Biological rhythms related to metabolism in Japanese Shorthorn cattle under varying environments and management techniques

Plasma insulin (INS), thyroxin (T₄), glucose (GLU), non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), rectal temperature (RT) and eating behavior were evaluated in Japanese Shorthorn cattle under varying external environments and management techniques. Serial blood collection and assessments of RT and eating behavior were performed over 48 h in the spring, summer, autumn and winter in four female cattle reared under either free‐stall and ad libitum feeding (FA) conditions or tie‐stall and restricted feeding (TR) conditions. Cycle patterns for each parameter were examined using spectral analysis, and correlations between parameters were investigated using cross‐spectral analysis. Rhythms for all parameters, except eating behavior and T₄, did not differ significantly among the varied external environments and between management techniques, although seasonal differences in the concentration or value of parameters were observed. An approximate 3‐ or 4‐h rhythm cycle detected in T₄, GLU, NEFA, BUN, and RT might be the common metabolic rhythm. Under both conditions, the metabolite levels showed strong correlations with eating behavior. Moreover, GLU positively correlated with INS at lag time of 0 h, as did eating behavior and RT.     

Effects of nutritional status on hormone concentrations of the somatotropin axis and metabolites in plasma and colostrum of Japanese Black cows

We aimed to determine the effects of nutritional status on concentrations of somatotropic axis hormones (growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1)), insulin and metabolites (glucose, total protein and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA)) in the plasma and colostrum in late antepartum cows. Eight pregnant Japanese Black cows were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (n = 4 per group). Control cows (CON) received 100% of their nutritional requirements until parturition, whereas restricted group cows (RES) received 60% of their nutritional requirements. Blood samples were taken during the antepartum period, and blood and colostrum samples were collected on days 0, 1, and 3 after calving. Compared to the CON group, the RES group had higher concentrations of GH and NEFA in plasma, but significantly lower concentrations of glucose and insulin in plasma. The concentrations of GH in plasma after calving were significantly higher, but total plasma protein was significantly lower in RES than in CON cows. Compared to the CON group, the RES group had significantly higher concentrations of GH in colostrum, but significantly lower total concentrations of protein in colostrum. Concentrations of IGF‐1 were not different between the two groups. These findings suggest that maternal nutritional status during late gestation influences concentrations of GH and total protein in the blood and colostrum of Japanese Black cows.     

Measurement of ferritin and anti‐ferritin autoantibodies in serum and colostrum of Holstein and Japanese Black cows

Anti‐ferritin autoantibody is a ferritin‐binding protein commonly found in mammals; it is thought to form an immune complex with ferritin and thereby mediate the rapid clearance of circulating ferritin. The aim of this study is to determine concentrations of ferritin and anti‐ferritin autoantibodies (immunoglobulin (Ig)M, IgG and IgA) in serum and colostrum of Holstein (H) and Japanese Black (JB) cows within 24 h of normal calving. Blood and colostrum samples were collected from cows of various ages (2–11 years) and calving number (1–8 live births). Mean ferritin concentrations were higher in colostrum than in serum for both breeds, and higher colostrum ferritin concentrations were found in H than JB cows. IgA antibodies in serum and colostrum from both breeds had negligible ferritin‐binding activity. For both breeds, IgM and IgG antibodies had higher ferritin‐binding activity in colostrum than in serum. There was a significant correlation between IgM and IgG ferritin‐binding activities in serum and colostrum of H and JB cows. These results suggest that ferritin and IgM and IgG autoantibodies are actively transferred from the blood stream to the colostrum at prepartum or early lactation.     

