Interrelationships between postpartum events, hormonal therapy, reproductive abnormalities and reproductive performance in dairy cows: a path analysis.

Path analysis was used to determine the interrelationships between postpartum administration of gonadotrophin releasing hormone and cloprostenol and the occurrence of reproductive disease and reproductive performance in dairy cows. The data analysed were those collected on 226 Holstein-Friesian cows calving in a commercial dairy herd during a 17 month period (May 1, 1981 to October 1, 1982). Cows administered gonadotrophin releasing hormone at day 15 postpartum experienced an improved rate of uterine involution as determined by rectal palpation nine days later. Although this improved rate of uterine involution reduced the risk of pyometritis, it actually directly delayed conception. Also, gonadotrophin releasing hormone therapy directly resulted in an increased incidence of pyometritis which in turn resulted in an increase incidence of cystic ovarian disease and anestrus. The occurrence of these abnormalities resulted in increased intervals from calving to first observed estrus, first service and conception. In addition to this effect, the administration of gonadotrophin releasing hormone was also associated with increased plasma progesterone concentrations at days 24 and 28 postpartum which delayed conception. Cloprostenol therapy at day 24 postpartum resulted in a decreased plasma progesterone concentration at day 28 postpartum which was directly and indirectly associated with a decrease in the calving to conception interval. The indirect effects were mediated by a reduction in days to first estrus. Cloprostenol therapy also directly resulted in a decreased calving to first observed estrus interval for reasons not attributable to the level of progesterone at day 28.     

Effects of Gn-RH on blood serum hormone concentrations, ovulation rates and embryo production in lactating cows treated with PMSG.

The effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone injection into pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin treated cows on serum levels of luteinizing hormone, estradiol-17 beta and progesterone and ovulation rates was evaluated in 20 cows. Pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin treatment does not always induce superovulation as was shown in this study. Luteinizing hormone levels reached peak concentrations at 1.0 h and remained significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) elevated at 2.0 h, 3.0 h, 4.0 h, and 7.0 h after the first gonadotrophin releasing hormone injection. Progesterone levels in the gonadotrophin releasing hormone treated group were significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) higher than in the controls on the third and fourth days following injection. A significant correlation (r = 0.58-0.72) was noted between the number of corpus luteum and progesterone levels on each day between day 2 and day 7. More embryos were recovered (46 vs 26) from the ten treated than from the ten control cows.     

Effects of progesterone and human chorionic gonadotrophin administration five days postinsemination on plasma and milk concentrations of progesterone and pregnancy rates of normal and repeat breeder dairy cows.

Treatment with a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device between days 5 and 12 after estrus elevated (p less than 0.05) plasma progesterone concentrations between days 6 and 8 in comparison with controls. Treatment with injectable progesterone (200 mg) on days 5, 7, 9 and 11 postestrus did not increase plasma progesterone concentrations over controls. The administration of 1500 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) on day 5 after estrus resulted in a sustained increase (p less than 0.01) in plasma progesterone concentrations from day 8 until day 20 when measurements ceased. Pregnancy rates, as a result of artificial insemination (AI) at the pretreatment estrus, in these treatments (n = 12-14 each), were unaffected by any of the treatments and ranged from 57.1 to 75.0% at 45-60 days post-AI. In a field trial, of 36 repeat breeder cows treated with 1500 IU hCG 5.5 days after insemination, 47.2% were pregnant at 60 days, whereas 39.5% of saline-treated controls were diagnosed pregnant. Treatment with hCG significantly (p less than 0.05) increased milk progesterone concentrations over controls on days 14 and 20 after insemination.     

Short-term changes in serum luteinizing hormone, ovarian response and reproductive performance following gonadotrophin releasing hormone treatment in postpartum dairy cows with retained placenta.

Thirty-six postpartum Holstein cows consisting of eighteen cows that shed the placenta soon after calving (NRP) and eighteen cows that retained placenta greater than 24 h (RP) were used. There were four treatment groups. Group I consisted of 9 NRP cows which received intramuscular injection of sterile saline on day 15 postpartum. The second group consisted of 9 NRPN cows which received 100 micrograms of gonadotrophin releasing hormone on day 15 postpartum (NRPT). The third group consisted of 9 RP cows which received saline on day 15 postpartum (RPN) and the fourth group consisted of 9 RP cows which received 100 micrograms of gonadotrophin releasing hormone on day 15 postpartum (RPT). Blood samples were collected once daily during the first month and once every other day during the second month postpartum. In addition fourteen cows (RPT, n = 7; NRPT, n = 7), were used to study short-term changes in serum luteinizing hormone concentrations following gonadotrophin releasing hormone treatment on day 15 postpartum. Blood samples were obtained from these cows every 15 min during 1 h before and 6 h after gonadotrophin releasing hormone administration. Sera from all samples were assayed for progesterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations. Starting from four days after calving rectal palpations and ultrasound examinations of the ovaries were carried out once every four days until day 28 postpartum in order to monitor ovarian changes. All cows were inseminated on the first estrus after day 60 postpartum and examined for pregnancy between 35 and 42 days after insemination.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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.     

