Evaluation Of Reproductive Performance Research Articles

Key performance indicators used by dairy consultants during the evaluation of reproductive performance during routine visits.

Dairy farms need thorough and efficient reproduction control. Consultants specialized in reproduction use key performance indicators (KPI) to monitor the reproductive performance of farms and must be able to decipher between the approach in a first visit and routine visits. A total of 49 consultants specialized in dairy reproduction from 21 countries responded to an online survey conducted to determine the most suitable parameters during routine visits every 2 to 4 weeks. The survey was comprised of 190 questions, 178 of them rated from 0 (irrelevant) to 10 (maximum importance) points. The questions were divided into five sections: (1) consultant and farm model, (2) general data of the farm, (3) cow reproduction, (4) postpartum and metabolic disease, and (5) heifer reproduction. The median, interquartile range, minimum and maximum values, and 95% confidence interval were determined for each question. Afterward, a multivariate analysis, using between-group linkage via Ward's hierarchical clustering was conducted to generate clusters of consultants according to their response pattern. Finally, a chi-square test was conducted to assess the association between years of experience of the consultant and farm size within the clusters generated in each section of the questionnaire. The majority of the consultants considered 34 parameters to be highly important (rated 8-10) to analyze during routine visits. The consultants used several KPI (in variable quantitative range) to evaluate any of the presented sections and considered that all the five sections are critical to control. They are aware of using KPI that reflect heat detection, fertility, and farming efficiency as well as KPI that can provide information on reproductive efficiency in the near future for cows, such as postpartum and metabolic diseases. However, parameters that are relatively old and ineffective, in terms of reproductive performance control, are still highly regarded by the majority of consultants in a routine-visit scenario. Farm size and years of experience of the consultant did not influence the type or number of parameters chosen as KPI during routine visits. The parameters rated with the highest importance (rate 10) that could be considered for an easy, fast, and universal use in routine visits to assess the reproductive status were: First service CR (%), Overall pregnancy rate (%) for cows, and age at first calving (d) for heifers.

Evaluation of Reproductive Performance and Disorders in Holstein-Friesian and its Crossbreds with Montbeliarde under Egyptian Conditions

The objective of this study was to assess the reproductive performance and disorders of pure Holstein-Friesian (HO) and Montbeliarde (MO) crossbred cows in a commercial dairy herd under Egyptian conditions. Analysis was done for age at first calving (AFC), number of services per conception (NSPC), days open (DOPN), gestation period (GP), and calving interval (CI). The results revealed that the AFC, NSPC, DOPN, and CI of crossbred cows (MO×HO) were significantly lower than those of pure HO cows. GP was numerically shorter in HO cows than in MO × HO crossbred cows. In both breeds, the NSPC was significantly lower in the winter than it was in the summer. During the summer season, pure HO cows had the longest DOPN. However, the shortest DOPN was recorded in MO × HO crossbred cows in the winter season. A significant difference between calving seasons was found with regard to the calving interval. MO × HO crossbred cows had a higher percentage of affected cows with retained placenta, endometritis, and repeat breeding than pure HO breeds. It was concluded that MO×HO crossbred cows had higher fertility than pure HO cows. Additionally, MO×HO crossbred cows were minimally affected during different seasons under Egyptian conditions. However, pure HO cows likely performed better than MO×HO crossbred cows in terms of reproductive disorders.

Evaluation of reproductive performance and litter traits of Khari, Jamunapari and Sirohi crossbred goats in Surkhet district of Karnali province, Nepal

Goat produces 20.36% of meat, ranking in second position after buffalo meat production in Nepal and contributes 4% in agriculture GDP. Making out the influence of non-genetic factors on the phenotypic expression of reproductive and litter traits of goat is important to develop selection/evaluation criteria with healthier precision. Khari, Jamunapari and Sirohi crosses were considered for the comparative study of their reproductive and litter traits. Data obtained from the study of different reproductive and litter traits were firstly entered into the computer via excel package programs. The data were analyzed by Mixed Model Least-square and Maximum Likelihood Computer Program PC-2statistical package developed by Walter R. Harvey and the means were compared by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results revealed that the pooled means for AFC, AFK, PPE, GL, and KI were 344.31, 493.69, 173.42, 148.93, 319.58 days respectively. Similarly, pooled means for LSB, LWB, LSW, and LWW were 1.43, 5.16 kg, 1.37 and 28 kg respectively. Production system and breed were important nongenetic factor affecting reproductive traits significantly whereas parity is the most important non genetic factor affecting litter traits of goat. Almost all of the reproductive traits (except PPE) were observed better under the grazing system in Khari breed. Winter kidding goat had better PPE. Likewise, all the litter traits were significantly better in later parities with almost similar performance in all the breeds. To summarize, Khari was explored as a high potential goat regarding its reproductive traits with a massive scope of improvement in its litter weight trait through effective selection measures within the population.

