Estrous behavior and initiation of estrous cycles in postpartum Brahman-influenced cows after treatment with progesterone and prostaglandin F2alpha

Spring-calving, crossbred (1/4 to 3/8 Brahman) primiparous (n = 56) and multiparous (n = 102) beef cows were used to evaluate the effects of progesterone, delivered via a controlled internal drug-releasing (CIDR) device, and prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) on estrous behavior, synchronization rate, initiation of estrous cycles, and pregnancy rate during a 2-yr period. To determine luteal activity, weekly blood samples were collected 3 wk before initiation of a 75-d breeding season. Treated cows received a CIDR for 7 d beginning on d -7 of the breeding season. On d 0, CIDR were removed, and cows receiving CIDR were administered PGF(2alpha); control cows received no treatment. Cows were exposed to bulls, and estrous activity was monitored using a radiotelemetry system for the first 30 d of the breeding season. Treatment with CIDR-PGF(2alpha) increased (P < 0.05) the number of mounts received (22.5 +/- 3.0 vs. 13.7 +/- 3.9 for CIDR-PGF(2alpha) vs. untreated control cows, respectively) but did not influence duration of estrus or quiescence between mounts. Number of mounts received and duration of estrus were greater (P < 0.05) in multiparous compared with primiparous cows. Synchronization of estrus was greater (P < 0.05) in cows treated with CIDR-PGF(2alpha) (56%) compared with control cows (13%) during the first 3 d of the breeding season. More (P < 0.05) anestrous cows treated with CIDR-PGF(2alpha) than anestrous control cows were in estrus during the first 3 d (59 vs. 12%) and 30 d (82 vs. 63%) of the breeding season. Treatment with CIDR-PGF(2alpha) decreased (P < 0.05) the interval to first estrus after treatment during the first 30 d of the breeding season compared with control cows (5.5 +/- 1.1 vs. 9.0 +/- 1.4 d). First service conception rate was greater (P < 0.05) in CIDR-PGF(2alpha)-treated cows compared with control cows. Cyclic cows at initiation of the breeding season had an increased (P < 0.05) 75-d pregnancy rate compared with anestrous cows, and the pregnancy rate tended (P = 0.10) to be greater in multiparous compared with primiparous cows. We conclude that treatment of Brahman-influenced cows with progesterone via a CIDR for 7 d, along with administration of PGF(2alpha) at CIDR removal, increases the number of mounts received, improves synchronization and first service conception rates, decreases the interval to first estrus after treatment, and may be effective at inducing estrous cycles in anestrous cows.     

Relationship of pre- and post-ovulatory gonadotropin concentrations to subnormal luteal function in postpartum beef cattle

Early weaning of calves from anestrous cows results in formation of short-lived corpora lutea (CL) unless the animals are pretreated with a progestagen (norgestomet). This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between pre- and post-ovulatory gonadotropin secretion and luteal lifespan. Postpartum beef cows were assigned randomly into two groups, control (n = 5) and norgestomet (implant given at weaning for 9 d; n = 7). Calves from all cows were weaned 30 to 33 d postpartum. Coccygeal artery cannulas were placed into cows in the control group 1 d prior to weaning and 2 d before implant removal in cows in the norgestomet group. Plasma for determination of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol-17 beta (E) and progesterone (P) was collected daily at 10-min intervals for 6 h from weaning (control) or the day prior to implant removal (norgestomet) to estrus (d 0) and on d 2, 4 and 6 following estrus. Average interval (X +/- SE; P less than .05) from weaning to estrus or implant removal was 4.2 +/- .8 and 2.3 +/- .2 d for the control and norgestomet groups, respectively. Estrous cycle length for the control group was 12.4 +/- 1.8 d compared with 20.4 +/- .3 d for the norgestomet group (P less than .05). Four of five control cows had an estrous cycle length of 7 to 14 d; all cows in the norgestomet group and the remaining control cow had an estrous cycle of normal length (16 to 21 d).2+ estrus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Synchronization of estrus in postpartum beef cows with melengestrol acetate and prostaglandin F2 alpha