The sensitivity and specificity of postbreeding plasma progesterone levels as a pregnancy test for dairy cows.

Plasma progesterone levels on day 4 and day 8 postbreeding were measured for one hundred and eighty-four dairy cows. These two parameters (PPD4, PPD8), their absolute difference (PPDIFF) and their ratio (PPRATIO) were assessed for their ability to identify cows not conceiving, using the principles of sensitivity and specificity. PPD4 was significantly higher (p less than 0.10) and PPD8, PPDIFF and PPRATIO were significantly lower (p less than 0.01) in cows remaining open than in pregnant cows. Evaluating each parameter separately, PPDIFF greater than 3.00 units had the highest specificity, 85.7%, but a low sensitivity (27.0%). Combining two parameters using series interpretation to increase specificity resulted in the best combination of specificity (87%) and sensitivity (27%). Maximum specificity was 97% for PPD4 less than or equal to 1.00 units and PPD8 greater than 4.00 units, and also for PPD4 less than or equal to 1.00 units and PPDIFF greater than 3.00 units, but sensitivity was very low (7% and 10% respectively). Predictive values of the test results with the best specificity were evaluated; given the population pregnancy rate of 54%, none exceeded 50%, indicating that the plasma progesterone parameters were not very useful for identifying open dairy cows.     

Effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone on reproductive performance of dairy cows with retained placenta.

The effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) on the reproductive performance of dairy cows with retained placenta were studied. Three hundred and seventy-eight cows diagnosed as having retained placenta received intramuscular injections of either 2 mL sterile water or 200 micrograms of GnRH in 2 mL sterile water between day 8 and day 14 postpartum. Rectal palpation was performed at the time of treatment and ten to 20 days after treatment in order to determine the rate of uterine involution. Thereafter, monthly rectal examinations were carried out until insemination. Pregnancy diagnosis was made by rectal palpation at 40 days or more after breeding. Using the entire experimental population, there were no significant differences between GnRH-treated and control cows for the rate of uterine involution, the occurrence of reproductive problems, the interval from parturition to first observed estrus, the interval from parturition to first insemination, the interval from parturition to conception, the number of services per conception, the total number of services per cow regardless of conception and the incidence of culling for infertility. When the data for herds in which breeding began earlier in the postpartum period (herds having a mean less than or equal to 80 days from parturition to first service for retained placenta cows) were considered, the GnRH treatment resulted in a significantly shorter (p less than or equal to 0.01) calving to conception interval as compared to control cows. Also, there was a significant reduction (p less than or equal to 0.05) in the total number of services per cow regardless of conception and a significant reduction in the interval from parturition to first service.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Bovine cystic ovarian disease: plasma hormone concentrations and treatment.

Ovarian function in 91 dairy cows with cystic ovarian disease was assessed by rectal palpation and by plasma hormone analysis before and after treatment. Plasma analysis showed that 84% of the cysts were correctly classified clinically and only these cows are considered further. Luteinised cysts occurred in 59 cows whereas only 18 had non-luteinised cysts. The mean plasma concentrations of luteinising hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, oestradiol and testosterone were not significantly different when compared with values at relevant stages of the oestrous cycle in normal cows. Success of treatment with progesterone, a synthetic prostaglandin, human gonadotrophin (HCG), or gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) was not dependent upon prior hormone concentrations, except for the prostaglandin which required active luteal tissue. LH and FSH concentrations in cows with luteinised cysts were not significantly different before and after successful treatment with GnRH or progesterone. Normal luteal function was not always established after treatment of non-luteinised cysts with GnRH.     