Change of plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration with early growth in Japanese beef cattle

The aim of the present study was to examine the change in plasma insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) concentration with early growth, changes of bodyweight (BW) and relative dairy gain (RDG) in the pre‐ (PRW) and postweaning periods (POW) in Japanese beef cattle, and relationships with metabolites. A total of 33 calves, 22 Japanese black, 6 Japanese shorthorn and 5 of their crossbreed were studied. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and metabolite (glucose, triacylglycerol, nonesterified fatty acid) levels in the plasma, from jugular vein blood taken every month, were measured along with BW. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in POW increased dramatically with increase of BW (P < 0.05), and the correlation was positive at 0.52 (P < 0.01). Glucose levels correlated significantly with BW, RDG and IGF‐1 (P < 0.01). Metabolic required calorie correlated positively with IGF‐1 (P < 0.01). Also, correlations of BW in POW, with BW and RDG in PRW were positive (P < 0.01). Growth in PRW would be influenced by maternal effects, while active self‐secretion of IGF‐1 in POW might contribute to POW growth. These factors suggested that to increase growth in PRW, maintaining enough maternal effect and IGF‐1 level in POW, was important for establishing better growth after weaning.     

产前运动对围产期奶牛生理代谢指标的影响

本试验旨在研究产前运动对围产期奶牛生理代谢指标的影响，为围产期奶牛健康管理提供科学指导和理论依据。试验选取年龄相似，体况评分、胎次和预产期相近的经产荷斯坦奶牛24头，随机分为试验组（TRT组）和对照组（CON组），每组12头，统一饲养管理。于预产期前21 d开始，TRT组奶牛每日09：00和16：00以<3 km/h的速度运动1 h，每头奶牛每日总运动量为（4.0±0.2） km/d；CON组自由活动。分别在预产期前21、7 d、分娩当天及产后7、30 d （分别记为－21、－7、0、+7和+30 d），于晨饲前采集血液，测定血浆中非酯化脂肪酸（NEFA）、β-羟基丁酸（BHBA）、葡萄糖（GLU）、甘油三酯（TG）、胆固醇（CHOL）、肌酐（CREA）及尿素（UREA）浓度。结果显示，试验期间，TRT组血浆NEFA、BHBA浓度与CON组相比均呈下降趋势（0.05<P<0.1），－7 d时TRT组NEFA浓度显著低于CON组（P<0.05）；TRT组血浆GLU浓度变化较CON组平稳，在＋30 d极显著高于CON组（P<0.01）；两组血浆TG浓度均在分娩当天急剧下降，产前血浆TG浓度均极显著高于分娩后各时间点（P<0.01），＋30 d时TRT组极显著高于CON组（P<0.01）；血浆UREA、CREA浓度在两组间无显著差异（P>0.05）。综上，以<3 km/h的速度进行运动（4.0 km/d±0.2 km/d），可有效降低围产期奶牛血浆NEFA和BHBA浓度，缓解能量负平衡（NEB）压力。     

Initiatives and behavioral sequence of maternal behavior in Japanese Black and Japanese Shorthorn cattle (Bos taurus)

Maternal grooming (MG), nursing (NS) and mother‐infant behavior 5 min before (IB5) and immediately before (LIB) maternal behavior were observed in Japanese Black (JB) and Japanese Shorthorn (JS) cow‐calf pairs. During MG of the JB, the number of calf's IB5 was more than that of cows, but the duration of the MG positively correlated with the number of cow's IB5. During MG of the JS, the duration positively correlated with the number of calf's IB5. The number of the NS with calf's LIB and the number of calf's IB5 in the NS were more than those of cows in both breeds. The duration of the NS tended to correlate with the number of calf's IB5 in the JS. Main behavior sequence was observed like cow's approach, MG, calf's contact and NS, in this order, in both breeds. It is thought that the MG is released by cow's and calf's activities in both breeds and accelerated by the cow's activeness in the JB and by the calf's activeness in the JS, and that the NS is released and accelerated by the calf's activeness in JS.     