At the beginning of the breeding season, most beef herds consist of a population of cyclic and anestrous postpartum cows. To be most effective and economical, an estrous synchronization method for postpartum beef cows must be capable of synchronizing estrus in cyclic cows and inducing estrus in anestrous cows. In the first of two experiments, the combination of melengestrol acetate (MGA) fed for 9 d and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) administered on the last day of MGA feeding synchronized estrus in cyclic cows (94%) and induced estrus in anestrous cows (66%) as effectively as combining PGF2 alpha with a progestin implant (97 and 75%, respectively). In the second experiment, MGA treatment was necessary for 7 d prior to administering PGF2 alpha to maximize the expression of estrus in cyclic and anestrous cows. In both experiments the proportion of cows exhibiting a synchronized estrus and the pregnancy rates tended to be higher for cows that were cyclic prior to treatment. However, the MGA-PGF2 alpha treatments consistently induced estrus in more than 50% of the anestrous cows and approximately one-third of the cows that were anestrous prior to treatment conceived during the synchronized breeding period. The MGA-PGF2 alpha treatment was 33 to 46% less expensive than a comparable estrous synchronization method that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If feeding MGA and administering PGF2 alpha is approved, it may be the treatment of choice for synchronizing estrus in cyclic cows and inducing estrus in anestrous cows when supplemental feeding is feasible.     

Effect of termination of pregnancy or long-term progestogen exposure on subsequent estrous cycle length and concentration of progesterone in plasma of heifers

An experiment was conducted to determine whether short estrous cycles following abortion of heifers between 70 and 75 d of gestation are due to factors associated with the previous presence of a conceptus or long-term exposure of the uterus and(or) ovaries to a progestogen. Fifty crossbred heifers were randomly allotted at estrus (d 0) to five groups: control (n = 10), pregnant (Preg.; n = 14), progestogen (norgestomet) implant (Norg.; n = 9), progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID; n = 9), or hysterectomy (Hyst.; n = 8). Control heifers were injected during the mid-luteal phase of an estrous cycle with 25 mg prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and length of the subsequent estrous cycle was determined. Beginning 6 to 8 d after estrus, heifers in the Norg. or PRID groups were given norgestomet ear implants or intravaginal coils, respectively, every 10 d for 70 d. Heifers were hysterectomized 5 to 8 d after estrus. Seventy to 75 d after conception, progestogen treatment or hysterectomy, heifers were injected (i.m.) with 25 mg PGF2 alpha and the last norgestomet ear implants or PRIDs were removed. Interval from PGF2 alpha injection to first estrus (means +/- SE) ranged from 2.5 +/- .2 to 4.4 +/- .7 d (P greater than .05). Length of the first estrous cycle means +/- SE) following PGF2 alpha-induced luteolysis or progestogen withdrawal was shorter (P less than .01) for the Preg. group (8.2 +/- .4 d) than for the control, Norg. and PRID groups (21.5 +/- .6 d; 19.3 +/- 1.4 d; and 18.2 +/- 1.3 d, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Hormone secretion and characteristics of estrous cycles after treatment of heifers with human chorionic gonadotropin or prostaglandin F2 alpha during corpus luteum formation

Fertility in cattle is related positively to concentrations of progesterone in blood during the estrous cycle preceding insemination. This study determined whether treatment of heifers with prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during d 2 to 4 of an estrous cycle affected progesterone during that cycle and whether hormone secretion during the cycle and onset of subsequent estrus were related to progesterone secretion. Nine Holstein heifers were assigned to an experiment designed as a triplicate Latin square, and each heifer received each of three treatments during three consecutive estrous cycles. Treatments were: saline (control, 1 ml) on d 2, 3 and 4 after estrus; hCG, 1000 IU on d 2, 3 and 4; and PGF2 alpha, 25 mg on d 3 with repeated doses 12 and 24 h later. Progesterone throughout the estrous cycle was higher in heifers given hCG than in those given saline. Progesterone during the first week of the cycle was lower in heifers given PGF2 alpha than those given saline, but means for these two groups were similar thereafter. Number of peaks of 15-keto,13,14-dihydro-PGF2 alpha (PGFM) during 24 h after onset of luteolysis was lower in heifers given hCG than in those given saline or PGF2 alpha. Patterns of secretion of luteinizing hormone and estradiol at subsequent estrus were not affected by treatment. Temporal relationships among hormone secretion and onset of estrus were unaffected by treatment.     

Retention of a functional corpus luteum and peripheral concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2alpha following metestrus administration of Syncro-Mate-B.