Effects of GnRH or progesterone treatment on day 5 post-AI on plasma progesterone, luteal blood flow and leucocyte counts during the luteal phase in dairy cows

This study was designed to test the effects of progesterone or GnRH treatment on day 5 post-AI on fertility and luteal function in dairy cows and heifers. Five days after AI, 32 animals were randomly assigned to a control, intravaginal progesterone for 14 days progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID) or GnRH treatment group. On days 5, 7, 12, 14, 17 and 19 post-AI, each animal underwent colour Doppler ultrasonography of the corpus luteum and blood samples were collected for cell counts and plasma progesterone determination. Through general linear model repeated measures analysis of variance, significant effects were observed of treatment, parity, inseminating bull, reduced vascularization of the CL and pregnancy on plasma progesterone concentrations, whereas mean plasma progesterone and time luteal phase day, and treatment and plasma progesterone concentration on day 5 post-AI were found to, respectively, affect neutrophil and lymphocyte counts throughout the luteal phase. Moreover, two binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Based on the odds ratio, the likelihood of pregnancy by days 26-32 post-AI was 23.4 times higher in animals with high mean progesterone levels throughout the study period, compared with animals with low mean progesterone. The likelihood of reduced CL vascularization was 14 times higher in animals treated with PRID, compared with control and GnRH-treated animals. In conclusion, our results indicate that treatment on day 5 post-AI with PRID reduced subsequent CL vascularization, whereas GnRH treatment increased plasma progesterone concentrations on day 12 post-AI, although an effect was identified of the inseminating bull on plasma progesterone levels. Pregnant animals showed higher mean plasma progesterone concentrations than in nonpregnant ones and heifers higher than in lactating cows, whereas blood cell counts differed depending on the treatment and on the mean plasma progesterone concentration on day 5 post-AI.     

Ovarian and hormonal responses of cows to treatment with an analogue of gonadotrophin releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2 alpha

Blood samples were taken from 11 cows and their ovaries were scanned by ultrasound at least daily. Around day 5 of an induced cycle, they were injected with 10 micrograms buserelin, an analogue of gonadotrophin releasing hormone, and on day 12 they received 0.5 mg cloprostenol, an analogue of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha). Two days later six of the cows (the treated group) received a second injection of 10 micrograms buserelin, but the remaining five received no further treatment (control group). The dominant, that is, the largest follicle in each cow disappeared after the first buserelin injection and was replaced by a new one which grew synchronously in all the cows until after the treatment with PGF2 alpha. Ovulation occurred significantly earlier after PGF2 alpha in the treated group than in the control group (72 to 96 hours v 96 to 120 hours; P < 0.05). Plasma progesterone concentrations then increased more rapidly in the treated group than in the control group and were significantly higher on days 3 and 4 after ovulation (P < 0.05).     

Progesterone concentration in defatted milk of dairy cows in early pregnancy.

Progesterone concentrations have been measured in defatted milk of British Friesian cows of four herds during the oestrus cycles (other than short cycles) immediately before artificial insemination (AI) at oestrus and immediately after AI (in non-pregnant cows), and during early pregnancy. Differences in mean progesterone concentrations between herds were significant (P less than 0.05) on all days within the day 10-18 period after AI, both in pregnant and in non-pregnant, inseminated cows but were not significant between pregnant and non-pregnant cows within herds until day 17 or 18. It is concluded that up to this time (that of luteolysis in non-pregnant cows) undefined factors, variable among herds, can have a much greater influence on the rate of progesterone secretion by corpora lutea and consequent progesterone concentration in plasma and milk than does the presence of conceptuses. Maximum mean progesterone concentration reached during early pregnancy in two herds did not differ significantly; it was reached in the 11-15-day period in one herd but not until 46-50 days in the second. Mean progesterone concentration declined after day 90.     

Synchronisation of oestrus and reproductive performance of dairy cows following administration of oestradiol benzoate or gonadotrophin releasing hormone during a synchronised pro-oestrus

