Fertility Of Cows Research Articles

SOD1 Gene Silencing Promotes Apoptosis and Suppresses Proliferation of Heat-Stressed Bovine Granulosa Cells via Induction of Oxidative Stress.

Heat stress (HS) compromises dairy cattle reproduction by altering the follicular dynamics, oocyte maturation, and normal physiological function of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), eventually resulting in oxidative damage and cell apoptosis. To protect the cells from oxidative damage, the Superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) degraded the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to oxygen (O2) and water. The objective of the current study was to investigate the impact of SOD1 silencing on intracellular ROS accumulation, cell viability, MMP, hormone synthesis (P4, E2), cell proliferation, and apoptosis in GCs under HS. The mechanistic role of SOD1 regulation in the heat-stressed GCs was explored. SOD1 gene was successfully silenced in GCs and confirmed at both transcriptional and translational levels. We found that silencing of SOD1 using siRNA under HS aggravated intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), altered transition of the cell cycle, and impaired synthesis of progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2) in GCs. The associative apoptotic, steroidogenic, and cell cycle genes (BAX, Caspase-3, STAR, Cyp11A1, HSP70, PCNA, and CyclinB1) were used to confirm the results. These results identify a novel role of SOD1 in the modulation of bovine ovarian GC apoptosis, which provides a target for improving the fertility of heat-stressed dairy cows in summer.

Cows’ reproductive performances and parity order influences the cervicovaginal fungal community

Fungi have already been described as etiological agents of reproductive diseases such as endometritis and infertility in cows. However, few studies have been developed to elucidate the entire cervicovaginal fungal communities in cows. Therefore, our study aimed to characterize the fungal community present in the cervix of cows with different reproductive performances. Cervicovaginal mucus was collected from 36 Angus breed cows (1.5–12 years old) on a commercial beef cattle ranch. Twenty-one cows had a history of infertility in the year prior to the collection, showing early return to estrus. Ten cows were sampled at 60–70 days postpartum being considered fertile cows. Additionally, five non-sexually active heifers were employed as control group. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the predominant fungal phyla in the analyzed animals. Diversity metrics of the cervicovaginal fungal community revealed statistical differences in the composition of the fungal community among infertile cows, fertile cows and non-sexually active heifers. In addition, the cervicovaginal fungal microbiota had significative increased richness and evenness in nulliparous cows and non-sexually active heifers, while in multiparous cows a decreased richness and evenness of the fungal microbiota were identified. These results provide an unprecedented understanding of the cervicovaginal fungal structure associated with infertility and parity order.

7 Relationships between antral follicle count, serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone, and fertility in dairy cows.

Reproduction, Fertility and Development is an international journal publishing original research , review and comment in the fields of reproduction and developmental biology in humans, domestic animals and wildlife

Relationship between beef cow fertility and maternal immunity

There is evidence that maternal immunity changes from type 1 (cell-mediated response) to predominantly type 2 (antibody-mediated immune response) during pregnancy. Lack of this shift in maternal immune response may contribute to unsuccessful pregnancy in animals. Changes in estradiol and progesterone during the estrous cycle affect immune function and potentially change the type 1–type 2 balance. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between relative balance of type 1 and type 2 immunity at the time of insemination and fertility in beef cows, using a nanoparticle probe-enabled blood test. Angus-Hereford cows (n = 394) were synchronized with a 5-d CO-Synch controlled internal drug release (CIDR) fixed-time AI protocol. Estrus behavior was monitored using estrus detection aids and visual observation from CIDR removal until the day of AI. At the time of AI, a blood sample was collected from all animals to determine relative ratio between type 1 and type 2 and serum progesterone concentrations. A rapid blood test (D2Dx; Tsai et al., 2021 ) was used to assess the type 1–type 2 immunity balance. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasound 48 to 63 d after AI. Overall pregnancy per AI (P/AI) was 51%. Mean relative type 1–type 2 immunity balance as determined by the D2Dx immunity test was different ( P < 0.05) between nonpregnant and pregnant cows. There was a negative relationship between relative type 1–type 2 immunity balance and probability of P/AI ( P < 0.05). As the immunity balance shifted more toward type 2 immunity (smaller type 1–type 2 value), probability of P/AI increased. Cows detected in estrus had a lesser type 1–type 2 immunity score value compared with cows without estrus ( P < 0.05). There was no correlation between serum progesterone concentrations and relative type 1–type 2 immunity balance. The results indicate that the measurement of the relative type 1–type 2 immunity balance at the time of AI may be used as a potential marker for pregnancy prediction in beef cows.