Key Performance Indicators Used by Dairy Consultants During the Evaluation of Reproductive Performance in a First Visit

Reproduction plays a fundamental role in the profitability of dairy farms. Consultants use key performance indicators (KPI) to monitor the reproductive performance of the farms. They must decipher between the most suitable ones to face two different scenarios that may need the analysis of different parameters: (1) approach in a first visit, and (2) routine visits. Forty-nine consultants specialized in dairy reproduction from 21 countries responded to an online survey conducted to determine the most suitable parameters in a first visit approach. The survey was comprised of 190 questions, 178 of them rated from 0 (irrelevant) to 10 (maximum importance) points. The questions were divided into 5 sections: (1) consultant and farm model, (2) general data of the farm, (3) cow reproduction, (4) postpartum and metabolic disease, and (5) heifer reproduction. The median, interquartile range, minimum and maximum values, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined for each question. Afterward, a multivariate analysis, using between-group linkage via Ward's hierarchical clustering was conducted to generate clusters of consultants according to their response pattern. Lastly, a Chi-square test was conducted to assess the association between the years of experience of the consultant and farm size within the clusters generated in each section of the questionnaire. Most of the consultants considered 27 parameters to be highly important to analyze during the first visit. Consultants use several KPIs (in variable quantitative range) to evaluate any of the presented sections. Moreover, consultants preferred parameters focused on heat detection, fertility, and pregnancy achievement regarding the production cycle of a dairy cow. Consultants also showed high interest in obtaining a general overview of milk production, farming efficiency, and the heifer rearing process; but the farm size and the years of experience of the consultant influenced the type and number of parameters chosen as KPI. The parameters rated with the highest importance (rate 10) that could be considered for an easy, fast, and universal first visit to assess the reproductive status were: first service conception rate, overall pregnancy rate, and 21d pregnancy rate for cows, and age at first calving for heifers.

Standardization of sperm management for laboratory assessment of sperm quality and in vitro fertilization in Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Sperm handling procedures and its usage for in vitro fertilization are crucial for standardized experimental operations on evaluation of reproductive performance, gamete quality, and optimization of fertilization protocols. In our study, the changes in perch sperm motility parameters within 6-h chilled storage and using 4 different activating solutions were compared. Eight different sperm-to-egg ratio was also compared during fertilization. Sperm activated with modified activating solution for cyprinids (78±11%), common perch activating solution (68±16%), modified Lahnsteiner activating solution (75±16%), and Woynárovich solution (76±13%) showed similar progressive motility at 10 s after activation. At 30 s after activation, progressive motility decreased below 5%, regardless the activating solution used. Progressive motility decreased significantly already after 2 h of storage (51±19%) in comparison with 0 h (78±5%). The highest average fertilization rate (using common perch activating solution) was observed with a sperm-to-egg ratio 2.5×105:1 (80±9%), where the smallest variability in the values was also recorded (coefficient of variation: 11%). However, no significant difference was detected among the 8 sperm-to-egg ratio groups. According to our findings, undiluted fresh perch sperm is recommended to use in 1 h post-stripping. Modified Lahnsteiner’s activating solution can be applied efficiently for quality assessment where common perch activating solution is applicable for fertilization in Eurasian perch. A sperm-to-egg ratio 2.5×105:1 already allows to achieve a high fertilization rate; however, the finding is needed to be tested also at hatchery level (higher number of eggs).