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) and oestradiol benzoate (ODB) administered following a synchronised pro-oestrus on reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows and the submission rates of non-pregnant cows following resynchronisation. DESIGN: Cohort study. PROCEDURE: Lactating Holstein cows enrolled in a controlled breeding program were first treated with an intravaginal progesterone releasing insert (IVP4) for 8 days, 2.0 mg of ODB intramuscular (i.m.) at device insertion (Day 0), an analogue of PGF2alpha at device removal and either 1.0 mg of ODB i.m., 24 h after device removal (ODB group, n = 242), or 0.25 mg of a GnRH agonist (GnRH group, n = 152) injected i.m. approximately 34 h after device removal. Every cow was artificially inseminated between 49 and 56 h after removal of its insert (Day 10). Cows detected in oestrus 1 day after artificial insemination (AI) that were not detected in oestrus on the previous day were re-inseminated on that day. All cows treated on Day 0 were resynchronised for reinsemination by insertion of a used IVP4 device on Day 23. Oestradiol benzoate at a dose of 1.0 mg was administered i.m. at the time of device insertion. Inserts were removed 8 days later (Day 31) and 1.0 mg of ODB was injected i.m. 24 h later. Those cows detected in oestrus between Days 31 and 35 were artificially inseminated. On Day 46 these cows were resynchronised for a third round of AI by insertion of an IVP4 device, used previously to synchronise cows for the first and second rounds of AI, and administration of 1.0 mg of ODB i.m.. Eight days later inserts were removed. Cows detected in oestrus between Days 54 and 58 were artificially inseminated. Bulls were run with the herd between rounds of AI and removed after 21 weeks of mating. RESULTS: Treatment with ODB or GnRH at the first synchronised pro-oestrus did not significantly alter the reproductive performance over three rounds of AI or over a 21-week breeding period. Treatment also did not alter submission rates at the second round of AI or the proportion of non-pregnant and non-return cows ('phantom' cows) detected and did not result in significant differences in concentrations of progesterone in plasma 10 and 18 days after removal of inserts at the first round of AI. Treatment with GnRH reduced the proportion of cows detected in oestrus at the first round of AI (36.2 vs 97.5%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Administration of GnRH compared to ODB at a synchronised pro-oestrus results in similar reproductive performance. Treatment with GnRH reduced the proportion of cows detected in oestrus following treatment. This may offer advantages to the way AI is managed by enabling insemination at a fixed-time and removing the need for the detection of oestrus.     

Hormonal interrelationships in postpartum suckled dairy cows.

Three cross-bred cows calved in March and April and were followed until day 62 after parturition. Each animal was suckled by 2 calves ad libitum. All calves were removed from the cows on day 55 after parturition. Blood was collected 3 times per day from the jugular vein by venipuncture. On 4 occasions after parturition--i.e. days 7-8, 21-22, 35-36 and 49-50, the cows were bled through a jugular venous catheter every 30 min during the 24 h. The plasma samples were analyzed for the content of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2 alpha (main PGF2 alpha metabolite), LH, prolactin, cortisol and progesterone by radioimmunoassay methods. The concentration of PGF2 alpha increased from 280 to 730 pmol/l within the last 4 days before parturition. The highest geometric mean was 3106 pmol/l on the day of parturition. Thereafter a steady decrease of PGF2 alpha metabolite concentration was seen until day 21 when it reached plateau at 148 pmol/l. In all cows plasma LH concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.05) from about 1.6 micrograms/l on days 7-8 to 2.4 micrograms/l on days 21-22 post partum. The frequency of LH pulses showed no tendency to increase as the postpartum period progressed and averaged 6.5 pulses/24 h. Mean plasma LH concentrations increased from 2.1 micrograms/l 2 days before weaning to 3.2 micrograms/l 2 days after weaning (P < 0.05). LH peaks occurred less frequently in association with prolactin and cortisol peaks than in their absence. A partial positive correlation between PGF2 alpha metabolite and cortisol (r = 0.30) was found on days 7-8 post partum. Correlation between prolactin and cortisol on days 7-8 and 21-22 post partum was also positive (r = 0.20 and r = 0.27, respectively). There was a negative correlation between LH and cortisol on days 7-8 (r = -0.27) and days 49-50 (r = -0.21) post partum. The first and short progesterone increase observed after weaning was terminated in conjunction with PGF2 alpha metabolite peaks.     

Levels of progesterone, 17 beta-estradiol and 11-hydroxycorticosteroid in the blood in cows in different types of puerperal conditions

Changes in progesterone (P4), 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and 11-hydroxycorticosteroid (11-OHCS) concentrations in blood plasma were determined in daily intervals from the day of parturition to day 15 post partum (p.p.) in cows with physiological puerperium (n = 8), with puerperal endometritis (n = 6), and with placenta retention (n = 6). Cows with puerperium disorders (endometritis, placenta retention) had significantly higher P4 levels in the period from day 3 to day 7 p.p. than cows with physiological puerperium. E2 concentrations decreased to basal values following the parturition in cows with spontaneous parturitions and subsequent expulsion of the placenta. A delayed decrease in E2 concentrations after parturition and a significant increase on day 5 and day 7 p.p. were recorded in the group of animals with placenta retention. Significantly higher levels of 11-OHCS in blood plasma were detected by day 5 or by day 8 p.p. in cows with placenta retention and puerperal endometritis. Extraovarial sources of sexual steroids resulting in endocrine malfunctions are discussed as well as likely consequences for puerperium.     