Low mitochondrial DNA diversity of Japanese Polled and Kuchinoshima feral cattle

This study aims to estimate the mitochondrial genetic diversity and structure of Japanese Polled and Kuchinoshima feral cattle, which are maintained in small populations. We determined the mitochondrial DMA (mtDNA) displacement loop (D‐loop) sequences for both cattle populations and analyzed these in conjunction with previously published data from Northeast Asian cattle populations. Our findings showed that Japanese native cattle have a predominant, Asian‐specific mtDNA haplogroup T4 with high frequencies (0.43–0.81). This excluded Kuchinoshima cattle (32 animals), which had only one mtDNA haplotype belonging to the haplogroup T3. Japanese Polled showed relatively lower mtDNA diversity in the average sequence divergence (0.0020) than other Wagyu breeds (0.0036–0.0047). Japanese Polled have been maintained in a limited area of Yamaguchi, and the population size is now less than 200. Therefore, low mtDNA diversity in the Japanese Polled could be explained by the decreasing population size in the last three decades. We found low mtDNA diversity in both Japanese Polled and Kuchinoshima cattle. The genetic information obtained in this study will be useful for maintaining these populations and for understanding the origin of Japanese native cattle.     

Allele frequencies of the extension locus encoding the melanocortin-1 receptor in Japanese and Korean cattle

In order to estimate the influence of the Extension (E) locus in cattle coat color, the melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) gene in Japanese Black, Japanese Brown and Korean (Hanwoo) cattle were sequenced. The sequences of the coding region revealed three alleles (E^D, E⁺ and e), which were previously reported. Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to investigate the gene frequencies of the three breeds. Japanese Black was almost composed of E^D and E⁺ individuals, E^D = 0.481 and E⁺ = 0.514, and no homozygous e/e, therefore that is consistent with the hypothesis that E^D and E⁺ induce black pigment synthesis. Allele frequencies between Japanese Brown and Hanwoo were obviously different; however, recessive red e allele frequency was 0.038 for Japanese Brown and 0.948 for Hanwoo, even though both breeds have quite similar coat colors (ranging from yellowish brown to dark brown including a red coat color). This result suggested that other genes are also associated with a coat color of red and brown in cattle.     

Metabolic and luteal function in winter‐calving Spanish beef cows as affected by calf management and breed

This experiment aimed at evaluating the effect of calf management and breed on the metabolic and luteal function of post‐partum beef cows fed at maintenance. Fifty multiparous cows, 22 Parda de Montaña (PA) and 28 Pirenaica (PI), were assigned to either suckling once‐daily for 30 min (RESTR) or ad libitum (ADLIB) from the day after calving. Blood samples were collected to analyse metabolites [non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β‐hydroxybutyrate, total protein and urea)], insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and progesterone (P4) at different intervals. Cows from RESTR maintained their live‐weight (LW) over the first 3 months post‐partum, whereas ADLIB cows lost nearly 4% LW. Both genotypes showed similar LW gains during this period (p > 0.10). Calf daily gains were lower in RESTR than in ADLIB treatment (p < 0.05), but similar across breeds (p > 0.10). Milk and lactose production were lower in RESTR cows than in ADLIB (p < 0.05). Milk and protein yield were greater in PA than in PI breed (p < 0.05). Serum NEFA, total protein and urea were higher in PI cows suckling ADLIB than in the rest (p < 0.05). Cows from PI breed had greater NEFA values than PA ones on the first week post‐partum (p < 0.001). Circulating IGF‐I was not affected by suckling frequency, breed nor their interaction (p > 0.10). Suckling frequency, but not breed, affected the interval from calving to first ovulation (p < 0.001), being shorter in RESTR than in ADLIB cows. In conclusion, the ad libitum suckling practice improved cow milk yield and offspring gain compared to once‐daily suckling for 30 min from the day after calving, at the expense of impairing the onset of cyclicity. The effect of calf management was confounded with breed on the studied blood biochemical constituents, but any of these metabolites influenced the role of endocrine IGF‐I in these genotypes.     

