P = 0.07) or spring (13.9 +/- 0.9 h; P < 0.05). Cows were mounted more times per estrus (P < 0.05) in winter (59.0 +/- 5.3) than in summer (43.6 +/- 5.3) or spring (38.2 +/- 5.8). Intervals between mounts of estrous cows were longer (P < 0.05) in summer (4.1 +/- 0.4 h) than in spring or winter (2.7 +/- 0.4 h). During all seasons, cows were mounted more times (P < 0.01) between 0600 to 1200 (3.2 +/- 0.2 mounts received/h of estrus) than during other times of the day (2.1 +/- 0.2 mounts received/h of estrus). Cows ovulated 31.1 +/- 0.6 h after the onset of estrus, and time of ovulation was not influenced by season. We conclude that season influences estrous behavior of beef cows; cows are mounted more times per estrus in winter than in summer or spring. Time of ovulation relative to the onset of estrus is constant during all seasons and averages 31.1 h.     

Changes in the ovary and the peripheral concentrations of sex hormones after the aspiration of follicular fluid from the spontaneous follicular cysts of dairy cows

The aim of the present study was to clarify the ovarian and hormonal dynamics after the aspiration of follicular fluid in cows with follicular cysts. Follicular fluid was aspirated from the follicular cysts and follicles that were fated to become cystic follicles and other coexisting normal follicles, respectively, in lactating cows (n = 3). After the aspiration procedure, new follicles developed and reached a diameter of 25 mm without ovulation within 13–19 days. The plasma concentrations of inhibin decreased and follicle-stimulating hormone increased rapidly after the aspiration procedure, and subsequently increased and decreased, respectively, as a new follicle grew. No luteal structures developed after the aspiration procedure, and the animals’ plasma progesterone levels remained low. The present study indicates that the cystic follicles are never luteinized by the aspiration of follicular fluid, and consequently, new follicular cysts are observed to repeatedly develop.     

提高奶牛受胎率的卵泡和黄体活动调控研究

在夏季和秋季对经产荷斯坦奶牛进行定时排卵-输精程序（TAI）处理并在输精后进行HCG处理（第5d和第10d分别肌注HCG2000IU／头），另于冬季单独对自然发情人工授精母牛进行输精后HCG处理。从各季节HCG处理组及其对照组中抽取部分奶牛，在输精后第0d（输精当天）、7d、14d、和21d分别采血，以测定孕酮和雌二醇水平。所有试验牛在输精后45-60d进行直肠妊娠检查以确定是否受胎。结果显示：夏季TAI＋HCG组、TAI组、对照组母牛输精后的受胎率差异不显著（p〉0．05），分别为26．67％（4／15）、16．67％（2／12）和10．71％（3／28）。秋季TAI＋HCG组、TAI组、对照组情期受胎率差异也不显著（p〉0．05），分别为：55．00％（11／20）、42．11％（8／19）和31．43％（11／35）。冬季HCG组和对照组的受胎率分别为63．16％（12／19）和45．00％（9／20）（P〉0．05）。在夏秋冬三个季节，输精后HCG处理相应显著提高第7d、14d和21d血液中孕酮水平（p〈0．05），但稍稍降低雌二醇水平（p〉0．05），显著降低E2／P比值（p〈0．05）。与受胎率的差异相关，秋冬季各组牛输精后血浆P水平高于（p〉0．05）或（极）显著高于（p〈0．01或p〈0．05）夏季相应组；血浆E2水平则稍高于（p〉0．05）夏季相应组。以上结果说明，TAI单独处理可以将受胎率提高约10～15个百分点；输精后单独HCG处理可以将爱胎率又提高约10-15个百分点，这主要是促进黄体功能的结果，而且提高的幅度在秋冬季要高于夏季。     

Plasma progesterone concentrations in dairy cows with cystic ovaries and clinical responses following treatment with fenprostalene