The use of bovine anti-PMSG serum in beef cattle after PMSG-superovulation.

Thirteen beef cows were superovulated using 4,000 i.u. of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) on days 9 to 14 of the estrous cycle, followed by two injections of 500 micrograms prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue (PGF2 alpha) 48 and 55 hrs later. Seven of them were injected intramuscularly with bovine anti-PMSG serum 12 hrs after the first signs of estrus. The remaining 6 cows were served as controls and received no antiserum. Peripheral blood concentrations of progesterone (P) and estradiol-17 beta (E2) were compared in relation to the superovulatory responses. The injection of anti-PMSG serum did not significantly affect the numbers of the corpora lutea (CL), the anovulatory follicles and the transferable embryos at 7 to 8 days after superovulatory estrus, but increased the ratio of embryos classified as excellent or good quality. Although the plasma P concentration showed no significant differences between the anti-PMSG-treated and control cows, the plasma E2 concentration displayed a characteristic difference, suppressing the second E2 peak in the anti-PMSG-treated cows. It is concluded that the use of bovine anti-PMSG serum for PMSG/PGF2 alpha-treated cows at 12 hrs after the beginning of the estrus improves the quality of embryos recovered, probably due to inhibition of high estrogenic environment following ovulation.     

Reproductive performance in dairy cows following postpartum treatment with gonadotrophin releasing hormone and/or prostaglandin: a field trial.

Three hundred and five Holstein Friesian cows were given either 250 micrograms gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) or saline on day 15 postpartum followed by 500 micrograms cloprostenol or saline on day 24 postpartum. Four treatment groups were formed using random allocation: Group I -- placebo (Day 15)/placebo (Day 24), Group II -- GnRH (Day 15)/placebo (Day 24), Group III -- placebo (Day 15)/cloprostenol (Day 24), Group IV -- GnRH (Day 15)/cloprostenol (Day 24). Double blind techniques were used during the follow-up period. Rectal palpation, to assess uterine involution and ovarian activity was performed just prior to each treatment and again at 28 days postpartum. In addition blood samples were collected at 15, 24 and 28 days postpartum for measurement of plasma progesterone. There were no significant differences among treatment groups with respect to services per conception, number of heats detected before first service and culling for infertility. Cows treated only with GnRH had an increased calving to first estrus and calving to first breeding interval, and tended to have an increased calving to conception interval. Treatment with cloprostenol significantly decreased calving to conception and calving to first observed estrus intervals. Treatment with GnRH on day 15 postpartum resulted in a significant increase in the subsequent incidence of pyometra and prebreeding anestrus. On the other hand, cloprostenol treatment on day 24 postpartum resulted in a decreased incidence of pyometra, regardless of GnRH treatment and a decreased incidence of prebreeding anestrus in GnRH treated cows compared to cows receiving only GnRH at day 15 postpartum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Involvement of Plasma Progesterone, Oestradiol-17β and Cortisol in Ovulatory Response to Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone in Dairy Cows with Cystic Follicles

The aim of the present study was to examine the plasma concentrations of progesterone, oestradiol-17beta and cortisol in the cows with cystic follicle and to examine its relationship with the ovulatory response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Eighty-five post-partum Holstein-Friesian cows with cystic follicles regardless of the presence of corpus luteum were studied. Follicular size, presence of corpus luteum and occurrence of ovulation were checked by palpation per rectum. Blood collection and palpation per rectum were conducted on days 0, 7 and 14. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone was administered at day 7. Plasma concentrations of progesterone, oestradiol-17beta and cortisol were determined. Progesterone concentrations of <3.2, 3.2-4.8 and >4.8 nmol/l were defined as low, intermediate and high, respectively. Sixty-three (74.1%) of 85 cows showed low (<3.2 nmol/l =1 ng/ml) progesterone concentrations on day 0. Only 40 (47.1%) of them showed low-low pattern of progesterone at days 0 and 7. In 27 (31.8%) of them, progesterone concentration had increased by day 14. Of 22 cows having high progesterone concentration (>/=4.8 nmol/l) on day 0, corpus luteum was not detected in 18 cows (21.2%). Only in 10 cows, cystic follicle disappeared after GnRH administration. However, only one of 27 cows in which progesterone pattern was low-low-high at days 0, 7 and 14 experienced ovulation of the cystic follicle. Significantly lower oestradiol-17beta concentration was found on day 7 in cows showing a low-low-low pattern than a low-low-high pattern of progesterone (43.0 +/- 4.6 vs 55.8 +/- 2.8 pmol/l, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in cortisol concentration on any days (days 0, 7 and 14) between cows showing a low-low-low and low-low-high pattern of progesterone. These results suggest that approximately one-fifth of cows diagnosed to have ovarian cysts possess luteal cysts and that a high oestradiol-17beta concentration at the time of GnRH administration is involved in the subsequent ovulation of the follicle, although ovulated follicle may not be cystic.     