Circulating ghrelin concentrations fluctuate relative to nutritional status and influence feeding behavior in cattle

The objective of these experiments was to establish the relationship of plasma ghrelin concentrations with feed intake and hormones indicative of nutritional state of cattle. In Exp.1, 4 steers (BW 450 +/- 14.3 kg) were used in a crossover design to compare plasma ghrelin concentrations of feed-deprived steers with those of steers allowed to consume feed and to establish the relationship of plasma ghrelin concentrations with those of GH, insulin (INS), glucose (GLU), and NEFA. After adaptation to a once-daily feed offering (0800), 2 steers continued the once-daily feeding schedule (FED), whereas feed was withheld from the other 2 steers (FAST). Serial blood samples were collected via indwelling jugular catheter from times equivalent to 22 h through 48 h of feed deprivation. Average plasma ghrelin concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) in FAST compared with FED (690 and 123 +/- 6.5 pg/mL) steers. Average plasma ghrelin concentrations for FED steers prefeeding were elevated (P < 0.001) when compared with those postfeeding (174 and 102 +/- 4.2 pg/mL, respectively). Average plasma GH concentration was elevated (P < 0.05) for FAST steers compared with FED steers. Plasma GLU concentrations were not different; however, for FAST steers, NEFA concentrations were elevated (P < 0.001) and INS concentrations were decreased (P < 0.001). In Exp. 2, 4 steers (BW 416 +/- 17.2 kg) were used in a crossover design to determine the effects of i.v. injection of bovine ghrelin (bGR) on plasma GH, INS, GLU, and NEFA concentrations; length of time spent eating; and DMI. Steers were offered feed once daily (0800). Serial blood samples were collected from steers via indwelling jugular catheter. Saline or bGR was injected via jugular catheter at 1200 and 1400. A dosage of 0.08 microg/kg of BW bGR was used to achieve a plasma ghrelin concentration similar to the physiological concentration measured in a FAST steer in Exp. 1 (1,000 pg/mL). Injection of bGR resulted in elevated (P < 0.005) plasma GH concentrations after the 1200 but not the 1400 injection. Plasma INS, GLU, and NEFA concentrations were not affected by bGR injection. For the combined 1-h periods postinjection, length of time spent eating was greater (P = 0.02) and DMI tended to be increased (P = 0.06) for bGR steers. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that ghrelin serves as a metabolic signal for feed intake or energy balance in ruminants.     

引入西藏高原的家兔血液生化参数的比较研究

对引入西藏高原多年的加利福尼亚兔和中国白兔的12项血清生化指标进行测定,并与SPF新西兰兔进行比较。结果显示：①3个品种公兔之间,加尼福利亚兔与中国白兔比较,AST、TP、ALB、GLO、A／G、GLU、CRE、LDH差异极显著（P〈0．01）,TG、BUN差异显著（P〈0．05）,其中TP、ALB、A／G、CRE、CHOL、LDH表现极强的公兔特征,而ALT、GLU母兔明显高于公兔;加利福尼亚兔与SPF新西兰兔比较。ALT、A／G、CRE、TG、BUN差异显著（P〈0．05）,AST、CHOL、LDH差异极显著（P〈0．01）;中国白兔与SPF新西兰兔比较,ALT、AST、TP、ALB、GLO、A／G、CRE、CHOL、TG差异极显著（P〈0．01）;②3个品种母兔之间,加利福尼亚兔与中国白兔比较,ALT、GLO、CRE、TG差异显著（P〈0．05）,AST、TP、BUN、LDH差异极显著（P〈0．01）,加利福尼亚兔与SPF新西兰兔比较,ALT、TP、ALB、GLO、A／G、BUN、CRE、LDH差异极显著（P〈0．01）,AST、TG差异显著（P〈0．05）;中国白兔与SPF新西兰兔比较,ALT、TP、ALB、GLO、A／G、CRE、CHOL、TG、LDH差异极显著（P〈0．01）,BUN、AST差异显著（P〈0．05）。     

