母牛子宫粘液的抗精子抗体反应与不孕症关系的研究

利用酶联免疫新法,检测不孕黑白花乳牛子宫粘液和血清的抗精子抗体反应,研究子宫粘液抗精子抗体反应与不孕症之间的关系及与血清反应间的相关。结果表明,不孕母牛子宫粘液和血清的抗精子抗体反应阳性率(37.9和?.5%,n=29)显著高于正常空怀母牛(0和6.7%,n=8和15,P<0.05).子宫粘液和血清的抗精子抗体检出率之间的符合率,阳性反应为75%.阴性反应为85%。阳性反应子宫粘液和血清的滴度平均为1:141和1:115。两者之间差异不显著(P>0.05)。试验证明,母牛不孕症与子宫粘液的抗精子抗体存在有关,子宫粘液与血清的抗精子抗体反应亦具有相似性.     

母牛循环血抗精子抗体的固相酶染色法检测与不孕症关系的研究

利用固相酶染色法(Solid-phase Enzy em Staining Assay,SESA),检测奶母牛循的环血抗精子抗体(ASAb)本平,研究奶牛不孕机制,AsAb的检测意义及与不孕症之间关系。采集奶牛血清样共160例。包括:处女牛12例,妊娠及产后一月正常空怀母牛26例,屡配不孕母牛93例,子宫内膜炎母牛21例,隐性发情母牛8例。利用公牛正常新鲜精液,PBS洗3次,校正精子密度为50×10~6/ml,涂片,自行干燥,甲醇固定10—20分钟,加灭活血清样,37℃,30分钟,用PBS洗3次,加兔抗牛IgG-HRP,37℃,30分钟,PBS洗3次后,加新鲜配制底物DAB(3,3一二氨基联苯胺盐酸盐),继续作用30分钟(37℃),同法洗3次,油镜观察反应。结果:阳性(精子头部成棕黄色)俭出率,处女牛0％(0/12);正常孕牛7.7％(2/26);不孕母牛(平均)35.25％(43/122);子宫内膜炎不孕母牛28.57％-(6/21);屡配不孕母牛36.56％(34/93);隐性发情母牛37.50％(3/8)。不孕牛ASAb滴度最低为1:16,最高为1:256。结果表明,处女牛、正常孕牛与不孕牛的AsA b阳性检出率差异显著(P<0.01),屡配不孕母牛,子宫内膜炎不孕母牛及隐性发情母牛AsAb阳性检出率之间的差异不显著(P>0.05)。对屡配不孕牛不孕胎次及不孕期配种次数(1—12次)间的AsAb阳性率比较表明,不同配种次数(情期数)(3～6次)之间无统计学差异(P>0.05),不孕胎次之间亦无统计学差异(P>0.05)。研究表明,用SESA法检测母牛AsAb,阳性率与不孕症之间的相关性高,检测方法具有特异性强,敏感性、精密度较好的特点,对探索奶牛不孕机制,为奶牛不孕症的诊断与治疗提供实验手段和实验依据,具有理论与应用意义。     

屡配不孕奶牛血清抗精子抗体水平和孕酮含量的测定

应用精子凝集试验测定五个牧场共33头屡配不孕奶牛和86头正常牛的血清抗精子抗体水平,发现30头屡配不孕牛的血清稀释到1∶8时,仍可见明显的凝集反应,而85头正常牛的血清稀释到1∶8时,凝集反应阴性。因此,将1∶8的血清稀释倍数作为诊断母牛是否不孕的指标,阳性和阴性准确率分别可达90.91％和98.84％。此外,用微滴板酶免疫法测定8头屡配不孕牛和30头正常牛的血清孕酮含量分别为9.83±1.85和1.95±0.74n g/ml,两者统计差异显著(P<0.01)。     

同种和异种抗精子抗体血清对牛精子活力和顶体完整性的影响

8头黑白花成年公牛,每头采集3次精液,利用精子死活染色法和顶体染色法,评定不孕母牛抗精子抗体阳性血清(同种血清组,试验组Ⅰ)和兔抗牛精子抗体免疫血清(异种血清组,试验组Ⅱ)在0.2、4及6小时对精子活力和顶体完整性的影响,研究抗精子抗体引起牛不孕的可能机理。结果表明,在2小时,试验组Ⅰ和Ⅱ的精子活率显著低于处女牛血清组(对照组Ⅲ)和空白对照组(对照组Ⅳ,P<0.05或0.01),但在4、6小时,各组之间的差异不明显(P>0.05)。2、4和6小时对照组Ⅲ、Ⅳ的精子顶体完整率均明显高于试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组(P<0.01或0.05)。在6小时前,相同时间间隔时,各组精子活率高于顶体完整率,随着作用时间延长,精子顶体完整率的下降幅度大于精子活率。试验表明,抗精子 抗体血清除能影响精子活力外,主要损伤精子顶体的正常形态。     