Sixty-two dairy cows diagnosed as having cystic ovarian degeneration were used to study the correlation between rectal palpation findings and plasma progesterone concentrations and the response of cysts to treatment using fenprostalene, a luteolytic agent. Rectal palpation accurately determined the presence of luteal cysts as confirmed by plasma progesterone concentrations of 3 ng/mL or more. Treatment with fenprostalene was very effective for luteal cysts: a high percentage of treated cows exhibited estrus within seven days after treatment. The conception rate following artifical insemination during the induced estrus was 87.5% (21/24). Rectal palpation was much less accurate for the diagnosis of follicular cysts. Cows diagnosed as having follicular cysts had wide variations in plasma progesterone concentrations. Response to fenprostalene treatment was poor in cows with nonluteinized cystic follicles associated with low progesterone concentrations. However, cows diagnosed as having follicular cysts, but with progesterone concentrations of 1 ng/mL or more, responded better to fenprostalene treatment than cows with low progesterone concentrations.

It was concluded that, if correctly diagnosed, luteal cysts can be successfully treated with fenprostalene, and conception rates following treatment can be expected to be normal.

     

Suppression of ovarian progesterone production in dairy cows using an implant of GnRH-agonist (deslorelin) for the purpose of evaluating progesterone metabolism

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential of an implant of a GnRH-agonist (deslorelin) to create a progesterone free animal suitable for studying progesterone (P4) metabolism in intact cows by measuring blood P4 and faecal P4 metabolites. METHODS: Experiment 1: Eighteen non-lactating cycling Holstein-Friesian cows, 4 to 7 years old, were allocated to one of three groups to study plasma P4 concentrations preceding an intravaginal insert. These groups comprised: i) a deslorelin group (GnRH-agonist implanted); ii) a PGF group receiving two injections of prostaglandin (PGF2alpha) 12 days apart; and, iii) an ovariectomised (OVX) group. An intravaginal device (CIDR) was inserted into the vagina of each animal and left in place for 11 days. Plasma P4 concentrations were measured during the study period. Experiment 2: Twelve non-lactating cycling Holstein-Friesian cows, 4 to 7 years old, were allocated to two groups: i) a deslorelin group (GnRH-agonist implanted); and ii) an ovariectomised group. Plasma P4 and faecal P4 metabolites (20-oxo-pregnanes, 20alpha-OH and 20beta-OH) were monitored for a period of 5 weeks. RESULTS: Experiment 1: Average plasma P4 concentration did not differ between the three groups (1.28, 1.43 and 1.55 ng/mL for deslorelin, OVX and PGF cows, respectively, P = 0.8) during the period of supplementation. Experiment 2: There was no difference in plasma P4 (mean plasma P4 < 0.02 ng/mL, P = 0.9) and faecal P4 metabolites between deslorelin and OVX cows 2 weeks after the implantation (P = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: These data showed that a GnRH-agonist (deslorelin) implant may be used as an alternative to ovariectomy to create a progesterone free animal suitable for studying the metabolism of administered P4.     

Administration of progesterone to cows with ovarian follicular cysts results in a reduction in mean LH and LH pulse frequency and initiates ovulatory follicular growth