Lactation curves and estimated feed conversion ratios for Simmental,Brown Swiss and Tyrol Grey in Kosovo

Abstract

A total of 2516 test-day milk production records of three dual-purpose cattle breeds, Simmental (S), Brown Swiss (BS), and Tyrol Grey (TG), having their first lactation in Kosovo, were analysed with a repeatability test-day mixed model with the aim of comparing lactation curves and feed conversion ratios of the three breeds. The BS had the highest yield, followed by S and TG. The TG cows tended to have flatter lactation curves than the other breeds. However, as the breeds differed in size, they were also compared throughout lactation for their estimated feed conversion ratios, defined as metabolic body weight per kg of milk (proportional to expected maintenance requirements per kg of milk produced, under certain assumptions). On this criterion BS still ranked highest, while S and TG had similar feed conversion ratios.     

Gene expression of resistin and TNF-α in adipose tissue of Japanese Black steers and Holstein steers

The aim of the present study was to compare the expression of adipose tissue mRNA related to glucose metabolism between Japanese Black steers (n = 5) and Holstein steers (n = 5). We examined the expression of the resistin, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and growth hormone receptor (GHR) genes using real‐time polymerase chain reaction of cDNA in adipose tissue. The cDNA sequence identified by 5′/3′‐rapid amplification of cDNA and the deduced amino acid sequence were highly conserved in human, porcine and murine resistin. Expression of resistin mRNA was significantly greater in Holstein steers than in Japanese Black steers. In contrast, expression of TNF‐α mRNA was slightly greater in Japanese Black steers. Expression of GHR mRNA was significantly greater in Japanese Black steers compared with the Holstein steers, although there was no significant difference in the expression of GLUT1 mRNA. However, the plasma non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA), glucose, insulin and growth hormone concentrations did not differ between Japanese Black and Holstein steers. The present results show that there is a difference in the expression level of mRNA related to glucose metabolism between Japanese Black steers and Holstein steers.     

Relationship between adipose maturity and fatty acid composition in various adipose tissues of Japanese Black,Holstein and Crossbred (F1) steers

The amount of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) is intimately related to adipose softness, melting point (MP) and flavor in beef. Stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) is a main gene involved in MUFA synthesis. Mature adipose tends to be highly saturated, whereas immature or maturing adipose is highly unsaturated when chronologically based, so the degree of non‐saturation can be an index of adipose maturity. In this study, three different adipose tissues (coelomic (CL), perirenal (PR), and subcutaneous (SC)) from three beef breeds with differing slaughter ages (Japanese Black (29.5 months), Holstein (20.1 month), and F1 crossbreed (25.6 months)) were examined to: (i) determine adipose maturity level as indexed by MUFA %; and (ii) determine SCD and other lipogenic gene messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels in relation to unsaturated fatty acid content. Fatty acid composition was significantly different between adipose tissues (P < 0.05). MUFA amount was high in the following order: SC > CL > PR. This pattern corresponded to SCD mRNA expression profile showing higher expression in SC than CL and PR. However, Japanese black cattle are an exception with CL adipose containing similar UFA % as SC adipose, yet having the lowest SCD mRNA expression level among all adipose tissues tested. Therefore, SCD mRNA expression and MUFA % appear to be directly related; however, differences in SCD mRNA expression among three adipose tissues may reflect differences in the fat development characteristics affected by chronological age of the cattle breeds.     