PSIV-12 Evaluation of reproductive performance and herd longevity when heifers grazing native range are vaccinated with a lifetime regimen of a killed viral or modified live viral vaccine

Abstract Fifty-eight Angus × Hereford cross heifers born in the spring of 2015 were randomly assigned to treatments of receiving a modified-live viral (MLV) or killed viral (KV) vaccination against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) at 60-d of age to determine the effects of vaccination on fertility and herd longevity. Heifers received vaccine treatments again at weaning (205d) at re-vaccination, and a yearly booster for the duration of their time in the herd. Blood samples were collected every two weeks prior to breeding to assess puberty attainment and were subsequently subjected to ovarian ultrasonography to measure antral follicle counts (AFC) and reproductive tract score (RTS). Heifers were synchronized utilizing the 7-d CIDR-PG protocol with AI following estrus detection. Heifer AFC, uterine horn diameter, RTS, and proportion of females attaining puberty before the breeding season were similar among treatments (P ≥ 0.38). Artificial insemination pregnancy rates, final pregnancy rates, and percentage of heifers that calved in the first 21 days were similar between vaccination treatment groups (P ≥ 0.19). Body condition score through the third parity at calving and weaning were not different between vaccination types (P ≥ 0.59). Females receiving a MLV vaccination remain in the herd in a similar proportion to those receiving a KV vaccination (P = 0.86). These results indicate that different vaccination strategies can be successfully used in beef cattle grazing native range without impacting fertility, or herd longevity.

Evaluation of reproductive performance in indigenous endemic ornamental fish Sahyadria denisonii using hormones under captive environment

Evaluation of reproductive performance in indigenous endemic ornamental fish Sahyadria denisonii using hormones under captive environment

Analysis and Evaluation of Reproductive Performance of Korean Native Cattle (Hanwoo) in Jeonbuk Province

Analysis and Evaluation of Reproductive Performance of Korean Native Cattle (Hanwoo) in Jeonbuk Province

Evaluation of reproductive performance on large-scale Hungarian dairy farms

Evaluation of reproductive performance on large-scale Hungarian dairy farms

Evaluation of reproductive performance and genetic variation in bulls of the Polish White-Backed breed.

The aim of the study was to evaluate genetic variation, reproductive performance and the degree of relationship of White-Backed bulls entered in the breed registry and approved for breeding. The study included 32 bulls of the White-Backed (WB) breed with an entry in the breed registry and used for breeding in the years 2003-2015. Eleven microsatellite DNA sequences (TGLA222, BM2113, TGLA53, ETH10, SPS115, TGLA126, TGLA122, INRA23, ETH3, ETH225 and BM1824) were used to analyse variation in the WB bulls. The bulls most often used for breeding were Chilon (1,073 doses), Mak (939 doses) and Jaguar (858 doses). The bulls Mak, Chilon and Jak had the greatest influence on the active population of White-Backed cattle, with the most daughters. In the analysed population of White-Backed bulls, a total of 79 different alleles were identified, with a mean 7.27 per locus. The analysed pool of microsatellite loci was characterized by high values for PIC, HO and HE (>0.6), and the entire population was in genetic equilibrium. The estimated level of inbreeding within the population ranged from -0.2277 (ETH225) to 0.0775 (SPS115), with a mean value of -0.0587.

Effect of Minimal Disease in a Herd on Reproductive Parameters of Sows

The aim of this study was evaluation of reproductive performance in sows from herds with minimal disease. Total number of 40 sows were included in the observation and evaluated from the 1st to the 4th parity. The highest reproductive performance was recorded at the 3rd parity. Statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was found between the 1st and the 3rd parity and highly statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) was recorded between the 2nd and the 3rd parity in number of live‑born piglets. Comparison of numbers of stillborn piglets showed statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the mean values of the 1st and the 4th parity. The results also showed highly statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) in number of reared piglets between the 3rd and the 4th parity. The conclusions of this study indicate that creation and maintenance of herds of sows with high health status lead to excellent results in the area of pig reproduction.

Evaluate the Productive and Reproductive Performance Considering Genotypes of Dairy Cows

Progress of production in dairy cattle is frequently considered possible by either improving the genetic merit and/or by husbandry practices. The aim of the research is to evaluation of productive and reproductive performance of dairy cows considering genotype was undertaken in greater Rajshahi from July, 2007 to June, 2009. A total 335 farmers data and 671 numbers of cows were considered for assessed in the local (L), Local x Friesian (LF), Local x Sahiwal (LS),Local × Friesian× Sahiwal(LFS) and Local × Jersey (LJ) dairy cows raised in randomly selected smallholder dairy farms and Duncan multiple range test for statistical significance. The overall mean values of age at puberty (month), age at first service, age at first calving (month), service per conception (s/c), post-partum heat period (days), days open (days), wastage days (days), gestation length (days), milk yield per day (liter), lactation length (days), milk yield per lactation (liter), weaning period (days), dry period (days), calving interval (days) and birth weight of calves (kg) were 26.37±.22, 26.56±0.23, 37.84±0.25, 1.43±.36, 85.83±1.57, 117.85±2.35, 13.33±1.02, 279.90±.33, 5.35±.12, 277.00±1.73, 1390.45±33.50, 213.21±2.35, 91.34±1.47, 398.81±2.34 and 22.51±.21, respectively in different genotypes of cows. Considering the overall performance it could be concluded that Local×Sahiwal×Friesian (LSF) crossbred cows are more suitable for sustainable and profitable dairy farming in greater Rajshahi region.