This study was conducted to examine the effects of metestrus administration of SyncroMate-B (SMB) on PGF2alpha secretion and corpus luteum (CL) development. In a study replicated over 2 yr, cows were observed for spontaneous estrus in yr 1, and cows received an injection of 25 mg of PGF2alpha and were observed for subsequent estrus in yr 2. At standing estrus (estrus = d 1), cows were randomly allotted to receive either the standard SMB regimen (n = 40) on d 3 of the estrous cycle or no treatment (n = 8). Fifty percent (n = 20) of SMB-treated cows were administered PGF2alpha on d 10 of the estrous cycle 48 h prior to implant removal. Twice-daily blood samples were collected in the morning (AM) and evening (PM) from d 2 AM through d 14 AM of the treated estrous cycle and subsequently analyzed for progesterone (P4) and PGF2alpha metabolite (PGFM). Prior to statistical analysis, SMB- and SMB/PGF2alpha-treated cows were sorted according to P4 concentration at d 10 of the treated estrous cycle to either a CL functional group (P4 > or = 1 ng/mL; n = 20) or a CL nonfunctional group (P4 < 1 ng/mL; n = 17). Following d 10 AM administration of PGF2alpha, functional and nonfunctional groups were further subdivided based on treatment. The groups were as follows: untreated control cows (n = 8); SMB-treated cows retaining a functional CL (SMB-F; n = 8); SMB-treated cows with a nonfunctional CL (SMB-N; n = 11); SMB/PGF2alpha-treated cows retaining a functional CL (SMB/PG-F; n = 12); and SMB/PGF2alpha-treated cows with a nonfunctional CL (SMB/PG-N; n = 6). Of all SMB-treated cows, 54% retained a functional CL through d 10 AM of the treated estrous cycle. Mean serum P4 concentrations increased for cows in all groups until d 7, after which P4 concentrations increased for cows in SMB/PG-F, SMB-F, and control groups and decreased for cows in SMB/PG-N and SMB-N groups. Following PGF2alpha administration on d 10, mean serum P4 concentrations remained < 1 ng/mL for cows in SMB/PG-N and SMB-N groups, decreased to < 1 ng/mL for cows in the SMB/ PG-F group, and remained > 1 ng/mL for cows in SMB-F and control groups. Mean serum PGFM concentrations tended (P = .06) to increase in cows with nonfunctional CL compared with control cows on d 8 AM and were greater (P < .05) in cows with functional CL on d 8 PM through d 9 PM. These results indicate that retention of a functional rather than a nonfunctional CL following metestrus administration of SMB is dependent on a premature release of uterine PGF2alpha.     

Efficacy of an intravaginal progesterone insert and an injection of PGF2alpha for synchronizing estrus and shortening the interval to pregnancy in postpartum beef cows, peripubertal beef heifers, and dairy heifers

The objective was to test the efficacy of an intravaginal progesterone insert and injection of PGF2alpha for synchronizing estrus and shortening the interval to pregnancy in cattle. Cattle were assigned to one of three treatments before a 31-d breeding period that employed artificial insemination. Control cattle were not treated, and treated cattle were administered PGF2alpha or an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR) for 7 d and treated with PGF2alpha on d 6. The treatments were applied in one of three experiments that involved postpartum beef cows (Exp. 1; n = 851; 56+/-0.6 d postpartum), beef heifers (Exp. 2; n = 724; 442.5+/-2.8 d of age), and dairy heifers (Exp. 3; n = 260; 443.2+/-4.5 d of age). Luteal activity before treatment was determined for individual cattle based on blood progesterone concentrations. In Exp. 1, there was a greater incidence of estrus during the first 3 d of the breeding period in CIDR+PGF2alpha-treated cows compared with PGF2alpha-treated or control cows (15, 33, and 59% for control, PGF2alpha, and CIDR+PGF2alpha, respectively; P < 0.001). The improved estrous response led to an increase in pregnancy rate during the 3-d period (7, 22, and 36% for control, PGF2alpha, and CIDR+PGF2alpha, respectively; P < 0.001) and tended to improve pregnancy rate for the 31-d breeding period for cows treated with CIDR+PGF2alpha, (50, 55, and 58% for control, PGF2alpha, and CIDR+PGF2alpha, respectively, P = 0.10). Improvements in rates of estrus and pregnancy after CIDR+PGF2alpha, were also observed in beef heifers. Presence of luteal activity before the treatment period affected synchronization and pregnancy rates because anestrous cows (Exp. 1) or prepubertal heifers (Exp. 2) had lesser synchronization rates and pregnancy rates during the first 3 d of the breeding period as well as during the entire 31-d breeding period. The PGF2alpha, and CIDR+PGF2alpha but not the control treatments were evaluated in dairy heifers (Exp. 3). The CIDR+PGF2alpha-treated heifers had a greater incidence of estrus (84%) during the first 3 d of the breeding period compared with the PGF2alpha-treated heifers (57%), but pregnancy rates during the first 3 d or during the 31-d breeding period were not improved for CIDR+PGF2alpha compared with PGF2alpha-treated heifers. In summary, the concurrent treatment of CIDR and PGF2alpha improved synchronization rates relative to PGF2alpha alone or control. Improved estrus synchrony led to greater pregnancy rates for beef cows and beef heifers but failed to improve pregnancy rates for dairy heifers.     