Accessory corpus luteum regression during pregnancy II: reproductive outcomes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of accessory corpus luteum (CL) induction on fertility in dairy cows. On day 5 after artificial insemination (AI), lactating Holstein cows were assigned unequally to receive gonadotrophin-releasing hormone treatment (GnRH) (n = 641) or no treatment (control; n = 289). Cows had their blood sampled for progesterone (P4), and ovaries were scanned by ultrasound on days 5, 12, 19, 26, 33, 47, and 61 after AI. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on days 26, 33, 47, and 61. On day 12, cows treated with GnRH were allocated to ipsilateral (n = 239) or contralateral (n = 241) groups based on the side of accessory CL formation relative to previous ovulation. Accessory CL cows had greater P4 than controls. In total, 52.7% (78/148) of pregnant cows in contralateral group had accessory CL regression earlier (<day 33; 30.8%) or later (days 33-61; 69.2%) in pregnancy with coincident decrease in P4. No cows with ipsilateral accessory CL underwent regression. There was no difference in pregnancy/AI among groups. Cows with contralateral accessory CL that underwent early regression had greater pregnancy loss (30%) than controls (10%), or cows with ipsilateral CL (3%) or contralateral CL with either later or no regression (12%). Cows with ipsilateral accessory CL had lower pregnancy loss than controls. In conclusion, elevating circulating P4 by the induction of accessory CL, particularly ipsilateral CL, increases P4 and reduces pregnancy loss. However, contralateral accessory CL that undergoes regression before day 33 of pregnancy has increased pregnancy loss, possibly due to an abrupt decrease in P4 at a pivotal period of pregnancy (days 26-33).

New approach to sustained cow fertility trait

New approach to sustained cow fertility trait

A Review of Attempts to Improve Cow Fertility Through Reproductive Management: Estrous Synchronisation

This review focused on the various methods for controlling estrous cycles in well-managed dairy cows. Because up to 70% of dairy cows may stay non-pregnant after an AI procedure, an effective approach for identifying and reinseminating open cows is essential for dairy herds to achieve optimal reproductive performance. Overall, well-managed dairy farms with effective estrus detection programs inseminate 50% or more of non-pregnant cows after behavioral estrus is detected. Cows not detected in estrus are admitted in a resynchronization of ovulation procedure to receive a timed AI (TAI) service to avoid a long interbreeding interval. In Egypt, a widely used program involves starting the Ovsynch protocol (GnRH-7 d-PGF2-56 h-GnRH-16 to 20 h-TAI) 32 days after an initial AI, regardless of pregnancy status. Previous studies have proven that there was no difference in pregnancy/artificial insemination (P/AI) between Ovsynch+P4 and Presynch-Ovsynch, both protocols were equally effective in improving the fertility of cows with a CL 15 mm. The review also addressed different methods for synchronization of ovulation and different factors affecting the selection of the management program.

Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Sawi (Brassica juncea L.) dengan Penambahan Pupuk Organik Cair Urin Sapi yang Ditambahkan dengan Kotoran Kelelawar

Mustard greens (Brassica juncea L) is one of the most popular leaf vegetable horticultural commodities because it has a delicious taste, is easy to obtain and is relatively easy to cultivate. The use of cow urine liquid organic fertilizer with the addition of bat manure as a nutrient provider that is needed by plants during plant growth that contributes to the yields obtained by plants. This study aims to determine the suitability of N, P and K nutrient status in cow urine liquid organic fertilizer with the addition of bat manure according to the 2009 Ministry of Agriculture and to determine the effect of liquid organic fertilizer cow urine with the addition of bat manure on the growth and yield of mustard greens. This study used RAL with one factor in the form of several doses of bat manure with 5 levels of treatment, namely P0 (control) = 100 mL of cow urine POC, P1 = 100 mL POC cow urine 15 grams of bat dung, P2 = 100 mL POC cow urine 20 gr. bat manure, P3 = 100 mL POC cow urine 25 gr bat dung, P4 = 100 mL POC cow urine 30 gr bat dung. The results of this study indicated that the POC treatment of cow urine with the addition of bat manure did not significantly affect plant height, number of leaves, leaf width and wet weight of mustard greens.

Effect of mineral supplementation on incidence of reproduction disturbances and fertility parameters in Polish Holstein-Friesian cows

The research was undertaken to determine the effect of the mineral mixture Bovifosfomag®, recipe-adapted to the biogeochemical conditions prevailing in the region of animal residence, on cow fertility and productivity. A two-year study was conducted with 96 multiparous Polish Holstein-Friesian cows (Black-and-White variety) in four farms located in eastern Poland. Herds with an average of 24 cows, were divided into two groups, i.e. control and treatment. Control group cows received no mineral mixture. Animals from the treatment groups received the Bovifosfomag® mineral mixture. The composition of the mix took into account the geobiochemical conditions of farm location. Cows were routinely checked by the veterinarian for reproductive problems. Health records included abortion, endometritis, anoestrus and paresis puerperalis. Fertility measures were calculated using calving dates and insemination dates and included: first service pregnancy rate, gestation interval, calving interval, insemination index and fertility status. The analysis of fertility indices and clinical diseases of the reproductive system showed that there was a significant decrease in fertility of the studied animals. Mineral nutrition is given a special role in cow fertility. It was found that it is possible to affect the improvement in mineral supply of cows by including a mineral additive in the form of Bovifosfomag® mixture in the dietary dose. A positive effect of the mineral mixture on the reproductive indices and a decrease in the incidence of clinical forms of reproductive diseases was found. This indicates the advisability of the mineral mixture of the proposed component composition used in the experiment.

