Luteinizing hormone concentrations in serum of postpartum beef cows injected with microencapsulated luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog

Twenty-five cows were divided equally into five groups to determine whether [D-Trp6]-luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH-A) microencapsulated in poly (DL-lactide co-glycolide) would increase basal serum concentrations of LH during the postpartum period. On d 5 postpartum, cows were injected i.m. with 2 ml of vehicle alone (Group 1) or vehicle containing microcapsules calculated to release .4, 1.6, 6.4 or 25.6 micrograms LHRH-A per day for approximately 30 d (Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively). Cows were bled every 15 min for 4 h immediately before and after injection and every 15 min for 4 h at weekly intervals for the next 4 wk to evaluate serum profiles of LH. Estrus was determined by twice daily observations and confirmed by serum progesterone. More cows in Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 exhibited pulsatile patterns of LH after LHRH-A injection than in Group 1 (P less than .06). More pulses of LH were observed after LHRH-A injection in Groups 4 and 5 than in Group 1 (P less than .01). Mean concentrations of LH within treatment groups did not change during the initial injection, except in Group 5. All cows in Group 5 had a surge of LH immediately after injection. The induced surge of LH in two cows in Group 5 cows resulted in progesterone profiles similar to those during a normal luteal phase. Days to first postpartum estrus were not different among the five treatment groups. Microencapsulated LHRH-A given at a dose estimated to release 25 micrograms LHRH-A/d was effective in elevating LH concentrations following injection. However, effectiveness of this hormonal treatment in shortening postpartum anestrus was not substantiated.     

Enclomiphene does not alter the postpartum interval of suckled beef cows.

The objective of this study was to determine whether an antiestrogen (enclomiphene) would shorten the interval to first estrus and conception in postpartum beef cows. Sixty postpartum Angus beef cows were stratified by age, body condition, and calving date and were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Group 1 cows (n = 24) received three silastic implants, each containing 150 mg of enclomiphene, on d 20 postpartum. Implants were removed on d 30 postpartum. Group 2 cows (n = 28), received empty implants and served as controls. Cows were artificially inseminated at first detected estrus. Estrus detection and ovulation were further verified by increased serum progesterone. Concentrations and pulse frequencies of LH were determined from blood samples collected at 15-min intervals for 6 h on d 20, 25, 30, and 40 postpartum. Hypothalami and pituitaries were collected from four cows in each treatment group on d 30 postpartum and analyzed for concentrations of estradiol receptors. Concentrations of total and unoccupied hypothalamic and pituitary estradiol receptors were reduced by enclomiphene. Neither concentrations nor pulse frequencies of LH differed significantly between treatment groups on any of the 4 d. Days to first estrus did not differ (P greater than .05) between enclomiphene-treated (57 +/- 6; n = 24) and control (56 +/- 4; n = 28) cows. Days to conception did not differ between treated (81 +/- 9) and control (79 +/- 8) cows. The dose of enclomiphene used in this study reduced hypothalamic and pituitary estrogen receptors but did not alter secretion of LH or days to first estrus in the postpartum beef cow.     

Influence of dietary energy on follicular development, serum gonadotropins, and first postpartum ovulation in suckled beef cows