日本和牛品种形成、将征与评价

介绍日本和牛发展历史以及黑毛和牛、褐毛和牛、无角和牛、日本短角牛四个和牛品种分布、形成、外貌特征、生产性能及发展动向，并对此评价的同时指出了值得我国黄牛改良借鉴的经验。     

Effect of cow-specific factors and feeding frequency of concentrate on diurnal variations of blood metabolites in dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of feeding frequency and cow-specific factors on diurnal variations of blood metabolites concentrations. ANIMALS: 40 dairy cows from 2 herds. PROCEDURE: Each herd was fed concentrate at a specific feeding frequency (automatic vs twice daily). Blood samples were collected 4 times daily. Plasma concentrations of glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) were analyzed, and concentrations of urea, cholesterol, and total protein (TP) were determined in serum samples. A multivariate repeated-measures ANOVA was used to test the effect of time, feeding frequency, production group, parity, days after parturition, and daily milk yield on diurnal variations of metabolites. RESULTS: Concentrations of glucose, BHBA, and urea remained relatively constant in the herd that was fed by use of automatic distribution of concentrate; however, significant diurnal patterns were detected in the herd fed only twice daily. Only slight differences in glucose and urea concentrations were detected between high- and low-producing cows, but concentration of BHBA was significantly influenced by number of days in lactation. In contrast, diurnal variations in NEFA and cholesterol concentrations were similar between the 2 herds but differed with regard to production group. Concentrations of TP did not have relevant diurnal patterns and did not differ between production groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diurnal variations and feeding frequency affect glucose, BHBA, and urea concentrations in cows. In contrast, concentrations of NEFA, cholesterol, and TP appear to be less sensitive to time of sample collection. Feeding frequency, composition of feed, or both, have a major impact on blood metabolites concentrations.     

Preliminary study of the effects of condensed barley distillers soluble on rumen fermentation and plasma metabolites in Japanese Black cows

In Japan, condensed barley distillers soluble (CBDS) is a widely known liquor byproduct that contains a high level of protein and is used as a supplementary protein feed for cattle. The present study evaluated the effects of CBDS feed on rumen fermentation and plasma metabolites in Japanese Black cows. Applying a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, nine cows were offered CBDS and hay (CBDS‐t), soy bean meal and hay (Soybean‐t) and only hay (Hay‐t) over 35 days. We collected ruminal fluid and plasma just before feeding and at 3 h after feeding. The concentrations of propionate and butyrate in the rumen before feeding were lower in the CBDS‐t than in the Soybean‐t group (P < 0.05). However, after 3 h, the concentrations were higher in the CBDS‐t than in the Soybean‐t and Hay‐t groups (P < 0.05). Although, there were no differences in the compositions (% mol) of propionate and butyrate in the rumen and the concentration of plasma β‐hydroxybutyric acid before feeding between treatments, after 3 h they were significantly higher in the CBDS‐t than in the Soybean‐t and Hay‐t groups (P < 0.05). These results indicate that feeding CBDS promotes rumen fermentation and butyrate metabolism.     

Social and Breed Effects on the Expression of a PGF2α Induced Oestrus in Beef Cows

Social organization and breed effects following PGF2αwere studied in mature Angus, Brahman and Senepol cows allocated into two groups (each A = 5, B = 5 and S = 5). Variables including interval to oestrus onset (IEO), oestrous duration (DE), total mounts received (TMR), and oestrous intensity (IE) were derived via HeatWatch®. Breed‐type influenced IEO (B = 42.6 ± 6.7 h; S = 54.6 ± 6.0 h; and A = 27.8 ± 5.8 h; p < 0.003). Within breeds, dominant B (69.4 ± 13.3 h) and S (65.5 ± 7.4 h) cows were slower (p < 0.05) to be detected in oestrus than subordinate (38.1 ± 4.4 h) and intermediate (40.6 ± 6.0 h). However, within A, dominant cows (16.4 ± 12.5 h) were detected in oestrus earlier (p < 0.05) than intermediate (44.3 ± 9.2 h) and subordinates (32.7 ± 5.1 h). Angus (21.5 ± 2.4 h) and B (22.1 ± 3.0 h) cows had longer (p < 0.01) DE than S (9.1 ± 2.8 h). Dominants (20.4 ± 3.0) and intermediates (20.2 ± 2.3 h) cows had longer DE (p < 0.04) than subordinates (12.1 ± 2.1 h) although the interaction breed × social order showed that dominant S had shorter DE than dominant A and B (10.1 ± 3.3; 34.8 ± 6.0 h; and 20.0 ± 6.4 h, respectively; p < 0.001). Angus cows had less TMR than B (p < 0.02) and tended to be less than S cows (p < 0.06). Overall, greatest (p < 0.008) IE occurred in the first 9 h after onset of oestrus with no breed effect (p > 0.05). Dominant cows tended (p < 0.10) to have less TMR (3.2 ± 0.7 mounts) than subordinate (4.1 ± 0.4 mounts) and intermediate (4.7 ± 0.6 mounts) throughout, especially 3–6 h after oestrus onset (p < 0.07). Breed and social order both influence PGF2α‐induced oestrus behaviour.     