Cows with ovarian follicular cysts were treated with progesterone to determine whether a reduction in LH concentrations and initiation of ovulatory follicular waves would occur. Cysts were diagnosed using transrectal ultrasonography when single follicular structures > 20 mm or multiple structures > 15 mm in diameter were present for 7 d in the presence of low progesterone concentrations. Three groups were studied: 1) cows with normal estrous cycles (CYC, n = 8); 2) cows with untreated cysts (CYST, n = 7); and 3) cows with cysts treated with two progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices (PRID, n = 8) for 9 d. Ovaries were examined with transrectal ultrasonography, and blood samples were collected daily for analysis of progesterone and FSH. Serial blood samples for determination of mean LH and LH pulse frequency were collected on d 0 (CYST and PRID cows only), 1, 5, 9, and 10. Progesterone concentrations were higher in PRID cows than in CYST cows throughout the PRID treatment period (P < .002). On d 0, LH pulse frequency was similar (P = .10) in PRID (6.6+/-.6 pulses/8 h) and CYST cows (5.1+/-.6 pulses/8 h), but mean LH tended to be higher (P = .054) on d 0 in PRID cows (2.5+/-.2 ng/mL) than in CYST cows (1.9+/-.2 ng/mL). Mean LH and LH pulse frequency decreased (P < .002) by d 1 in PRID cows (1.1+/-.2 ng/mL, 1.8+/-.6 pulses/8 h) compared with CYST cows (2.1+/-.2 ng/mL, 5.6+/-.6 pulses/8 h) and remained lower throughout most of the experimental period. The FSH concentrations were higher (P < .01) in PRID cows than in CYC and CYST cows on d 3 and 4. The increase in FSH concentrations preceded emergence of the PRID-induced follicular wave. All PRID cows and four of seven CYST cows initiated new follicular waves during the period of PRID treatment. Follicular waves were initiated later (P < .05) in CYST cows (d 5.2+/-1.7) and PRID cows (d 5.5+/-.6) than in CYC cows (d 1.8+/-.3). Cysts were smaller (P < .01) at the end of the treatment period in PRID cows compared with CYST cows. No CYST cows ovulated, but all PRID cows ovulated newly developed follicles 3 or 4 d after PRID removal. Treatment with exogenous progesterone reduced LH in cows with cysts, and this was followed by development of normal ovulatory follicles.     

热应激对奶牛血液中内毒素含量和抗氧化指标的影响

选用16头健康的中国荷斯坦奶牛,随机分为两个处理（夏季组和冬季组）,每个处理8个重复,每个重复1头牛。当夏季组奶牛牛舍温湿度指数（THI）〉72的时间连续达到15d,冬季组牛舍THI〈72的时间连续达到15d时,颈静脉采血15mL制备血清,检测血清中内毒素、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）的活性,以及丙二醛（MDA）的含量。结果表明：夏季热应激可导致奶牛血清内毒素、MDA含量极显著升高,SOD和GSH-Px活性极显著和显著（P〈0.05）下降。     

Effects of induced hypothyroidism on ovarian response to superovulation in Brahman (Bos indicus) cows.

To evaluate the effects of hypothyroidism on ovarian function, multiparous, nonlactating Brahman cows (n = 18) were assigned randomly to dietary treatments containing either 0 (C; n = 9) or 4 mg x kg BW(-1) x d(-1) 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU; n = 9), to suppress thyroid function, in the feed concentrate. Weekly changes in BW and body condition score (BCS) were recorded. Dietary treatments began on d 10 of the estrous cycle. Ten days after the first treatment estrus, all cows received daily i.m. injections of 25 IU of porcine FSH over a 3-d period. Seven days after AI, embryos were collected nonsurgically, and the ovaries were removed via midflank laparotomy. Based on thyroxine (T4) concentrations after 49 d of treatment, five cows were hypothyroid (H-PTU) and four were partially suppressed (P-PTU). Cows in the PTU group had greater (P<.01) ADG, (P<.05) ovarian weights, and numbers of large (> or =8 mm) (P<.05) follicles. Cows in the PTU group had lower embryo recovery rate (P<.001), fertilization rate (P<.001), and percentage of blastocysts (P<.1) than C cows. The H-PTU cows had greater numbers of luteinized follicles (P<.06), greater concentrations of progesterone (P4) in the follicular fluid at all size categories (P<.1), and greater numbers of corpora lutea (P<.05) than C cows. The ratio of luteal to serum P4 on d 7 was greater (P<.05) in hypothyroid cows. Induced hypothyroidism improved weight gain and BCS, increased ovarian response to FSH, and affected ovulation, fertility, and P4 secretion in superovulated Brahman cows.     