Twenty-eight Hereford x Angus cows (4 yr of age) were used to determine the effects of pre- and postpartum dietary energy on performance and reproductive function in suckled beef cows. The experiment was designed as a 2 x 2 factorial with cows receiving either 70 (L) or 150% (H) of NRC recommended level of dietary energy before and(or) after parturition, resulting in four treatment combinations (L-L, L-H, H-L, H-H). Prepartum diets were fed for approximately 110 d, and postpartum diets were fed until either 10 d after the second postpartum ovulation or 150 d postpartum for those cows that failed to ovulate. Cows receiving low compared with high levels of energy before calving lost more (P less than .01) weight, body condition, subcutaneous fat, and longissimus muscle area before parturition and had calves with lighter (P less than .01) birth weights. Cows receiving low compared with high levels of energy postpartum lost more (P less than .01) weight, body condition, and longissimus muscle area after parturition. Low levels of energy before and after parturition decreased (P less than .01) milk production and calf weight at 70 d of age. Rates of cervical and uterine involution were unaffected by dietary energy treatments. Cows receiving high levels of energy prepartum had increased (P less than .01) mean concentrations and pulse frequency of LH in serum after parturition, and cows receiving high levels of energy postpartum had increased (P less than .05) pulse frequency of LH. Low levels of energy postpartum decreased (P less than .01) appearance rate of small (5.0 to 7.9 mm) and large (greater than or equal to 10 mm) follicles, and low levels of energy prepartum decreased (P less than .02) appearance rate of large follicles based on transrectal ultrasonography. Cows receiving high levels of energy prepartum had shorter (P less than .02) intervals from parturition to ovulation, and a higher (P less than .01) percentage of the cows that received high levels of energy postpartum ovulated by 150 d postpartum. In summary, prepartum level of dietary energy influenced birth weight and weight gain of calves, milk production, concentrations and pulse frequency of LH in serum, appearance rate of large follicles, and the interval to first ovulation. Postpartum level of dietary energy influenced milk production, weight gain of calves, pulse frequency of LH, appearance rate of small and large follicles, and the percentage of cows that ovulated after parturition.     

Influence of estradiol on duration of anestrus and incidence of short estrous cycles in postpartum cows

The influence of exposure to exogenous estradiol on the interval from parturition to first ovulation, luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and luteal function was examined in cows. Cows were assigned at parturition to one of three treatments. Cows received either a 3.0 (1-E; n = 30) or .75 cm (1/4-E; n = 28) implant containing 17 beta-estradiol or served as untreated control animals (C; n = 33). Implants were administered within 2 days following parturition and removed on day 40 postpartum (day 0 = day of parturition). Single blood samples were collected twice weekly and analyzed for progesterone to determine length of postpartum anestrus and duration of the initial increase in progesterone. Sequential blood samples were collected on day 35 +/- .1 postpartum (15 min intervals for 18 hrs) from 5 cows in each treatment and analyzed for LH. Concentrations of estradiol were higher (P less than .01) in the 1-E (5.3 +/- .24) than in C (3.9 +/- .23) or 1/4 E (3.9 +/- .25) cows on day 35 postpartum. The interval from parturition to the first estrous cycle of normal duration was similar for cows in the C and 1-E treatment (53 +/- 2.4 and 56 +/- 2.4 days, respectively). Cows in the 1/4-E treatment had a longer (P less than .05) interval (68 +/- 2.5 days). Secretion of LH was similar among treatments on day 35 postpartum. The first normal luteal phase after parturition was preceded by a transient rise in progesterone in 81, 64 and 85% of the cows in the C, 1-E and 1/4-E treatments, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of estradiol,progesterone, and nutrition on concentrations of gonadotropins and GnRH receptors,and abundance of mRNA for GnRH receptors and gonadotropin subunits in pituitary glands of beef cows

Nutritionally induced anovulatory cows (n = 28) were used to determine the effect of steroids on regulation of synthesis and secretion of gonadotropins. Anovulatory cows were ovariectomized and received intravaginal inserts containing estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), E2 and P4 (E2P4), or a sham intravaginal insert (C) for 7 d. Concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were quantified in serum and E2 and P4 were quantified in plasma. Cows were exsanguinated within 1 to 2 h after removal of intravaginal inserts and pituitary glands were collected and stored at -80 degrees C until messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) and gonadotropin subunits, pituitary content of GnRH-R, and LH and FSH were quantified. Pituitary glands from five proestrous cows were harvested to compare gonadotropin characteristics between ovariectomized, anovulatory cows and intact cows. Plasma concentrations of E2 were greater (P < 0.05) in E2-treated cows than in sham-treated cows. Concentrations of P4 were greater (P < 0.05) in cows treated with P4 than in sham-treated cows. Mean serum concentrations of LH and FSH were not significantly influenced by steroid treatments. However, frequency of LH pulses of ovariectomized, nutritionally induced anovulatory cows was increased (P < 0.05) by treatment with E2 and amplitude of LH pulses was greater (P < 0.05) in cows treated with E2 or P4 than in cows treated with E2P4 or sham-treated. Quantity of mRNA for LHbeta in the pituitary gland was greater when cows were treated with P4. Concentrations of LH in the pituitary gland were not affected by steroid treatments; however, pituitary concentrations of FSH were less (P < 0.1) in E2 cows than in sham-treated cows. The number of GnRH-R was increased (P < 0.05) in cows treated with E2, but P4 treatment did not influence the number of GnRH-R. Abundance of mRNA for GnRH-R, common alpha-subunit, and FSHbeta were not affected by treatments. Pituitary concentrations of LH were greater (P < 0.05) and concentrations of FSH were less (P < 0.05) in proestrous cows than in ovariectomized, anovulatory cows treated with or without steroids. Abundance of mRNA for GnRH-R, common alpha-subunit, LHbeta and FSHbeta were similar for proestrous and anovulatory cows. We conclude that treatment of nutritionally induced anovulatory cows with progesterone and estradiol may cause pulsatile secretion of LH.     