Oxytocin-induced secretion of prostaglandin F2alpha in postpartum beef cows: effects of progesterone and estradiol-17beta treatment

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of progesterone or progesterone + estradiol-17beta on oxytocin-induced prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) secretion in postpartum beef cows. Thirty-four anestrous postpartum beef cows were ovariectomized (d 32 [Groups 1 to 3] or d 23 [Groups 4 to 6] postpartum [d 0 = parturition]) and allotted to six treatments (Group 1; negative control) to simulate short (Groups 2 through 5) or normal (Group 6) length estrous cycles. Steroid treatments for the respective groups were as follows: Group 1) no estradiol-17beta or progesterone treatment (n = 8; negative control); Group 2) progesterone (d 34 to 40; n = 6); Group 3) estradiol-17beta (d 32 to 33) and progesterone (d 34 to 40; n = 6); Group 4) progesterone (d 23 to 29), no estradiol-17beta (d 32 to 33), and progesterone (d 34 to 40; n = 5); Group 5) progesterone (d 23 to 29), estradiol-17beta (d 32 to 33), and progesterone (d 34 to 40; n = 5); and Group 6) progesterone (d 23 to 29), estradiol-17beta (d 32 to 33), and progesterone (d 34 to 50; n = 4; positive control). Oxytocin (100 IU) was injected (i.v.) at the end of each treatment to test the ability of the postpartum uterus to secrete PGF2alpha as measured by a stable metabolite of PGF2alpha, 15keto-13,14 dihydro-PGF2alpha (PGFM). Peak concentrations ofPGFM (P < 0.08) and total PGFM secreted (area under the curve; P < 0.05) were increased on d 6 following first (Group 2) or second (Group 4) exposure to progesterone and were similar to peak concentrations and total PGFM secreted 16 d following a simulated normal estrous cycle (Group 6). Administration of estradiol-17beta before first progesterone exposure (Group 3) did not reduce peak concentrations of PGFM or total PGFM secreted relative to the preceding groups. Peak concentrations of PGFM (P < 0.08) and total PGFM secreted (P < 0.05) were reduced following a second progesterone exposure, provided that cows were pretreated with estradiol-17beta (Group 5). In summary, oxytocin-induced release of PGFM was inhibited on d 6 following second exposure to progesterone only when cows were pretreated with estradiol-17beta. Therefore, estradiol-17beta and progesterone were both associated with the timing of PGF2, secretion in postpartum cows.     

Endocrine patterns in the postpartum beef cow associated with weaning: a comparison of the short and subsequent normal cycles

Levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone and estradiol-17 beta were measured in five Polled Hereford cows. Blood samples were collected once or twice daily for 5 d, then every 6 h from 1 d before weaning (d 28 to 38 postpartum) until 10 d after the second postweaning estrus. Blood samples were again collected at daily intervals until the third postweaning estrus. All cows exhibited estrus within 4 d after weaning, a second estrus 8 to 10 d after the first and a third estrus 16 to 23 d after the second. All cows had peaks in serum concentrations of LH during the first (22.6 to 81.7 ng/ml) and second (4.4 to 149.0 ng/ml) postweaning estrus. Mean levels of LH in serum during the peak and the area under the LH curve during the first and second postweaning estrus did not differ. Serum levels of LH and FSH during the first 4 d of the short cycle did not differ from LH and FSH levels the first 4 d of the subsequent normal cycle. Levels of LH in serum for 4 d before the first LH surge, associated with the first postweaning estrus, did not differ from levels of LH found 4 d before the second Lh surge, associated with the second postweaning estrus. However, serum levels of FSH during the 4 d before the first ovulatory LH surge were lower (P = .05) than those observed during the 4-d period before the second ovulatory surge of LH. Progesterone levels were similar the first 6 d after the first and second estrous periods, but were lower after d 6 of the first (short) cycle than after d 6 of the second (normal) cycle. Estradiol peaks of 1.2 to 2.8 pg/ml were detected during the first postweaning estrus and 1.4 to 12.5 pg/ml during the second postweaning estrus, but due to the variability among cows mean levels of estradiol during first estrus did not differ from second estrus. These data agree with previous reports that postpartum anestrous cows had short cycles if they exhibit estrus in response to weaning. The early decline of progesterone after the first estrus apparently did not stem from lack of LH in serum, but the lower levels of FSH observed before this first ovulation may have been an important factor contributing to the reduced life span of the subsequent corpus luteum.     