Evaluation of reproductive performance in sows of PresticeBlack-Pied pig - Czech genetic resource

The aim of the study was to evaluate reproductive performance in selected sows of Prestice Black-Pied pig included in Czech genetic resources and also to analyse losses of piglets and culling of sows according to parity order. The experimental work was conducted in a nucleic herd of sows registered in breeding book. A total of 88 sows were included in the observation. Findings indicate that productive parameters of Prestice Black-Pied sows are comparable to productive parameters of modern genotype sows. The results also showed that the highes conception rate after the first insemination was achieved after the second, the third and the fourth parity. Analysis of gestation length revealed that it was significantly influenced by the parity. Very highly significant difference (P<0.001) was found between the 1st and the 2nd parity and between the 1st and the 4th parity. Total numbers of piglets and numbers live-born, stillborn and reared piglets per litter increased significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05) up to the 4th parity, afterwards they continuously decreased. The number of stillborn piglets was the lowest at the 2nd parity, the highest at the 5th and the 6th parity (P<0.05). Length of interval was highly significantly different (P<0.01) between the 2nd and the 5th parity and significantly different (P<0.05) between the 4th and the 5th parity. Differences in the losses of piglets were not significant among parities. The most radical culling of sows was recorded after the 3rd and the 4th parity.

Bis-(2-ethylexhyl) phthalate impairs spermatogenesis in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used industrial additive for increasing plastic flexibility. Its metabolites are known to exert toxic effects on reproduction and development of mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of DEHP (0.2 and 20μg/L) on the reproductive biology of adult male zebrafish (Danio rerio). The effects of DEHP and 17β-ethynylestradiol (a positive control) were determined after one or three weeks of exposure by TUNEL assay, histomorphometric analysis and evaluation of reproductive performance. DEHP impaired reproduction in zebrafish by inducing a mitotic arrest during spermatogenesis, increasing DNA fragmentation in sperm cells and markedly reducing embryo production (up to 90%). In conclusion, relatively short-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of DEHP is able to alter spermatogenesis and affect reproduction in zebrafish.

Genetic evaluation of reproductive performance in Canadian dairy cattle

A new genetic evaluation system for the reproductive performance of dairy cattle has been developed in Canada. The evaluation system includes all traits related to reproductive performance, namely age at first service as a heifer trait, interval from calving to first service for cows and 7 traits each for both heifers and cows (56-days non return rate, interval from first service to conception, number of services to conception, gestation length, direct and maternal calving ease, direct and maternal calf survival and direct and maternal calf size). The model of analysis is a 16-trait animal model with different fixed effects according to the analyzed trait. Two indices for daughter fertility and calving performance have been developed. The impact of including the two indices in the national selection index was assessed.

HIGH TUNNEL SWEET CHERRY STUDIES: INNOVATIVE INTEGRATION OF PRECISION CANOPIES, PRECOCIOUS ROOTSTOCKS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY

ISHS IX International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems HIGH TUNNEL SWEET CHERRY STUDIES: INNOVATIVE INTEGRATION OF PRECISION CANOPIES, PRECOCIOUS ROOTSTOCKS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY

Evaluation of Reproductive Performance and Egg quality Traits in Progenies of Dominant Black Strain Crossed with Fulani Ecotype Chicken

This study was undertaken to contribute to the genetic improvement of the indigenous chicken by direct andreciprocal crossing with an exotic egg type strain Dominant Black (DB). Results indicated significant (P<0.05)effect of genotype on fertility and hatchability of eggs. Percentage fertility across the genotypes was, 73.00,76.24, 59.88 and 54.12%, while hatchability was 73.90, 78.30, 70.45 and 70.10%, for DBxDB, DBxFE, FExDBand FExFE, respectively. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in hatch weight of the chicks. The crossbred (DBxFE and FExDB) had higher egg weight (51.45g and 51.35g vs. 47.19), total egg number for 100 days(51 and 53 vs. 40) and hen day production (50.87 and 52.47 vs. 46.05) than the pure bred Fulani Ecotype.FExDB had significantly higher body weight at first egg (1408g) than DBxFE (1388g). Mortality wassignificantly (P<0.05) higher in DBxDB than other genotypes during the laying period. Significant and nonsignificant differences existed in internal and external egg quality traits across the genotypes.