Effect of naloxone on serum luteinizing hormone, cortisol and prolactin concentrations in anestrous beef cows

Two experiments were conducted with the opioid antagonist naloxone to determine the effect of opioid receptor blockade on hormone secretion in postpartum beef cows. In Exp. 1, nine anestrous postpartum beef cows were used to measure the effect of naloxone on serum luteinizing hormone (LH), cortisol and prolactin concentrations. Cows received either saline (n = 4) or 200 mg naloxone in saline (n = 5) iv. Blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 2 h before and after naloxone administration. Serum LH concentrations increased (P less than .01) in naloxone-treated cows from 1.8 +/- .04 ng/ml before treatment to 3.9 +/- .7 ng/ml and 4.2 +/- .5 ng/ml at 15 and 30 min, respectively, after naloxone administration. In contrast, LH remained unchanged in saline-treated cows (1.6 +/- .3 ng/ml). Serum cortisol and prolactin concentrations were not different between groups. In Exp. 2, 12 anestrous postpartum beef cows were used to examine the influence of days postpartum on the serum LH response to naloxone. Four cows each at 14 +/- 1.2, 28 +/- .3 and 42 +/- 1.5 d postpartum received 200 mg of naloxone in saline iv. Blood samples were taken as in the previous experiment. A second dose of naloxone was administered 2 h after the first, and blood samples were collected for a further 2 h. Serum LH concentrations increased (P less than .01) only in cows at 42 d postpartum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Sire breed of calf influences peripartum endocrine profiles and postpartum anestrus in Brahman cows

The literature indicates that sire breed of calf influences beef calf performance. However, there is little information concerning sire breed of calf effects on reproduction in beef cows. In this experiment, Angus (A), Brahman (B), or Tuli (T) bulls were bred to 136 Brahman (B) cows to examine sire breed of calf influence on peripartum hormone profiles and the length of postpartum anestrus. Cows were bled from 7 d prepartum to 28 d postpartum to determine peripartum hormone concentrations. Cows carrying AB calves had greater (P < 0.05) prepartum estradiol-17β concentrations than did cows carrying BB and TB calves. Prepartum and postpartum progesterone concentrations did not differ between cows with AB, BB, and TB calves. Cows with TB calves had lower (P < 0.01) 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F₂ (PGFM) concentrations than did cows with AB and BB calves during the early postpartum period. Adjusting for birth weight removed the sire breed of calf effect on postpartum PGFM concentrations, but not prepartum estradiol-17β. Postpartum anestrus was shorter (P < 0.05) for cows nursing BB calves (84 ± 6 d) than for cows nursing AB (101 ± 6 d) or TB calves (110 ± 7 d). Adjustment for estradiol or PGFM concentrations did not reduce sire breed of calf effects on the length of postpartum anestrus. Further work is needed to determine how calf genotype may modulate the postpartum reproductive function of the dam.     