Effect of constant infusion of oxytocin on luteal lifespan and oxytocin-induced release of prostaglandin F2α in heifers

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether constant infusion of oxytocin would prolong the luteal phase and inhibit uterine prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) secretion in heifers. In Experiment 1, twelve heifers, treated with saline (SAL) or oxytocin (OXY) via jugular cannulae infusions (INF) or osmotic minipumps (OMP), were allotted at estrus into four treatment groups (n = 3). Treatments were: SAL-INF, SAL-OMP, OXY-INF and OXY-OMP. Physiological saline or oxytocin was given from Days 10 to 23 (Day 0 = estrus) of the estrous cycle. Method of treatment (jugular cannula infusion or osmotic minipump) had no effect (P greater than 0.05) on estrous cycle length or pattern of secretion of progesterone; therefore, data were pooled. Estrous cycle lengths were extended (P less than 0.01) for heifers which received oxytocin (25.3 +/- 0.4 d) compared to saline (20.5 +/- 0.4 d). Luteolysis did not occur in oxytocin-treated heifers until after treatment ceased. Experiment 2 was designed and conducted identically to Experiment 1 with the addition of a "challenge" injection of oxytocin (100 IU oxytocin, i.v.) given on Day 16 of the estrous cycle. Treatment of heifers with oxytocin extended (P less than 0.05) estrous cycle length by an average of 3 d compared to heifers treated with saline. The "challenge" injection induced (P less than 0.05) secretion of PGF2 alpha (as measured by the stable PGF2 alpha metabolite, 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2 alpha) in saline-treated but not oxytocin-treated heifers. In both Experiment 1 and 2, serum concentrations of FSH were elevated (P less than 0.05) in oxytocin-treated heifers. No increase was observed for LH or prolactin. The rise in estradiol-17 beta at luteolysis was not affected (P greater than 0.10) by treatment. In summary, constant infusion of oxytocin extended luteal lifespan, prolonged secretion of progesterone, and inhibited oxytocin-induced secretion of PGF2 alpha. Constant infusion of oxytocin did not affect serum concentrations of estradiol-17 beta, LH or prolactin; however, serum concentrations of FSH were elevated during the oxytocin treatment period.     

Influence of an agonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (buserelin) on estrus synchronization and fertility in beef cows.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of sequential treatment with buserelin (a GnRH agonist) and cloprostenol (a prostaglandin F2 alpha analog) on estrous response and fertility in beef cattle with different ovarian conditions. On d 0 (1st d of treatment), the control group (n = 52, 10 heifers and 42 cows) and the GnRH group (n = 48, 10 heifers and 38 cows) received 2 mL of saline or 2 mL of Receptal (8 micrograms of buserelin), respectively. On d 6, all cows that had not exhibited spontaneous estrus were given i.m. 500 micrograms of cloprostenol (PGF). Ultrasonography on d 0 and assays of progesterone in blood on d -11, 0, and 6 were used to identify follicular and luteal status of animals. Cattle were observed for estrus from d 0 to 10. Cows showing estrus were bred artificially 12 h after onset of estrus. Over the 10-d period, the number of cows detected in estrus and pregnancy and conception rates were identical for the two groups. However, between d 0 and 6, the proportion of cows exhibiting estrus was lower (P less than .01) in the GnRH group than in the control group. Between d 6 and 10, the synchronization rate and precision of estrus were greater (P less than .01) in the buserelin-treated group than in the control group. Conception rate and interval from PGF injection to onset of estrus were not different between the two treatment groups. Presence of a large (greater than 10 mm) follicle on d 0 enhanced synchronization rate and precision of estrus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Concentrations of ovarian and pituitary hormones following prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced luteal regression in ewes varies with day of the estrous cycle at treatment

Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) was injected on d 5, 8 or 11 postestrus in ewes to determine how stage of the estrous cycle would affect PGF2 alpha-induced changes in concentrations of ovarian and pituitary hormones and intervals to the onset of estrus and the preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). Initial concentrations of progesterone and average values during the 12 h after PGF2 alpha were related positively to the day of cycle on which PGF2 alpha was administered. Patterns of decline in progesterone after injection of PGF2 alpha were similar among the 3 d. Concentrations of LH in plasma increased in a similar manner from 0 to 12 h in all ewes. After 12 h LH continued to increase, plateaued or declined in ewes treated on d 5, 8 or 11, respectively. Initial concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in plasma were related positively to day of treatment. After treatment with PGF2 alpha, FSH increased within 2 h on d 5 but declined by that time on d 8 or 11. Concentrations of estradiol following treatment did not vary with day. The onset of estrus and the preovulatory surge of LH occurred at 36 and 35, 40 and 45, and 48 and greater than 48 h in ewes treated on d 5, 8 or 11, respectively. It is concluded that: 1) the initial increase in LH is dependent on a decrease in plasma progesterone and 2) differences in patterns of secretion of gonadotropins before the preovulatory surge of LH might be caused by differences in progesterone or progesterone:-estradiol ratio when luteal regression is induced on different days of the estrous cycle.     