不孕奶牛抗精子抗体(AsAb)检测及复方药物结合AI+MOET治疗试验

采集正常牛20头和不孕牛23头发情宫颈黏液确定浅盘精子凝集检测不孕牛抗精子抗体(AsAb)标准,检测135头不孕牛AsAb并计算阳性率;对AsAb阳性不孕牛采用氯前列烯醇、双抗和氢化可的松相结合2次处理诱导同期发情检测AsAb阳性率,然后分别进行AI和AI+MOET治疗试验.结果显示,浅盘精子凝集检测不孕牛发情宫颈黏液AsAb可用1/16稀释和精子凝集率>10%作为判定标准,135头不孕牛中87头呈阳性,占64.4%.2次复方药物处理后AsAb阳性率由100%(87/87)下降到64.2%(53/87,P<0.05).87头AsAb阳性牛经2次复方药物治疗后53头同期发情,被分为AI组(n=32)和AI+MOET组(n=21),AI+MOET组90 d受胎率和犊牛出生率达到57.1%和71.4%,分别显著高于AI组的34.4%的受胎率和34.4%犊牛出生率(P<0.05).     

不同硒源对胎衣滞留母牛血清P_4和E_2水平的影响

选用90头2～4胎次,体况良好的西门塔尔经产母牛,采用完全随机区组设计,研究亚硒酸钠、赛乐硒、蛋氨酸硒和包被硒(0.6mg/kg)对分娩前后胎衣滞留母牛外周血P4、E2水平及P4/E2比例的影响。结果表明,产前第2天和产犊时各加硒组和胎衣滞留对照组血清P4含量显著高于正常牛(P<0.05);E2水平显著低于正常牛(P<0.05),但亚硒酸钠组、赛乐硒组、蛋氨酸硒组和包被硒组显著高于胎衣滞留对照组(P<0.05);加硒组和正常牛组血清P4/E2比例显著低于胎衣滞留对照组。产后加硒组和胎衣滞留对照组血清P4含量显著高于正常牛(P<0.05);胎衣滞留对照组血清E2含量与正常牛无显著差异,但亚硒酸钠组、赛乐硒组、蛋氨酸硒组、包被硒组血清E2含量显著提高,各硒源间无显著差异;胎衣滞留对照组血清P4/E2显著高于正常牛组(P<0.05),各硒源组显著低于胎衣滞留对照组(P<0.05),赛乐硒组、蛋氨酸硒组和包被硒组显著低于亚硒酸钠组(P<0.05),但与正常牛组无显著差异(P>0.05),亚硒酸钠组显著高于正常牛组(P<0.05)。上述结果表明,产前第10天到第6天P4/E2比例升高可以作为牛胎衣滞留的指征,添加硒可以减缓这些指征,有机硒和包被硒优于无机硒。     

饲粮锰水平对辽宁绒山羊母羊产绒性能及相关血清激素含量的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮锰水平对辽宁绒山羊母羊产绒性能及相关血清激素含量的影响。选择2.5周岁、体况良好、体重[(34.16±0.90)kg]接近的健康辽宁绒山羊母羊60只,随机分为4组,各组分别补饲无机锰0、20、40、60 mg/kg。在母羊空怀期、妊娠1个月和4个月时采集血清及绒样,测定血清催乳素(PRL)和褪黑激素(MT)含量、绒生长速度、绒细度和绒强度。结果表明:1)补饲锰对采食量影响不显著(P>0.05),但是补饲20 mg/kg锰显著提高了平均日增重(P<0.05)。2)空怀期时补饲20 mg/kg锰,显著降低了血清PRL含量(P<0.05),显著提高了MT含量(P<0.05),且与补饲40、60 mg/kg锰差异不显著(P>0.05);妊娠个1月时,各补饲锰水平饲粮均使血清PRL含量显著降低、MT含量显著增加(P<0.05)。3)各补饲锰水平饲粮均提高了空怀期、妊娠1个月和妊娠4个月时母羊的绒生长速度,尤以补饲20 mg/kg锰的效果显著(P<0.05);补饲锰改善了母羊绒细度,虽降低了绒绝对强度,但对绒相对强度影响不显著(P>0.05)。综合分析认为,补饲20 mg/kg锰(饲粮锰水平60 mg/kg)对提高辽宁绒山羊母羊产绒性能较为适宜。     