Comparative evaluation of reproductive performance and some egg quality parameters of black and white skinned snails

One hundred sexually matured snails, fifty each of the black skinned and white skinned ectotypes were used in the evaluation of reproductive performance and egg quality traits in a study that lasted for eighty-four days. The reproductive performance traits measured included clutch size (number of eggs laid per clutch), incubation period (days) of eggs, percent hatchability, and percent mortality and survivability, while the egg quality traits evaluated included egg weight and length. Results obtained showed significant differences at different levels among parameters measured in the two ectotypes of snails studied. The results of reproductive traits showed that mean clutch sizes were 5 and 4 for black skinned and white skinned ectotypes respectively. Mean incubation periods were 25.8 days for the black skinned ectotype and 22 days for the white skinned ectotype. The values for mean percent hatchability were 26.8 % and 22.8 % for the black skinned and white skinned ectotypes respectively. Mean survivability values were 22.8 % for black skinned ectotype and 20 % for the white skinned ecotype. The mean egg quality parameters were 2.7 g and 2.4 g, weight for black skinned and white skinned ectotypes respectively. The mean egg lengths were 4.6 mm and 4.2 mm for black skinned and white skinned ectotypes respectively. Among the measured parameters, clutch size and egg length had very high significant difference (P

Genetic evaluation of reproductive performance in Canadian dairy cattle

A new genetic evaluation system for the reproductive performance of dairy cattle has been developed in Canada. The evaluation system includes all traits related to reproductive performance, namely age at first service as a heifer trait, interval from calving to first service for cows and 7 traits each for both heifers and cows (56-days non return rate, interval from first service to conception, number of services to conception, gestation length, direct and maternal calving ease, direct and maternal calf survival and direct and maternal calf size). The model of analysis is a 16-trait animal model with different fixed effects according to the analyzed trait. Two indices for daughter fertility and calving performance have been developed. The impact of including the two indices in the national selection index was assessed.

Evaluation of reproductive performance and early growth of four strains of Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus, L) with different histories of domestication

Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus is the primary tilapia species being cultured in the world, but many of the stocks being cultured were founded from a limited number of fish collected from the wild in the 1960s and 1970s. Such limited founding stocks and the numerous generations since offers the possibility of inbreeding depression. An evaluation of reproductive and growth characteristics of one highly domesticated stock of O. niloticus (Ivory Coast), two stocks not as domesticated (Egypt and Sagana), and one recently collected from the wild (Lake Victoria) was conducted at Auburn University. Brood fish held in 2-m 3 hapas were checked weekly; females holding eggs or sac fry in their mouths were transferred to the hatchery to continue eggs and sac fry incubation. Growth was evaluated during primary (1–30 days post-swimup) and secondary nursery (31–90 days post-swimup). The four strains differed in relative fecundity (seed/g female), percentage of females that spawned (11.6% to 57.2%) and in incubation success (5.3% to 91.3%). The combined effects of relative fecundity, percentage of females spawning, and incubation success, resulted in the Ivory Coast strain giving eight times more fry per kg of female brooder used than the Lake Victoria strain. Average weights of fingerlings for the four strains at the end of primary nursery ranged from 2.1 to 2.8 g; survival was similar for all strains. Secondary nursery results for the Egypt and Ivory Coast strains were similar when in a common production setting for 60 days. Average weights of Egypt and Ivory Coast fingerlings were 21.8 ± 7.3 and 21.0 ± 6.5 g, respectively, when produced in organically fertilized ponds, 87.9 ± 23.1 and 103.2 ± 3.9 g when produced in outdoor tanks and given a commercial feed, and 36.1 ± 2.6 and 36.5 ± 2.4 g when produced in a recirculating system and given a commercial feed. No genotype–environment interaction for growth or survival by Egypt and Ivory Coast strains was seen in three secondary nursery settings.