Sequential changes in plasma progesterone, total oestrogens and corticosteroids in the cow throughout pregnancy and around parturition

Blood samples were taken thrice weekly for 2 weeks from 33 pregnant cows in nine groups, 1 month apart, and twice daily for 8 days commencing 1 week before parturition from eight cows. Plasma progesterone and total oestrogens were quantified by validated radioimmunoassays and total corticosteroids by a competitive protein binding technique. During the first 3 months of pregnancy, no remarkable changes were observed for the three hormones studied. From the fourth month on, concentrations of progesterone and total corticosteroids decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) and remained fairly constant until the ninth month. Values of total oestrogens increased significantly (P less than 0.05) from the fourth to the sixth month and thereafter remained unchanged. In the periparturient cows, progesterone levels decreased linearly (P less than 0.01) during the 3 days preceding delivery. Concentrations of total oestrogens rose sharply from day -5 and peaked at calving. Values of total corticosteroids increased dramatically on the sixth day and also at 24 hours before parturition. These results suggest that, contrary to earlier studies, plasma corticosteroids could have a primary key role for triggering parturition in cows.     

Changes in Plasma Progesterone Levels During Storage of Heparinized Whole Blood from Cow,Horse, Dog and Pig

Progesterone concentrations in heparinized plasma harvested immediately after blood collection were compared with levels obtained after storage of the corresponding whole blood for 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 1 day, 2 days and 5 days at room temperature and in a refrigerator. The blood was taken during the luteal phase from 4 dogs, 4 horses, 4 pigs and 8 cows. For 4 cows the storage time was extended to 9 and 20 days. No significant effect of whole blood storage time on plasma progesterone concentrations could be shown for dogs or pigs. For the horse a slight but significant decrease was demonstrated when the blood was kept at room temperature. For the cow, however, a dramatic decrease was observed even when the blood was stored in the refrigerator. Following incubation of cow’s blood at room temperature, progesterone levels were close to zero after 1–2 days. By further extending the storage period, a reappearance of assayable progesterone could be elicited. For all species it was found that the storage of plasma at room temperature for 5–9 days did not change the progesterone concentrations.     

Plasma hormone concentrations after administration of dexamethasone during the middle of the luteal phase in cows

The effect of glucocorticoids on gonadal steroid and gonadotropic hormone concentrations and subsequent follicular activity in cows undergoing normal estrous cycles was evaluated by administration of dexamethasone (DXM) during the middle of the luteal phase. Seven cows were given physiologic saline solution twice daily from day 13 to day 17 of the estrous cycle (control experiment). During the next estrous cycle, cows were administered DXM (2 mg, IM) twice daily on days 13 through 17. Plasma specimens obtained twice daily throughout the control and DXM-treatment cycles were assayed for progesterone and estradiol concentrations. The appearance of estrus after DXM treatment was delayed until days 23 to 25 in 3 cows and was not seen by day 35 in the other 4 cows, compared with mean (+/- SD) cycle length of 22.4 +/- 3.2 in cows during the control experiment. Progesterone concentration remained significantly (P less than 0.01) high on days 19 to 23, whereas estradiol values failed to increase (P less than 0.05) on days 19 and 20 after treatment with DXM. Blood samples were obtained at 15-minute intervals for 12 hours to compare (by analysis of covariance) the effect of DXM treatment on plasma hormone concentrations on day 15 of each cycle with those of day 10. Compared with values during the control experiment, a significant (P less than 0.05) decrease was observed in the size of the pulses of luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol, although the number of pulses of each hormone per 12 hours was not affected when cows were given DXM. Baseline concentrations of LH and estradiol were not altered by type of treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)