卡拉库尔妊娠母羊微量元素的含量测定

为了探索微量元素对妊娠母羊营养状况的影响,试验选取体重相近、年龄和胎次相同的卡拉库尔妊娠母羊和空怀母羊各6只,采集颈静脉血样和臀部毛样,利用原子吸收光谱法(国标法)测定铜、锌、铁、锰4种微量元素含量。结果表明:血清中铁、铜含量在妊娠母羊与空怀母羊之间差异显著(P<0.05);全血中铁、锰含量在妊娠母羊与空怀母羊之间差异显著(P<0.05),铜含量差异极显著著(P<0.01);羊毛中铜含量在妊娠母羊与空怀母羊之间差异显著(P<0.05),锰含量差异极显著(P<0.01);与我国绵羊饲养标准相比,全血中的铜、锌含量较低,铁、锰含量较高。     

肌注孕酮对母牛血清孕酮水平和受胎率的影响

<正> 母牛血清中的孕酮主要是在卵巢合成,它是维持母牛正常妊娠不可缺少的重要激素。根据血清孕酮含量可以监测母牛繁殖状态,而其分泌水平的不足,常使母牛出现胚胎早期死亡,使产犊间隔延长,甚至导致不孕。因此,对于妊娠后卵巢黄体功能不足的母牛,利用孕激素防治,可以降低胚胎早期死亡率,从而提高受胎率。本试验通过检测母牛血清的孕酮水平,对母牛实现早期妊娠诊断,并通过改变妊娠早期的孕酮     

长白公猪血清和精浆中元素含量对精液品质的影响

本试验旨在研究不同精液品质特征长白公猪血清和精浆中元素含量的差异,分析血清和精浆中元素含量对精液品质的影响。基于107头长白公猪的1402次精液品质记录,将公猪群按照精液可利用率划分为3组:低利用率组(利用率<60%,n=21)、中等利用率组(60%≤利用率≤80%,n=27)和高利用率组(利用率>80%,n=59)。采集每头长白公猪的血清和精浆样品,采用电感耦合等离子体质谱法检测血清和精浆中营养元素和毒性元素含量。结果表明:1)低利用率组长白公猪的有效精子数和精子活力显著低于中等利用率和高利用率组(P<0.01),精子畸形率显著高于中等利用率和高利用率组(P<0.01)。2)不同利用率组间长白公猪的血清和精浆元素含量无显著差异(P>0.05);但在血清和精浆元素含量与精液品质参数相关性分析中发现,精浆铅元素含量与精子活力呈显著负相关(P<0.05),与精子畸形率呈显著正相关(P<0.05)。3)对精浆铅含量分组进一步分析发现,精浆铅含量为0μg/L时长白公猪的精子畸形率显著低于精浆铅含量>10.0μg/L时(P<0.05),精子畸形率降低约6.11%。总的来说,长白公猪精浆中毒性元素铅的存在会通过损害精子活力和形态,影响公猪精液品质。     

Concentrations of isoflavones and their metabolites in the blood of pregnant and non-pregnant heifers fed soy bean