Ovsynch plus CIDR protocol for timed embryo transfer in suckled postpartum Japanese Black beef cows

We compared synchronization and pregnancy rates, and the increase in blood progesterone concentrations during luteal development, between (1) Ovsynch plus an intravaginal controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device protocol followed by timed embryo transfer (timed ET), and (2) a conventional estrus synchronization method using PGF(2 alpha) and ET in suckled postpartum Japanese Black beef cows. Cows in the PGF group (n=18) received a PGF(2 alpha) analogue when a CL was first palpated per rectum at 10-d intervals after 1 to 2 month postpartum. Cows (n=11), which showed estrus (Day 0) within 5 d of the PGF(2 alpha), and had a CL on Day 7, received ET. Cows in the Ovsynch+CIDR group (n=19) underwent the Ovsynch protocol plus a CIDR for 7 d (GnRH analogue and CIDR on Day-9, PGF(2alpha) analogue with CIDR removal on Day-2, and GnRH analogue on Day 0), with ET on Day 7. The ovulation synchronization (100%) and embryo transfer (100%) rates in the Ovsynch+CIDR group were greater (P<0.01) than the estrus synchronization (66.7%) and the embryo transfer (61.1%) rates in the PGF group. The postpartum interval at ET in the Ovsynch+CIDR group (62.5 +/- 2.5 d) was shorter (P<0.01) than in the PGF group (74.9 +/- 3.9 d). The pregnancy rate in the Ovsynch+CIDR group (57.9%) did not differ significantly from that in the PGF group (50.0%). Plasma progesterone concentrations were not significantly different in the two groups on Days 0, 1, 2, 5, 7, 14 and 21. In summary, higher synchronization and transfer rates, and shorter postpartum interval to ET, can be achieved with timed ET following the Ovsynch plus CIDR protocol than after estrus with the single PGF(2 alpha) treatment followed by ET in suckled postpartum recipient beef cows. Pregnancy rates were similar. Also, the increase in blood progesterone concentrations during luteal development following ovulation synchronized by the Ovsynch plus CIDR protocol was similar to that after estrus induced by the PGF(2 alpha) treatment.     

Effect of age and norgestomet on endocrine parameters and production of embryos in superovulated beef cows

Effects of age of cow and a norgestomet (N) implant on number of embryos and endocrine responses to induction of superovulation were studied in old (greater than 12 yr) and young (5 to 7 yr) lactating beef cows. Seventeen cows (8 old and 9 young) received a 6-mg N ear implant on d 4 or 5 of the cycle (d 0 = estrus); the remaining 17 cows (9 old and 8 young) served as untreated controls (C). All animals were treated with 38 mg of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH-P) in decreasing dosages over a 4.5-d period beginning on d 10 or 11. Regression of the corpus luteum was induced with injections of PGF2 alpha at 0800 and 2000 on d 4 of FSH-P treatment; implants were removed at the second injection of PGF2 alpha. Cows were inseminated artificially 12 and 24 h after onset of estrus. Embryos were collected on d 7 or 8 postinsemination. Blood samples were obtained daily at 0800 from 2 d prior to initiation of treatment with FSH-P until collection of embryos. An additional sample was collected each day at 2000, from the first injection of PGF2 alpha to 1 d after onset of estrus. Samples were assayed for luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P4), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol-17 beta (E2). Total number of embryos plus ova recovered was lower (P less than .01) in N-treated (5.2 +/- 1.1) than in C-treated (10.6 +/- 1.6) cows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Synchronization of estrus in suckled beef cows for detected estrus and artificial insemination and timed artificial insemination using gonadotropin-releasing hormone, prostaglandin F2alpha, and progesterone