Hormonal, estrual, ovulatory and milk traits in postpartum dairy cows following multiple daily injections of oxytocin

Release of oxytocin at suckling or milking may delay onset of estrous cycles in postpartum cows. Twenty lactating Holsteins of mixed parity were given 100 mU oxytocin iv (n = 10) or 2 ml saline (control; n = 10) via jugular catheters at 0530, 0930, 1730 and 2130 daily from calving (d o) until 28 d postpartum. All cows were milked twice daily at 0130 and 1330. Blood was collected thrice weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 0530) for 12 wk and analyzed by radioimmunoassay for progesterone and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) in serum. On d 12, blood was collected every 15 min for 6 h via jugular catheters and concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), cortisol and PGFM were determined. Rate of involution of the reproductive tract was estimated twice weekly by palpation per rectum. Overall mean, baseline concentrations, number of pulses/6 h, and pulse duration of LH on d 12 were similar among treatment groups. However, oxytocin seemed to reduce (P less than .10) pulse amplitude of LH in multiparous cows (.4 +/- .2 vs .8 +/- .1 ng/ml), but not in primiparous cows. Concentrations of cortisol and PGFM in serum on d 12 were unaffected by treatment. The average intervals from calving to first ovulation, based on changes of progesterone in serum and the intervals to first estrus, were similar between treatment groups. Rates of involution of the cervix and uterus also were similar between treatments. Milk yield, percent protein in milk and somatic cell counts did not differ between treatment groups. However, percent fat in milk tended to be higher (P less than .10) in cows given oxytocin than in controls (3.99 +/- .22 vs 3.68 +/- .21). These data indicate that multiple daily injections of oxytocin did not affect: 1) length of anestrus and anovulation in postpartum dairy cows, 2) LH release and 3) rates of cervical and uterine involution.     

Follicular phase gonadotropin secretion in cyclic postpartum beef cows with phlorizin-induced hypoglycemia

Twenty mature, lactating Hereford-cross cows were used to determine the effect of phlorizin-induced hypoglycemia on gonadotropin secretion following prostaglandin-induced luteolysis. Cows were 43 to 108 d postpartum and had a functional corpus luteum (CL) at the start of infusion treatment (d 1). Infusions consisted of either saline (control) or 3 g/d of phlorizin infused continuously from the time of prostaglandin injection at 1000 on d 1 until 0800 on d 5. Blood samples were collected for determination of plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose and free fatty acids (FFA) and for serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and progesterone. Plasma concentrations of insulin (P less than .05) and glucose (P less than .05) were lower, whereas FFA concentrations increased (day X treatment, P less than .05) over the infusion period in phlorizin-treated cows compared with saline-infused controls. Mean serum concentrations of LH (1.17 +/- .10 vs 1.53 +/- .20 ng/ml; P less than .05) and LH pulse amplitude (1.69 +/- .14 vs 2.47 +/- .37 ng/ml; P less than .10) were lower in phlorizin-infused compared with saline-infused cows during the 0 to 24-h period immediately preceding the ovulatory gonadotropin surge. The FSH pulse frequency increased (.33 +/- .11 to .55 +/- .12 pulses/h) in saline-infused cows, but decreased (.61 +/- .10 to .41 +/- .11 pulses/h) in phlorizin-infused cows before the gonadotropin surge. Other characteristics of gonadotropin secretion were similar among phlorizin-infused and saline-infused cows. All but one phlorizin-infused cow ovulated and formed functional CL similar to controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Alteration of the GnRH-induced LH release by steroids in postpartum dairy cattle

The effect of elevated plasma concentrations of estradiol-17 beta (E2 beta), estrone (E1) and progesterone (P), in concentrations similar to those observed at the end of pregnancy, on the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) release in postpartum dairy cows was studied. Twenty-five dairy cows in late gestation were assigned to five groups of five each to receive daily steroid treatments as follows: 1 and 2) no exogenous steroids; 3) 20 mg E2 beta and 30 mg E1; 4) 150 mg P and 5) 20 mg E2 beta + 30 mg E1 + 150 mg P. Steroids were dissolved in alcohol (vehicle) and injected sc twice daily. Cows receiving no steroids were given vehicle. Administration of steroids or vehicle began immediately after parturition (d 0) and continued for 7 d to maintain concentrations of steroids in plasma similar to prepartum concentrations. Cows in groups 2 through 5 received an injection of 100 micrograms GnRH on d 2, 8, 16, 24 and 32 postpartum, while those in group 1 received water (vehicle for GnRH) on the same days. Plasma for hormonal determinations was collected on alternate days beginning 10 d before the expected day of parturition, daily through the period of steroid treatments (d 0 to 6, postpartum) and on alternate days thereafter until d 40 postpartum. In addition, plasma was collected immediately before GnRH or water administration and at .5 h intervals thereafter for 4 h. Trends in response to treatment over days postpartum were studied by partitioning sums of squares due to linear, quadratic and cubic polynomial responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ovarian follicular recruitment,granulosa cell steroidogenic potential and growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I relationships in suckled beef cows consuming high lipid diets: Effects of graded differences in body condition maintained during the puerperium