The present study compared the changes in isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) and their metabolite (equol and para-ethyl-phenol) concentrations in the blood plasma of cyclic and pregnant heifers after feeding with soy bean. Twelve healthy heifers were divided into three groups: cyclic heifers (days 8-12 of the estrous cycle; control group; n=4), an early pregnancy group (2 months pregnant; n=4) and a late pregnancy group (8 months pregnant; n=4). All heifers were fed a single dose of 2.5 kg of soy bean and then blood samples were taken from the jugular vein for 8 h at predetermined intervals. The concentrations of soy bean-derived isoflavones and their active metabolites were measured in the blood plasma on an HPLC system. In the blood plasma of the early- and late-pregnant heifers, we found lower concentrations and time-dependent decreases in daidzein and genistein in comparison to cyclic heifers (P<0.05). Moreover, we noticed significant increases of equol and para-ethyl-phenol in the blood plasma of the early-pregnant heifers (P<0.05). In contrast, in the blood plasma of the late-pregnant heifers, we did not find an increase in the isoflavone metabolite concentrations compared with the early-pregnant heifers (P>0.05). In conclusion, physiological status (cyclicity or pregnancy) of the females influenced the concentrations of isoflavone metabolites in the blood plasma of the heifers. The stage of pregnancy affects isoflavone absorption, biotransformation and metabolism differently and results in higher concentrations of active metabolites of isoflavones during early pregnancy in comparison to their lower concentrations during late pregnancy. Therefore, we surmise that cows are more sensitive to active isoflavone metabolite actions during early pregnancy than cyclic heifers and heifers in late pregnancy.     

硒与奶牛免疫能力的相关性研究

为分析硒与奶牛免疫能力的关系,试验随机选取年龄、胎次、体况相近的泌乳奶牛50头。根据血清硒水平高低分为对照组和试验组,通过双抗体夹心法检测每组实验动物血液中的IL-2、IL-6、TNF-α含量。结果显示,试验组奶牛血清中的IL-2均低于对照组,但差异不显著(P>0.05),奶牛血清中硒水平与IL-2呈正相关(R=+0.133,P=0.356);试验组奶牛血清中的IL-6均高于对照组,但差异不显著(P>0.05),奶牛血清中硒水平与IL-6呈显著负相关(R=-0.28,P=0.049);试验组奶牛血清中的TNF-α均低于对照组,差异显著(P<0.05),奶牛血清硒水平与TNF-α呈显著正相关(R=+0.311,P=0.028)。该试验表明适当补充硒,可以提升奶牛机体免疫能力。     

Nutritionally altering weight gain patterns of pregnant heifers and young cows changes the time that feed resources are offered without any differences in production

We hypothesized that feed resources could be deferred to a later time in the production cycle without a decrease in fertility or weight of calf produced in heifers and young cows. One-hundred and thirty-one MARC III (four breed composite: (1/4) Hereford, (1/4) Angus, (1/4) Red Poll, and (1/4) Pinzgauer) heifers were divided into three treatments: M-M-M-M (n = 46), L-H-M-M (n = 41), and L-L-L-H (n = 44). The experiment consisted of four feeding periods. Period 1 was 94 to 186 d of gestation, and heifers were fed a moderate (M) or low (L) level of feed. Period 2 was 187 d of gestation to parturition, and heifers were fed moderate, high (H), or low levels of feed. Period 3 was from parturition through 27 d of lactation, and heifers were fed moderate or low levels of feed. Period 4 was from 28 d to approximately 63 d of lactation, and heifers were fed moderate or high levels of feed. Females remained within treatments through their first parity (heifers) and second parity (cows). Feed intake of L-H-M-M and M-M-M-M treatments did not differ from each other either as heifers (P = 0.23) or as second-parity cows (P > 0.59). The L-L-L-H heifers ate less feed than L-H-M-M and M-M-M-M heifers (P < 0.001), and second-parity L-L-L-H cows ate less feed than second-parity L-H-M-M and M-M-M-M cows (P < 0.002). In the first parity, treatments did not differ in the percentage of calves weaned (P = 0.11), weight of calf weaned (P = 0.50), or percentage of cows diagnosed pregnant (P = 0.29) with a second calf. In the second parity, treatments did not differ in the percentage of calves weaned (P = 0.77), weight of calf weaned (P = 0.63), or percentage of cows expressing a corpus luteum at the start of breeding for their third calf (P = 0.21). Our findings suggest that timing nutrient availability to heifers and primiparous cows can be used to change the time that feed resources are used.     