We determined whether a fixed-time AI (TAI) protocol could yield pregnancy rates similar to a protocol requiring detection of estrus, or estrous detection plus TAI, and whether adding a controlled internal device release (CIDR) to GnRH-based protocols would enhance fertility. Estrus was synchronized in 2,598 suckled beef cows at 14 locations, and AI was preceded by 1 of 5 treatments: 1) a CIDR for 7 d with 25 mg of PG F(2alpha) (PGF) at CIDR removal, followed by detection of estrus and AI during the 84 h after PGF; cows not detected in estrus by 84 h received 100 mug of GnRH and TAI at 84 h (control; n = 506); 2) GnRH administration, followed in 7 d with PGF, followed in 60 h by a second injection of GnRH and TAI (CO-Synch; n = 548); 3) CO-Synch plus a CIDR during the 7 d between the first injection of GnRH and PGF (CO-Synch + CIDR; n = 539); 4) GnRH administration, followed in 7 d with PGF, followed by detection of estrus and AI during the 84 h after PGF; cows not detected in estrus by 84 h received GnRH and TAI at 84 h (Select Synch & TAI; n = 507); and 5) Select Synch & TAI plus a CIDR during the 7 d between the first injection of GnRH and PGF (Select Synch + CIDR & TAI; n = 498). Blood samples were collected (d -17 and -7, relative to PGF) to determine estrous cycle status. For the control, Select Synch & TAI, and Select Synch + CIDR & TAI treatments, a minimum of twice daily observations for estrus began on d 0 and continued for at least 72 h. Inseminations were performed using the AM/PM rule. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography. Percentage of cows cycling at the initiation of treatments was 66%. Pregnancy rates (proportion of cows pregnant to AI of all cows synchronized during the synchronization period) among locations across treatments ranged from 37% to 67%. Pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.05) for the Select Synch + CIDR & TAI (58%), CO-Synch + CIDR (54%), Select Synch & TAI (53%), or control (53%) treatments than the CO-Synch (44%) treatment. Among the 3 protocols in which estrus was detected, conception rates (proportion of cows that became pregnant to AI of those exhibiting estrus during the synchronization period) were greater (P < 0.05) for Select Synch & TAI (70%; 217 of 309) and Select Synch + CIDR & TAI (67%; 230 of 345) cows than for control cows (61%; 197 of 325). We conclude that the CO-Synch + CIDR protocol yielded similar pregnancy rates to estrous detection protocols and is a reliable TAI protocol that eliminates detection of estrus when inseminating beef cows.     

Effects of charcoal-extracted, bovine follicular fluid on gonadotropin concentrations, the onset of estrus and luteal function in heifers

A study was conducted to determine the effect of charcoal-extracted, bovine follicular fluid (CFF) on plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations, the interval from luteolysis to estrus, and subsequent luteal function in heifers. Fifteen Angus, Simmental and Hereford heifers were allotted by age, weight and breed to a control (C, n = 8) or a CFF (n = 7) group. Heifers received injections of saline or CFF (iv, 8 ml/injection) every 12 h from d 1 (d 0 estrus) through d 5 of the estrous cycle. On d 6, each heifer was injected (im) with 25 mg of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha). Blood samples were collected every 12 h by venipuncture starting just before the first saline or CFF injection and continuing until estrus. Thereafter, blood samples were collected every other day during the subsequent estrous cycle and assayed for FSH, LH, estradiol-17 beta and progesterone by radioimmunoassay. Injections of CFF had no effect (P greater than .05) on circulating FSH or LH concentrations from d 1 to 5 relative to the C group; however, there was a transient rise (P less than .05) in FSH concentrations 24 h following cessation of CFF injections. This transient rise in FSH was not immediately followed by an increase in plasma estradiol-17 beta concentrations. Although CFF injections did not interfere with PGF2 alpha-induced luteolysis, the interval from PGF2 alpha injection to estrus was delayed (P less than .05) by 5 d in the CFF group compared with the C group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of 21-day treatment with melengestrol acetate (MGA) with or without subsequent prostaglandin F2 alpha on synchronization of estrus and fertility in beef cattle

Beef cattle were treated to synchronize estrus using one of three procedures, and effects on subsequent endocrine responses and fertility were studied. Procedures were 1) feeding .5 mg.head-1.d-1 of melengestrol acetate (MGA) for 21 d (M), 2) feeding .5 mg.head-1.d-1 of melengestrol acetate for 21 d followed 14 d later by a single injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha (M + P) and 3) two injections of prostaglandin (PGF) 14 d apart (P). In Exp. 1, 94 beef cows were assigned to be artificially inseminated 12 h after detection of estrus. Procedures for synchronizing estrus did not affect the proportion of cows observed in estrus within 7 d (mean = 70.2%). However, conception rate of cows treated with MGA alone was lower (P less than .01) than that of cows treated with PGF alone (31.8 vs 78.3%). The conception rate of cows in the M + P group was intermediate (57.1%) but greater than that of cows treated with MGA alone (P less than .10). In Exp. 2, 18 heifers were observed for estrus four times daily and bled daily from 1 wk before predicted estrus until second estrus or 35 d post-treatment. Heifers treated with MGA alone maintained lower concentrations of progesterone and higher concentrations of estradiol-17 beta before first estrus than heifers treated with MGA and PGF or PGF alone (P less than .01). Conception rate following insemination was lower after long-term feeding of MGA than after two injections of PGF. Delaying insemination until after a PGF-shortened cycle 14 d after MGA resulted in an intermediate conception rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Serum concentrations of IGF-I in postpartum beef cows