The effects of graded differences in body condition score (BCS) on ovarian follicular development, granulosa cell steroidogenic potential, and growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) relationships were examined during the puerperium in beef cows fed high fat diets. Cows (n = 36) were allocated randomly about 90 d before expected calving to dietary treatments that resulted in BCS of 3 (very thin), 4 (thin), 6 (optimal) and 8 (obese) at parturition. Body weight and BCS were maintained after parturition by adjusting individual intakes of forage throughout the 17-d experiment, and all cows were fed a high lipid supplement (soybean oil; 0.44 kg/500 kg body weight) during this period. Follicular development in BCS 3 and 4 lagged behind that of BCS 6 and 8 throughout most of the study; however, cows in BCS 4 developed numbers of medium and large follicles by day 15 postpartum that were comparable to those of cows in greater BCS. Mean concentrations of total cholesterol (TCH) and total triglycerides (TG) in serum were greater (P < .05) for cows in BCS 8 vs. 3, 4 and 6 through days 12 (TCH) and 16 (TG) postcalving, respectively. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-CH), progesterone and estradiol-17β concentrations in follicular fluid were not affected by BCS at ovariectomy (day 17 postpartum). Addition of insulin and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to culture media maximized (P < .05) production of progesterone by granulosa cells, but in vivo BCS treatments had no effect. Serum GH concentrations were elevated (P < .05) in cows in BCS 3 and 4 compared to those in BCS 6 and 8 throughout the puerperium. Serum IGF-I tended (P < .10) to increase during the first few days after parturition, and both serum and follicular fluid IGF-I increased (P < .02 and P < .001, respectively) with increasing BCS. Data indicate that cows calving in BCS < 4, and fed such that weight and BCS do not increase, are unlikely to respond to short-term dietary fat supplementation.     

Follicular, hormonal, and pregnancy responses of early postpartum suckled beef cows to GnRH, norgestomet, and prostaglandin F2alpha.

ABSTRACT: Cycling (n = 16) and noncycling (n = 24), early postpartum, suckled beef cows of three breeds were assigned randomly to three treatments: 1) 100-microg injection of GnRH plus a 6-mg implant of norgestomet administered on d -7 before 25 mg of PGF2alpha and implant removal on d 0 (GnRH+NORG); 2) 100 microg of GnRH given on d -7 followed by 25 mg of PGF2alpha on d 0 (GnRH); or 3) 2 mL of saline plus a 6-mg implant of norgestomet administered on d -7 followed by 25 mg of PGF2, and implant removal on d 0 (NORG). All cows were given 100 microg of GnRH on d +2 (48 h after PGF2alpha). Blood sera collected daily from d -7 to d +4 were analyzed for progesterone and estradiol-17beta, and ovaries were monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonography to assess changes in ovarian structures. Luteal structures were induced in 75% of noncycling cows in both treatments after GnRH, resulting in elevated (P < .01) progesterone on d 0 for GnRH+NORG-treated cows. Concentrations of estradiol-17beta (P < .01) and LH (P < .05) were greater on d +2 after GnRH for cows previously receiving norgestomet implants. Pregnancy rates after one fixed-time AI at 16 h after GnRH (d +2) were greater (P < .05) in GnRH+NORG (71%) than in GnRH (31%) and NORG (15%) cows. Difference in pregnancy rate was due partly to normal luteal activity after AI in over 87% of GnRH+NORG cows and no incidence of short luteal phases. The GnRH+NORG treatment initially induced ovulation or turnover of the largest follicle, induction of a new follicular wave, followed later by increased concentrations of estradiol-17beta and progesterone. After PGF2alpha, greater GnRH-induced release of LH occurred in GnRH+NORG cows before ovulation, and pregnancy rates were greater after a fixed-time AI.     