Effect of short-term fasting on plasma concentrations of leptin and other hormones and metabolites in dairy cattle

We determined the effects of short-term fasting and refeeding on temporal changes in plasma concentrations of leptin, insulin, insulin-like growth factor- 1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH), glucose, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), in early lactating cows, non-lactating pregnant cows, and postpubertal heifers. In experiment 1, Holstein cows in early lactation were either fed ad libitum (Control, n=5) or feed deprived for 48 h (Fasted, n=6). Plasma leptin, insulin, and glucose concentrations rapidly declined (P<0.05) within 6h, and IGF-1 by 12h, but all these variables sharply returned to control levels (P>0.10) within 2h of refeeding. Plasma NEFA and GH concentrations were elevated (P<0.05) by 4 and 36 h of fasting and returned to control levels (P>0.10) by 8 and 24h after refeeding, respectively. In experiment 2, four ruminally cannulated pregnant non-lactating Holstein cows were used in a cross-over design and were fasted for 48 h (Fasted) or fasted with partial evacuation of rumen contents (Fasted-Evac). The plasma variables measured did not differ (P>0.10) between Fasted and Fasted-Evac cows. Plasma leptin, insulin, and IGF-1 concentrations were reduced by 10, 6, and 24h of fasting, respectively, in Fasted-Evac cows; and these variables were reduced by 24h in Fasted cows (P<0.05). Plasma glucose levels were reduced (P<0.05) by 48 h of fasting in both groups of fasted animals. Plasma NEFA and GH levels were increased (P<0.05) by 12 and 48 h of fasting, respectively. In experiment 3, postpubertal Holstein heifers were either fed ad libitum (Control, n=4) or feed deprived for 72 h (Fasted, n=5). Concentrations of leptin, insulin, IGF-1, and glucose in plasma were reduced (P<0.05) by 24, 10, 24, and 48 h of fasting, respectively. Plasma NEFA concentrations increased (P<0.05) by 4h, of fasting while GH levels were not significantly (P>0.10) affected by fasting. Collectively, our data provide evidence that plasma leptin concentrations are reduced with short-term fasting and rebound on refeeding in dairy cattle with the response dependent on the physiological state of the animals. Compared to the rapid induction of hypoleptinemia with fasting of early lactation cows, the fasting-induced hypoleptinemia was delayed in non-lactating cows and postpubertal heifers.     

The ischiorectal fossa: an alternative route for the administration of prostaglandin in cattle

Three experiments were conducted to investigate the ischiorectal fossa (IRF) as a route for the administration of prostaglandin F2 alpha (dinoprost) in cattle. In Experiment 1, 21 nonlactating Holstein cows were given 100 micrograms of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), intramuscularly (i.m.), and, 7 d later, 25 mg of dinoprost into the IRF. Sixteen cows had serum progesterone concentrations > or = 1.0 ng/mL at the time of dinoprost treatment, and all of these had rapid and complete luteolysis; the other 5 cows were not considered to have a functional corpus luteum (CL) at the time of treatment. There were minimal adverse behavioral reactions to the IRF injections and no visible or palpable tissue reactions at the injection site. In Experiment 2, 74 Holstein heifers were given 25 mg of dinoprost by IRF injection. Luteolysis occurred in 84.3% of the heifers with a functional CL (as determined by the serum progesterone concentration at the time of treatment). Of the heifers bred by either natural service or artificial insemination, 61.8% became pregnant. In Experiment 3, 48 beef heifers received dinoprost 7 d after ovulation, as follows: 25 mg, i.m. (n = 9); 25 mg, IRF (n = 10); 10 mg, IRF (n = 10); 10 mg, subcutaneously (s.c.) (n = 10); or 10 mg, intravulvosubmucosally (IVSM) (n = 9). Fewer heifers (P < 0.05) were found to be in estrus or ovulating in the 10 mg IVSM group (0% and 11%, respectively) than in the 25 mg i.m. group (100% and 100%), the 25 mg IRF group (90% and 100%, respectively), or the 10 mg IRF group (80% and 80%). The rates of estrus (50%) and ovulation (50%) were intermediate in the 10 mg s.c. group. In summary, 25 mg of dinoprost injected into the IRF caused minimal behavioral or tissue response and induced luteolysis and fertile estrus. In addition, 10 mg of dinoprost injected into the IRF was as efficacious as 25 mg given either i.m. or into the IRF in inducing estrus and ovulation.     