Effect of trenbolone acetate on ovarian function in culled dairy cows

The ovarian cycles of 48 culled dairy cows were monitored by assaying plasma progesterone concentrations. Twenty-four cows received a subcutaneous implant of 300 mg trenbolone acetate (Finaplix; Hoechst) at the beginning of the study. Of the implanted cows, two were pregnant, six continued to cycle although their peak progesterone concentrations were significantly lower than in control cows (5.65 +/- 0.71 compared with 8.19 +/- 0.47 ng/ml; P less than 0.01). Prolonged periods (13 to 92 days) of low progesterone concentrations (less than 1 ng/ml) occurred in 12 of the implanted cows. In six of seven cows in which normal cycles had not resumed by the time of slaughter two to five ovarian follicles of diameter greater than or equal to 10 mm were found post mortem. Persistent luteal function (greater than 35 days) occurred in the absence of pregnancy or gross uterine pathology in five of the implanted cows, two of which had recovered spontaneously by the time they were slaughtered. There was no difference in plasma luteinising hormone concentrations between the implanted and control cows. It is concluded that trenbolone acetate affected the ovarian cycle of the cows in several ways through changes other than the modification of tonic luteinising hormone secretion.     

Comparison of different methods of diagnosis of cystic ovarian disease in cattle and an assessment of its treatment with a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device

The aims of this study were to assess the accuracy of different common methods of differentiating between follicular and luteal ovarian cysts, and to monitor the response of the cysts to 12 days treatment with a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID). On the basis of agreement between the different methods, 25 of the 46 cases examined were diagnosed as follicular and 14 as luteal cysts; for the other seven cases the methods disagreed. The use of ultrasound was more accurate in diagnosing follicular cysts than luteal cysts, and combined with plasma progesterone concentrations gave the most accurate assessment of cyst type (92 per cent for follicular cysts and 82 per cent for luteal cysts). The mean (se) plasma progesterone concentration was lower in the cows with follicular cysts than in those with luteal cysts (0.29 [0.05] v 3.90 [0.63] ng/ml; P<0.05). Luteal cysts had thicker walls (5.3 [0.04] v 2.5 [0.2] mm; P<0.0001), and the wall thickness of all the cysts was positively correlated with plasma progesterone concentration (r=0.52, P<0.0004). Cows with luteal cysts had more additional follicles greater than 5 mm in diameter (P<0.01). In cows with follicular cysts and other follicles greater than 5 mm in diameter, the mean oestradiol concentration was 7.9 (1.8) pg/ml compared with 24.2 (3.1) pg/ml (P=0.002) in cows without other follicles greater than 5 mm in diameter on either ovary. At the time of PRID removal, plasma progesterone concentration had increased in the cows with follicular cysts to 1.59 (0.06) ng/ml (P<0.05) and decreased in the cows with luteal cysts to 0.87 (0.01) ng/ml (P<0.05), although there was no change in original cyst structure in 45 per cent of the cases. However, new ovarian structures were frequently observed during the treatment. The overall pregnancy rate for cows with both types of cyst after treatment was 50 per cent after three inseminations, but the first service pregnancy rate was only 18 per cent for cows with follicular cysts and 28 per cent for cows with luteal cysts. After treatment, the fertility of cows with follicular cysts was similar to that of paired herdmates, whereas cows with luteal cysts took 40 days longer to calve again than healthy herdmates. However, the culling rate was higher for cows with follicular cysts (41 v 11 per cent).     

Follicular progesterone levels decrease during the period of seasonal infertility in sows

Impaired reproductive performance exhibited by the domestic sow during the late summer and early autumn months is referred to as seasonal infertility. This study was carried out to determine whether there are changes in ovarian morphology and follicular steroidogenesis associated with season, which may be associated with seasonal infertility. Ovaries were collected in pairs from sows sourced from two farms and slaughtered 4 days after weaning during winter and summer. The mean progesterone concentration in follicular fluid (FF) collected from small follicles was lower in summer (701.3 ± 115.54 nm) compared with winter (1235.55 ± 164.47 nm; p<0.001). The mean progesterone concentration in the FF of large follicles was also lower in summer (1469.2 ± 156.51 nm) compared with winter (2470.9 ± 169.13 nm; p<0.001). The number of large surface antral follicles (5-8 mm in diameter) on the ovaries recovered from Farm A sows was higher during summer (17.76 ± 0.56) than in winter (15.38 ± 0.54; p<0.05). Similarly, the number of small follicles (3-4 mm in diameter) on Farm A sow ovaries was higher in summer (8.46 ± 0.66) than in winter (4.63 ± 0.53; p<0.001). In contrast, the number of small follicles on the surface of ovaries recovered from Farm B sows was higher during winter (10.17 ± 1.50) than in summer (6.45 ± 1.00; p<0.01). The number of pre-ovulatory follicles (>8 mm in diameter) was also higher in winter (1.23 ± 1.68) when compared to summer (0.51 ± 0.3; p<0.001) on the ovaries of sows from Farm B. The results suggest that there are seasonal differences in follicular steroidogenesis and ovarian dynamics. These findings add support to the theory that altered follicular steroidogenesis and ovarian morphology may possibly be the mechanism behind reduced reproductive performance during the period of seasonal infertility in sows.     