Anterior pituitary concentrations of gonadotropins, GnRH-receptors and ovarian characteristics following early weaning in beef cows

Endocrine changes in the hypophyseal-ovarian axis associated with early calf removal were investigated in anestrous beef cows. Tissues were collected and analyzed from multiparous beef cows slaughtered at O (n = 8), 36 (n = 8) or 72 h (n = 8) after calf removal during the fifth week after calving. Cows that exhibited estrus; had postmortem signs of a recent ovulation or had serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) indicative of an ovulatory surge, were excluded from the analysis. Five control cows that were not slaughtered exhibited estrus from 30 to 84 h after calf removal. Seven additional cows were continuously kept with their calves and did not exhibit estrus until 72 +/- 9 d after calving. Serum concentrations of estradiol-17 beta (estradiol) averaged 8.2 +/- 1.7, 7.5 +/- 2.0 and 9.1 +/- 1.5 pg/ml at 0, 36 and 72 h, respectively, but they averaged 22.8 +/- 4.7 pg/ml prior to estrus in control cows. Therefore, observations were assumed to represent events that occur prior to the rise in serum concentrations of estradiol that occurs during proestrus. Volume of fluid from the largest ovarian follicle tended to be greater (P less than .10) at 72 h (1.5 +/- .2 ml) than at 0 h (1.1 +/- .1 ml) or 36 h (1.0 +/- .1 ml). Follicular-fluid concentrations of estradiol, but not progesterone, were positively correlated (P less than .01) with follicular volume. However, numbers of small (less than 100 microliters), medium (100 to 400 microliters) and large follicles (greater than 400 microliters) as based on fluid volume, as well as follicular-fluid concentrations of estradiol and progesterone, did not differ among treatment groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cortisol and luteinizing hormone after adrenocorticotropic hormone administration to postpartum beef cows

Cortisol and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured in serum after the administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to suckled (S) and nonsuckled (NS) beef cows. Blood was sampled on 2 consecutive days every 2 weeks for four bleeding periods starting 14 days after calving. Cows were injected with 200 IU ACTH or saline in a 2-day switchback design. Serum was collected before ACTH or saline injection and at 30-min intervals thereafter for 8 hours. Average cortisol concentrations in serum were similar in S and NS cows (6.4 +/- .6 and 6.1 +/- .8 ng/ml, respectively) after saline. Average cortisol concentrations in serum collected during an 8-hr period after ACTH on days 14, 28, 42 and 56 postpartum were 24.7 +/- 2.4, 31.8 +/- 3.5, 36.4 +/- 4.2 and 40.7 +/- .5 ng/ml, respectively, for S cows, and 31.1 +/- 2.9, 44.7 +/- 5.2, 45.0 +/- 5.7 and 46.0 +/- 5.4 ng/ml, respectively, for NS cows. Cortisol response to ACTH, measured as area under the response curve, was greater (P less than .05) in NS than in S cows. Amount of cortisol released by 200 IU ACTH was maximal by days 28 to 29 postpartum in NS cows, but the response increased gradually between days 14 to 15 and days 56 to 57 in S cows. overall, LH in serum averaged .55 +/- .08 ng/ml for S cows and .92 +/- .06 ng/ml for NS cows after saline, and .49 +/- .07 ng/ml for S cows and .94 +/- .06 ng/ml for NS cows after ACth. Although mean and peak serum LH concentrations did not differ between cows given ACTH and those given saline, the number of LH peaks and the number of cows having LH after saline. Mean serum LH concentrations were lower (P less than. 05) in S than in NS cows at 28 days postpartum. The number of LH peaks was lower (P less than .05) and the magnitude of the largest LH peak tended to be lower (P less than .06) in S cows at all sampling periods.     