Resynchronization of estrus in cattle of unknown pregnancy status using estrogen,progesterone, or both

Our objective was to develop treatments applied to cattle of unknown pregnancy status that would resynchronize the repeat estrus of nonpregnant females. In Exp. 1, previously inseminated dairy and beef heifers were assigned randomly to each of three treatments 13 d after AI: 1) no treatment (controls; n = 44); 2) 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate (ECP) i.m. on d 13 and 20 at the time of insertion and removal of a used intravaginal progesterone (P4)-releasing insert (CIDR; P4 + ECP; n = 44); and 3) same as P4 + ECP without injections of ECP (P4; n = 42). The P4 + ECP (>90%) and P4 (>75%) protocols effectively synchronized repeat periods of estrus to 2 d and did not harm established pregnancies. In Exp. 2, treatments similar to those in Exp. 1 were applied to previously inseminated beef heifers (n = 439). Feeding 0.5 mg of melengestrol acetate (MGA) from d 13 to 19 after AI replaced the CIDR as a source of progestin. Of those heifers not pregnant (n = 65) after the initial AI, more than 86% were reinseminated, but conception was decreased (P < 0.05) by 28 to 39% compared with controls. In Exp. 3, previously inseminated lactating beef cows at four locations were assigned within herd to each of three treatments: 1) no treatment (control; n = 307); 2) same as in Exp. 1, but with P4 + 1 mg of estradiol benzoate on d 13 and 20 (P4 + EB; n = 153); and 3) same as in Exp. 1, P4 + ECP (n = 149). Treatments with P4 plus estrogen did not decrease conception rates in pregnant cows at any location, but increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of nonpregnant cows returning to estrus between 19 and 23 d after timed AI from 29% in controls to 86% in P4 + EB and 65% in P4 + ECP cows. Conception rates at the return estrus were not decreased when treatments occurred between d 13 and 20. In Exp. 4, lactating beef cows were assigned as in Exp. 3 to each of three treatments: 1) no treatment (controls; n = 51); 2) P4 + ECP (n = 47), as in Exp. 1; and 3) a single injection of ECP on d 13 (n = 48). Previously established pregnancies were not harmed (P = 0.70), and return rates of nonpregnant cows did not differ (P = 0.78) among treatments. In summary, in both heifers and lactating beef cows, the P4-based resynchronization treatments increased synchronized return rates when estrus detection rates were low, had no negative effects on established pregnancies, and decreased or tended to decrease conception rates at the resynchronized estrus.     

Changes in plasma hormones profile and liver function in cows naturally exposed to lead and cadmium around different industrial areas

The present study was carried out to assess the endocrine status and liver function in adult cows reared in polluted environment around different industrial units in India.The effect on endocrine system was examined by determination of plasma level of thyroid hormones, thyroxin (T4) (n=269) and triidothyronin (T3) (n=269), stress hormone cortisol (n=266), and reproductive hormones such as estradiol (n=84) and progesterone (n=84) in cows (>3 years) reared around different polluted industrial and non-polluted areas.The respective blood lead and cadmium concentration was also determined in all the cows.The mean plasma levels of both T3 and T4 were significantly (P<0.05) higher around lead zinc smelter (2.43+/-0.26 and 41.1+/-2.9nmol/L) and closed lead cum operational zinc smelter (1.81+/-0.16 and 42.4+/-6.2nmol/L), where the mean blood lead level (0.86+/-0.06 and 0.51+/-0.09mug/ml) was also significantly higher than that of cows (0.07+/-0.01mug/ml) from unpolluted areas.Regression analysis of data from 269 cows revealed a significant (P<0.01) positive correlation between the blood lead and plasma T3 (r=0.287) and T4 (r=0.173).The correlation between thyroidal hormones and the blood cadmium concentration (r=-0.079 and -0.48; P>0.05) was not significant.Plasma cortisol level had also a non-significant (P>0.05) correlation (r=-0.092) with blood lead level.However, the mean cortisol level (4.02+/-1.96nmol/L) of cows in phosphate rock mining areas was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of controls (1.98+/-0.70nmol/L). The mean plasma estradiol level was significantly (P<0.05) higher in cows around closed lead cum operational zinc smelter (47.1+/-19.5pg/ml) than that of the control animals (21.8+/-3.9pg/ml) and in rest of the areas, the difference did not reach the statistical significance (P>0.05).The serum biochemical analysis in 36 cows around lead-zinc smelter with the highest mean blood lead level (0.86+/-0.06mug/ml) amongst all the industrial/urban areas surveyed, and in 15 animals from non-polluted areas revealed a significant positive correlation between blood lead and serum ALT (alanine transaminase) (r=0.688, P<0.01) and AST (aspartate transaminase) (r=0.390, P<0.01) and a negative correlation with serum total lipids (r=-0.337, P<0.05), total protein (r=-0.449, P<0.01) and albumin(r=-0.662, P<0.01). It is concluded from the study that the natural exposure to lead in polluted environments disturbs the endocrine profile and the higher blood lead level alters serum biochemical parameters indicative of liver functions.     