Four experiments assessed changes in serum IGF-I under various physiologic conditions in postpartum cows. In Exp. 1, anestrous suckled cows (n = 25) were infused for 6 d with either saline or glucose at two different infusion rates. In Exp. 2, anestrous cows (n = 29) received either a saline (weaned and suckled controls) or 3 g/d phlorizin (weaned phlorizin) infusion for 3 d. Calves from the weaned groups were removed from 15 h before and throughout infusions. In Exp. 3, cycling suckled cows (n = 20) received prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) when the 5-d saline or phlorizin infusion began. In Exp. 4, suckled cows (n = 20) had ad libitum access to feed or received 50% of control feed consumption from 30 to 40 d postpartum. Increasing glucose availability (Exp. 1) increased (P less than .05) serum IGF-I by 30 to 35%. IGF-I remained stable after weaning (Exp. 2) in phlorizin-infused cows (128.8 +/- 12.7 ng/ml), but increased (P less than .05) by 3 d after calf removal in weaned control cows (152.2 +/- 7.5 ng/ml). IGF-I also remained stable in phlorizin-infused cows following PGF2 alpha injection (Exp. 3), but increased in control cows by 2 d after PGF2 alpha (156.8 +/- 18.3 on d 2 vs. 133.7 +/- 9.8 ng/ml pre-injection; P less than .05) and remained elevated (P less than .05) during the periovulatory period. In cows receiving restricted feed intake (Exp. 4), IGF-I decreased by approximately 50% within 4 d of feed restriction (71.3 +/- 9.4 vs 137.4 +/- 16.6 ng/ml; P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of standing estrus and supplemental estradiol on changes in uterine pH during a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol

Cows that exhibit estrus within 24 h of fixed-time AI have elevated concentrations of estradiol and greater pregnancy rates compared with cows not in estrus. Our objective was to determine whether estradiol, estrus, or both had an effect on uterine pH during a fixed-time AI protocol. Beef cows were treated with the CO-Synch protocol (100 mircog of GnRH on d -9; 25 mg of PGF(2alpha) on d -2; and 100 mircog of GnRH on d 0). One-half of the cows received an injection of estradiol cypionate (ECP; 1 mg) 12 h after PGF(2alpha). Cows detected in standing estrus within 24 h of the second GnRH injection were considered to be in standing estrus. Uterine pH was determined in all animals 12, 24, and 48 h after the PGF(2alpha) injection. For Exp. 1, pH was also determined 72 and 96 h after the PGF(2alpha) injection; in Exp. 2, pH was also determined at 54, 60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, and 96 h after the PGF(2alpha) injection or until ovulation. A treatment x time interaction (P < 0.01) influenced concentrations of estradiol. All cows had similar (P > 0.15) concentrations of estradiol at the time of ECP administration, but after ECP treatment all cows treated with ECP and control cows that exhibited estrus had greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of estradiol compared with nontreated cows that did not exhibit estrus. In all animals, estradiol diminished 48 h after the PGF(2alpha) (time of the second GnRH injection), but ECP-treated cows, regardless of estrus, had elevated (P < 0.02) concentrations of estradiol compared with control cows. There was a treatment x time interaction (P < 0.001) on uterine pH. All cows had similar uterine pH (P > 0.19) 24 h after the PGF(2alpha) injection. Control cows that did not exhibit estrus had a greater uterine pH compared with control cows that exhibited estrus (P < 0.01) and ECP cows that exhibited estrus (P = 0.05) 48 h after the PGF(2alpha) injection (7.0 +/- 0.1 vs. 6.7 +/- 0.1 and 6.8 +/- 0.1, respectively). Estradiol cypionate-treated cows not exhibiting estrus were intermediate (6.8 +/- 0.1; P > 0.05). All cows had similar uterine pH 72 h after the PGF(2alpha) injection through ovulation (P > 0.06). In summary, uterine pH was similar among all animals that exhibited estrus, regardless of treatment with ECP.