Evaluation of inbreeding and genetic diversity in Japanese Shorthorn cattle by pedigree analysis

The Japanese Shorthorn is a Japanese Wagyu breed maintained at a small population size. We assessed the degree of inbreeding and genetic diversity among Japanese Shorthorn cattle using pedigree analysis. We analyzed the pedigree records of registered Japanese Shorthorn born between 1980 and 2018, after evaluating the pedigree completeness. The average of the actual inbreeding coefficients increased at the same rates annually from approximately 1.5% in 1980 to 4.2% in 2018 and was higher than the expected inbreeding coefficients over time. The effective population size based on the individual coancestry rate largely decreased from 127.8 in 1980 to 82.6 in 1999, and then remained almost constant at approximately 90. Three effective numbers of ancestors decreased over time until 1995, then remained almost constant. In particular, the effective number of founder genomes (N_ge) decreased from 43.8 in 1980 to 11.9 in 2018. The index of genetic diversity based on N_ge decreased from 0.99 in 1980 to 0.96 in 2018 due to genetic drift in non-founder generations. Changes in inbreeding and genetic diversity parameters were similar between Japanese Shorthorn and other Japanese Wagyu breeds, but the magnitude of the changes was lower in the Japanese Shorthorn.     

GnRH treatment at CIDR insertion influences ovarian follicular dynamics in Japanese black cows

Ovarian follicular dynamics and estrous synchronization after Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) treatment at Controlled Internal Drug Releasing device (CIDR) insertion were investigated in Japanese Black cows. CIDR was inserted for eight cows at 7 days after estrus. Cows were allocated to either Group A: 8-day CIDR insertion with GnRH treatment on d 0 (n=4, d 0=CIDR insertion) or Group B: 8-day CIDR insertion (n=4). Both groups were injected with prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) on d 7. Ultrasonography and blood sampling were performed twice daily. Intensive sampling was performed every 15 min for 8 hr to determine the pulsatile release of LH on d -1, d 5 and d 10. Three of four cows showed intermediate ovulation within 2 days after GnRH treatment during CIDR insertion in Group A, whereas no ovulation was found in Group B. Three of four cows in Group A and all four cows in Group B ovulated after CIDR removal. Plasma progesterone concentrations from d 3 to d 7 in three intermediate ovulatory cows in Group A (8.4 +/- 1.6 ng/ml) was significantly higher than those in Group B (4.1 +/- 1.2 ng/ml; 4 cows) during CIDR insertion (P<0.01). Interval to estrus and ovulation after CIDR removal was observed at 60.0 +/- 12.0 hr and 76.0 +/- 6.9 hr in three cows in Group A, and 75.0 +/- 15.1 hr and 93.0 +/- 20.5 hr in Group B, respectively. There was a significant increase in LH pulse frequency on d 10 compared on d -1 or d 5 in both groups (P<0.05), in addition those on d 10 in Group A tended to be higher than in Group B. As a result, GnRH treatment at CIDR insertion at 7 days after estrus induced intermediate ovulation with formation of corpus luteum (CL) and rather synchronized emergence of ovulatory follicle during CIDR insertion. These induced CL increased plasma progesterone concentrations and contributed to precise synchronization.