Effect of a single injection of progesterone on ovarian follicular cysts in lactating dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of a single injection of progesterone on the lifespan of ovarian follicular cysts and to examine the fate of follicles that mature following treatment. Lactating Holstein and Jersey cows with ovarian follicular cysts were identified by rectal palpation. The ovaries of cystic cows were then examined by transrectal ultrasonography three times weekly to monitor formation of new follicular cysts. Cows with newly formed follicular cysts were treated either with a single injection of progesterone (200 mg, IM, n = 11) or corn oil vehicle (n = 7). Venous blood samples were collected daily for quantification of progesterone. Blood sampling and ultrasonography continued until ovulation or a new follicular cyst formed. Treatment reduced the lifespan of the cyst by 12 days, from 29.8 +/- 2.3 days in control cows to 17.2 +/- 1.8 days in progesterone-treated cows (P = 0.01). Progesterone treatment also tended to alter the frequency of subsequent follicular events. Ovulation occurred in 4/11 cows that were treated with progesterone whereas none of the vehicle treated cows ovulated (P = 0.07). In conclusion, a single injection of 200mg of progesterone, administered early in the life of an ovarian follicular cyst, shortened its lifespan and in some cases was followed by ovulation of a new follicle.     

Effect of summer heat environment on body temperature,estrous cycles and blood antioxidant levels in Japanese Black cow

This study investigated the effect of summer heat environment on estrous cycles and blood antioxidant levels in Japanese Black cows. A total of 13 non‐lactating Japanese Black cows (summer: 9, winter: 4) were examined. Body temperature was measured rectally and intravaginally using a thermometer and data logger, respectively. Estrous behavior was monitored using a radiotelemetric pedometer that recorded walking activity. Rectal temperatures were higher during summer than winter (P < 0.001). There was an acute increase in vaginal temperature at the onset of estrus during winter but such an increase was not observed during summer. Walking activity during estrus decreased dramatically in the summer compared to the winter. Duration of estrous cycle was longer in summer (23.4 days, P < 0.05) than winter (21.5 days), and the subsequent rise in progesterone concentrations following estrus tended to be delayed in summer. The level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in peripheral blood cells was higher during summer (P < 0.05), while the levels of superoixde dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione were lower (P < 0.05). These results indicate that high ambient temperature during summer increases both body temperature and oxidative stress, and also reduces signs of estrus in Japanese Black cows.     

The effects of duration and concentration of plasma progesterone on the fertility of post-partum cows treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin and intravaginal progesterone

The effects of duration of insertion of progesterone releasing devices (PRIDs) on the concentrations of plasma progesterone (plasma P4) and the relationship of these with fertility were examined respectively in ovariectomised and intact Bos taurus cattle. In experiment 1, ovariectomised cows (n = 14) were treated with PRIDs to produce high and low plasma P4 for 7 or 14 days giving 4 treatment groups designated H7, H14, L7 or L14. Mean plasma P4 in the H14 and L14 groups were 6.6 and 6.0 ng/ml respectively, during the first week and 5.4 and 3.8 ng/ml respectively, during the second. Mean plasma P4 of 6.3 and 4.2 ng/ml were observed in H7 and L7. In experiment 2, suckled cows (n = 171) received the same PRID treatments as cows in experiment 1, plus either 375 or 750 iu pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin, and subsequent calving rates were recorded. These were significantly lower after L7 than the other treatments (12% v 38%, P less than 0.025). These results showed that fertility after oestrus was closely related to plasma P4 observed before oestrus and indicated that treatment with progesterone for as little as 1 week can produce normal fertility providing plasma P4 attain a critical threshold during treatment.     