Corpus luteum activity,fertility, and adrenal cortex response in lactating carora cows during rainy and dry seasons in the tropics of Venezuela

The effects of the rainy (RS) and the dry season (DS) on fertility, corpus luteum activity, and adrenal cortex response relationships were evaluated after first service (49 ± 6 d postpartum) in Carora cows, a dairy cattle of Venezuela raised in tropical conditions. Cows (n = 84 in RS and n = 98 in DS) were kept semistabled, had two or three calvings, body condition score 3.5 on a 5-point scale, and similar milk yield (2450 ± 560 kg of milk during the previous lactation). Cows were grouped retrospectively according to pregnancy status. A split-plot model with repeated measures over Days 5, 7, 10, 14, and 15 after insemination was used to analyze the effects of season, pregnancy status, and their interaction involving the day on: 1) serum concentrations of progesterone in four treatments: RS pregnant (n = 26), RS nonpregnant (n = 24), DS pregnant (n = 24), and DS nonpregnant (n = 20) cows; 2) serum concentrations of cortisol at Days 0, 10, 14, 15, and 16 postservice in the previous treatments (n = 9, 7, 6, and 8, respectively); and 3) concentrations of cortisol after 0.1 mg of adrenocorticotropin in these last four groups of cows at Day 14 postin-semination. Breeding during the DS decreased (P < 0.05) conception rate to first service and increased (P < 0.01) days in service. In addition, the DS decreased (P < 0.05) the percentages of cows with normal interestrous interval (20–22 d), expression of estrus, and (P < 0.01) luteal phase progesterone; but DS increased (P < 0.05) percentages of short and long estrous cycles, anovulatory estrus, and repeat breeding rate. Mean serum concentration of progesterone was lower (P < 0.05) at Days 10, 14, and 15 in DS nonpregnant than in DS pregnant cows, and lower during luteal phase (P < 0.05) in DS nonpregnant than RS nonpregnant cows. Serum cortisol concentration was greater (P < 0.05) at Days 10, 14, and 16 in DS nonpregnant than DS pregnant cows. A significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation (r = −0.78) between serum concentrations of progesterone and cortisol was found within DS nonpregnant cows. Concentrations of cortisol after adrenocorticotropin were greater (P < 0.05) in DS nonpregnant cows than in other groups. These results indicate that elevated concentrations of cortisol associated with the DS may decrease progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum and therefore mediate the negative effect of the DS on fertility.     

Effects of cortisol on pregnancy rate and corpus luteum function in heifers: an in vivo study

To determine whether glucocorticoids affect the function of the bovine corpus luteum (CL) during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, we examined the effects of exogenous cortisol or reduced endogenous cortisol on the secretion of progesterone (P4) and on pregnancy rate. In preliminary experiments, doses of cortisol and metyrapone (an inhibitor of cortisol synthesis) were established (n=33). Cortisol in effective doses of 10 mg blocked tumor necrosis factor-induced prostaglandin F(2α) secretion as measured by its metabolite (PGFM) concentrations in the blood. Metyrapone in effective doses of 500 mg increased the P4 concentration. Thus, both reagents were then intravaginally applied in the chosen doses daily from Day 15 to 18 after estrus (Day 0) in noninseminated heifers (n=18) or after artificial insemination (n=36). Pregnancy was confirmed by transrectal ultrasonography between Days 28-30 after insemination. Plasma concentrations of P4 were lower in cortisol-treated heifers than in control heifers on Days 17 and 18 of the estrous cycle (P<0.05). However, the interestrus intervals were not different between control and cortisol-treated animals (P>0.05). Moreover, metyrapone increased P4 and prolonged the CL lifespan in comparison to control animals (P<0.05). Interestingly, in inseminated heifers, cortisol increased the pregnancy rate (75%) compared with control animals (58%), whereas metyrapone reduced the pregnancy rate to 16.7% (P<0.05). The overall results suggest that cortisol, depending on the physiological status of heifers (pregnant vs. nonpregnant), modulates CL function by influencing P4 secretion. Cortisol may have a positive influence on CL function during early pregnancy, leading to support of embryo implantation and resulting in higher rates of pregnancy in heifers.