Biological and immunological luteinizing hormone activity and blood metabolites in postpartum Brahman cows

Multiparous Brahman cows were assigned by order of calving and sex of calf to groups to be fed to maintain body condition score (BCS) of 6 or greater (M; n = 10) or to lose BCS (L; n = 10). Blood samples were collected weekly for progesterone analysis and at 15, 30 and 45 d after parturition at 15-min intervals for 6 h for determination of immunological (ILH) and biological (BLH) luteinizing hormone. Serum concentrations of ILH were determined using a double antibody RIA procedure, whereas BLH was determined using a rat interstitial cell-testosterone bioassay (RICT). By 45 d after parturition 7 of 10 M cows had returned to estrus. Therefore, comparisons between groups were made on d 15 and 30 postpartum. Cows in the M group had a shorter (P less than .001) interval to first estrus (46.7 d) than did L cows (91.2 d). The concentrations of bioactive and immunoactive LH were parallel between d 15 and 30 postcalving. However, a day x treatment interaction (P less than .05) showed that episodic BLH concentrations (ng/ml) decreased with day postpartum in L, but increased in M cows from d 15 to 30 postcalving. Likewise, relative biological activity, as measured by B:I ratios, decreased between d 15 and 30 in L cows, whereas it increased in M cows during the same period (B:I x day interaction; P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Relations between plasma IGF-I concentrations during treatment with CIDR-based or Ovsynch protocol for timed AI and conception in early postpartum Japanese black beef cows

We examined the relations between plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF) -I concentrations during treatment with CIDR-based or Ovsynch protocol for timed AI and conception and plasma steroid concentrations in early postpartum Japanese Black beef cows. Cows in the control group (Ovsynch; n = 21) underwent Ovsynch protocol (GnRH analogue on Day 0, PGF(2alpha) analogue on Day 7, and GnRH analogue on Day 9), with AI on Day 10, approximately 20 h after the second GnRH treatment. Cows in the Ovsynch+CIDR group (n = 22) received Ovsynch protocol plus a CIDR for 7 days (starting on Day 0). Cows in the further treatment group (EB+CIDR+GnRH; n = 22) received 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) on Day 0 in lieu of the first GnRH treatment, followed by the same treatment as in the Ovsynch+CIDR protocol. Plasma IGF-I concentrations were determined on Days -7, 0, 7, 9 and 17. Conception rates were improved in the CIDR-combined groups (both CIDR-treated groups were combined) relative to Ovsynch group (P < 0.05) for cows with low IGF-I concentrations (<1,000 ng/ml) on Days -7, 0, and 7, but improved conception rate produced by the CIDR-based protocols did not occur in cows with a high IGF-I concentration (> or =1,000 ng/ml). Plasma estradiol-17beta concentrations increased from Day 0 to 7 (P < 0.05) and were unchanged from Day 7 to 9 in the Ovsynch group with low IGF-I concentrations on Day 0, while they were unchanged from Day 0 to 7 and increased from Day 7 to 9 (P < 0.05) in the Ovsynch group with high IGF-I concentrations on Day 0 and in the CIDR-combined group. Plasma progesterone concentrations in the Ovsynch group with low IGF-I concentrations on Day 0 were higher on Day 14 than in the Ovsynch group with high IGF-I concentrations on Day 0 and in the CIDR-combined group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CIDR-based protocols may improve conception relative to Ovsynch in early postpartum beef cows with lower plasma IGF-I concentrations at the start of the protocols. This improvement is probably due to prevention of premature increases of estradiol-17beta and progesterone concentrations, which occurred in cows with low IGF-I concentrations treated with Ovsynch, by the CIDR treatment.     

Effect of dietary energy restriction on metabolic and endocrine responses during the estrous cycle of the suckled beef cow

A replicated trial was conducted with suckled Angus and Polled Hereford cows (110 d postcalving) to determine metabolic and endocrine responses to an energy-restricted diet after cows had re-established postpartum estrous cyclicity. Cows were individually fed 26.5 Mcal ME (H) or 15.2 Mcal ME (L) for a 30-d preliminary period and fitted with an indwelling jugular cannula at synchronized estrus. Average daily weight change during the estrous cycle was .60 +/- .25 and -1.37 +/- .30 kg/d for H and L, respectively (P less than .05). Blood concentrations of cortisol, progesterone and LH during the estrous cycle were not affected by diet, nor did diet affect frequency or amplitude of LH pulses (P greater than .05). No dietary differences were observed for daily concentrations of total protein, glucose, nonesterified fatty acids or acetate. Mean blood concentrations of propionate and butyrate were not different between diets; however, L cows had lower concentrations of propionate and butyrate on d 11 of the cycle (P less than .05). Cows fed L had higher concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (P less than .05), but they had lower concentrations of cholesterol (P less than .05) on d 4, 11, 18 and subsequent estrus (E). Insulin was not different on d 4 and 11; however, cows fed L had lower insulin concentrations on d 18 and d E (P less than .05). Dietary energy restriction in these cyclic cows caused no change in endocrine responses. Of metabolic responses measured, only blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol and insulin showed consistent changes.     