Comparison of the Hormonal and Chemical Composition of the Fluid from Bovine Ovarian Follicles and Cysts

Contents Cystic ovaries and ovaries with pre-ovulatory follicles (POF) of cows were collected at the slaughter house and progesterone (P4), estradiol-l7β (E2), testosterone (T), IGF-I (selected samples only), glucose and lactate were determined in cystic and follicular fluid. According to the levels of P4 and E2, ovarian cysts were classified as luteinized cysts (LC; P4: 345.14 ng/ml, E2: 3.34 ng/ml), follicular cysts (FC; P4: 25.41 ng/rnl, E2 336.51 ng/ml) and mixed-function cysts (MfC; P4: 59.43ng/ml, E2: 76.62ng/ml). There were no differences in steroid hormone and IGF-I concentrations between FC and POF. In LC, glucose levels were lower and lactate levels were higher than in FC, MfC and POF, indicating a changed metabolic pattern. In polycystic ovaries, five times the combination LC X FC and three times the combination LC x MfC was found. From this, it was concluded that the final events leading to cyst formation are controlled by intrafollicular/intraovarian mechanisms rather than systemic mechanisms.     

产犊季节对荷斯坦牛第一胎泌乳性能的影响

[目的]为了研究不同产犊季节对荷斯坦奶牛第一胎泌乳性能的影响,以便为长江中下游地区荷斯坦奶牛合理安排配种时间提供科学依据。[方法]利用海丰奶牛场有限公司2009年引进2480头澳系进口荷斯坦牛产犊季节及其第一胎泌乳性能的数据,分析不同产犊季节对第一胎泌乳天数、全泌乳期实际产奶量、305d校正奶量、305d脂肪产量和305d蛋白产量的影响。[结果]表明:不同产犊季节对第一胎泌乳天数和全泌乳期产奶量影响极显著(P0.01),显著影响305天脂肪产量(0.01P0.05),春季产犊的奶牛泌乳天数最长(358±10d),而冬季产犊的奶牛泌乳天数最短(299±18d),春季与夏季产犊奶牛的全泌乳期产奶量显著高于秋季、冬季产犊奶牛(P0.05),夏季产犊奶牛305d脂肪产量最高。[结论]综合各产犊季节样本量及相应泌乳性能,认为该场澳系进口荷斯坦牛最适宜产犊季节为夏末秋初,此时泌乳性能最好。该结果对同类地区引进澳系进口荷斯坦牛繁殖与生产管理有借鉴作用。     

Seasonal fertility differences in synchronised dairy cows: ultrasonic, metabolic and endocrine findings

The aim of this study was to identify relationships among seasonal differences of fertility, metabolic parameters and appearance of irregular luteal forms in high-yielding dairy cows. Holstein-Friesian cows were put on the Provsynch regimen in winter (n = 10) and in summer (n = 10). Blood sampling (starting 35 days post partum) and rectal ultrasound examinations (starting post insemination) were carried out once a week in each examination period. Metabolic [plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and serum beta-carotene] and endocrine parameters [plasma thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and insulin levels] were measured. In summer, two cows were excluded from the study because of metritis and none of the remaining animals became pregnant, but 6 of the 8 cows had irregular luteal forms (ILF) on their ovaries. In winter, one cow was excluded because of metritis and 6 of the 9 cows became pregnant, while 2 of the 3 open cows had irregular luteal forms. In summer the mean plasma NEFA and BHB concentrations were significantly higher, while serum carotene and plasma IGF-I concentrations were significantly lower than in winter. The high plasma NEFA concentration found in summer seemed to be in association with the lower body condition score (BCS) caused by depressed appetite. In conclusion, statistical analysis supports the hypothesis that increased plasma NEFA and BHB and decreased plasma IGF-I concentrations may result in reduced fertility in summer. These changes may be associated with the more frequent appearance of ILFs and probably have a negative effect on ovarian function and/or oocyte quality.