Fatty acid composition of plasma, medial basal hypothalamus, and uterine tissue in primiparous beef cows fed high-linoleate safflower seeds

The experimental objectives were to evaluate the influence of supplemental high-linoleate safflower seeds on fatty acid concentrations in plasma, medial basal hypothalamus, uterine tissues, and serum 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF(2)alpha metabolite (PGFM) in primiparous beef cows during early lactation. Beginning 1 d postpartum, 18 primiparous, crossbred beef cows (411 +/- 24.3 kg of BW) were fed foxtail millet hay at 1.68% of BW (DM basis) and either a low-fat supplement (control: 63.7% cracked corn; 33.4% safflower seed meal; and 2.9% liquid molasses; DM basis) at 0.35% of BW (n = 9) or a supplement (linoleate) containing 95.3% cracked high-linoleate (79% 18:2n-6) safflower seeds and 4.7% liquid molasses (DM basis) at 0.23% of BW (n = 9). Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. The linoleate diet contained 5.4% of DMI as fat vs. 1.2% for control. Beginning 1 d postpartum, cattle were bled every 3 d for collection of serum and plasma. Cattle were slaughtered at 37 +/- 3 d postpartum for collection of the medial basal hypothalamus, myometrium, endometrium, caruncular tissue, intercaruncular tissue, and oviduct. Feeding linoleate increased (P = 0.001) plasma concentrations of 18:2n-6, 18:2cis-9 trans-11 and total unsaturated fatty acids; however, 18:1trans-11 did not differ (P = 0.19) between treatments. Concentrations of 20:5n-3 in the medial basal hypothalamus tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for cattle fed linoleate. Concentrations of fatty acids in the oviduct were greater (P < 0.05) than in other uterine tissues. Cows fed linoleate had greater (P = 0.05) concentrations of 18:3n-3 in the endometrium and less (P = 0.06) 18:2cis-9 trans-11 in the myometrium than cows fed the control. Supplemental fat increased (dietary treatment x day postpartum, P = 0.01) concentrations of PGFM in serum more in linoleate than control cows from d 3 to 9 postpartum. Lipid supplementation early in the postpartum period altered the fatty acid composition of medial basal hypothalamus, uterine tissue, and serum concentrations of PGFM. The most novel observation was that the oviduct appeared to be the most sensitive tissue to additional dietary linoleic acid, which could potentially influence fertility.     

Ovulation in postpartum beef cows treated with estradiol

The effect of implants of estradiol on initiation of ovarian cycles postpartum was studied in 201 anestrous beef cows. Cows from four farms were used over a 2-yr period in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with estradiol implants and stage postpartum as main effects. Cows were assigned at random within date of calving within farm to receive an ear implant containing estradiol-17 beta (24 mg) for 21 d or to serve as controls. Stages postpartum at implantation were divided into less than or equal to 25, 26 to 39, and greater than or equal to 40 d, three stages that should reflect potential changes in hypothalmic-hypophysial sensitivity to estradiol. Blood samples for determination of progesterone were obtained and rectal examinations of the ovaries performed at implant insertion, 14 d after insertion, at implant removal (d 21), and 14 d after removal (d 35) to assess ovulatory response to treatment. Circulating concentrations of estradiol on d 14 of treatment averaged 3.2 +/- 1.0 and 23.1 +/- 4.7 pg/ml for control and estradiol-treated cows, respectively. Compared with control cows, treatment with estradiol initiated after d 26 postpartum increased the proportion of cows that ovulated during the experimental period. No differences were seen in the average days postpartum when cows were first determined to have ovulated.     

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.