Impact of gonadotropin-releasing hormone administration at the time of artificial insemination on conception risk and its association with estrous expression

Cows with reduced estrous expression have compromised fertility. The aim of this study was to determine whether the administration of GnRH at the time of artificial insemination (AI) would affect ovulation rates and the fertility of animals expressing estrous behavior of lesser intensity. Cows were enrolled at the time of estrus from 3 farms (n = 2,607 estrus events; farm A: 1,507, farm B: 429, farm C: 671) and randomly assigned to receive GnRH at AI or not (control). The intensity of estrous expression, monitored through leg-mounted activity monitors, was determined using the maximum activity during estrus; estrous expression was categorized as greater or lower relative to the farm median. On farm A, cows were assessed at alert, and 24 h, 48 h, and 7 d post-alert for ovulation using ultrasonography. Pregnancy per AI was confirmed at 35 ± 7 d post-estrus for cows that were inseminated. Differences between treatments were tested using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Treatment with GnRH at the time of AI increased pregnancy per AI (41.3 ± 1.6 vs. 35.7 ± 1.7%). An interaction between treatment and estrous expression on pregnancy per AI was found. Control cows with greater estrous expression had greater pregnancy per AI than those with lesser expression, whereas GnRH administration increased pregnancy per AI for cows with lesser estrous expression but not those with greater expression (GnRH, greater intensity: 43.5 ± 2.1; GnRH, lesser intensity: 37.8 ± 2.2; control, greater intensity: 42.6 ± 2.2; control, lesser intensity: 31.0 ± 2.2%). A higher proportion of cows with greater estrous expression that were administered GnRH at AI were found to ovulate by 48 h and 7 d post-estrus; however, ovulation of cows with lesser estrous expression was unaffected by GnRH administration. In conclusion, fertility of cows with reduced estrous expression may be increased using GnRH at the time of AI; however, increased ovulation rates do not seem to be the direct mechanism behind this relationship.

GnRH34: An alternative for increasing pregnancy in timed AI beef cows

Two experiments evaluated the effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) treatment on fertility of suckled Nelore beef cows treated with an estradiol/progesterone (P4)-based protocol for timed artificial insemination (TAI). Experiment 1 was designed to determine the effect of GnRH administered 34 h after P4 insert removal (GnRH34) on time of ovulation. Suckled cows (n = 34) were treated with 2 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) and an intravaginal insert containing 1.9 g of P4. Eight days later, P4 inserts were removed, and all cows received 150 μg of d-cloprostenol (prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue), 300 IU of eCG, and 1 mg of estradiol cypionate (ECP). On Day 9 (05:00 p.m.), cows were randomly distributed, according to the diameter of the pre-ovulatory follicle, in two treatments: 1) GnRH (n = 17) cows that received 10.5 μg of buserelin acetate, or 2) no further treatment (control, n = 17). Cows treated with GnRH 34 h after P4 insert removal ovulated earlier (P = 0.02) than control cows (66 ± 0.0 and 77.2 ± 4.3 h). Experiment 2 was designed to determine the effect of GnRH34 on the fertility of suckled beef cows. Nelore cows (n = 506) were treated as Experiment 1. On Day 8, cows were painted in the sacrocaudal region to identify cows that displayed estrus. On Day 9 (05:00 p.m.), cows were randomized to receive same treatment as Experiment 1, control (n = 252), or GnRH (n = 254). All cows were TAI 48 h after P4 insert removal. At TAI, estrus was evaluated, and deemed to have occurred in cows without a tail-head chalk mark (>75% paint loss). Cows treated with GnRH 34 h after P4 insert removal had greater (P = 0.01) pregnancy per AI (P/AI) than cows that only received ECP (63.0% and 50.4%). No difference (P = 0.5) was observed in the proportion of cows that displayed estrus between treatments. Furthermore, cows that displayed estrus had greater (P < 0.01) P/AI than cows that did not. Treatment with GnRH, given at 34 h after P4 insert removal, increased (P < 0.05) P/AI in cows that did not show estrus at TAI. In summary, treatment with GnRH 34 h after P4 insert removal was associated with earlier ovulation and resulted in greater P/AI in suckled Nelore cows treated with an estradiol/P4-based protocol for TAI.

Impact of lameness on fertility traits in Austrian Fleckvieh cows - results from the Efficient-Cow-project

The impact of lameness on fertility in dairy cows has already been investigated, however predominantely in Holstein cows. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of lameness during the dry period, between calving and first service and between calving and conception (days open) on selected fertility traits in Austrian Fleckvieh cows. Locomotion scoring of dairy cows was performed during the course of routine performance testing in 2014 and 2015. Using the observed maximum locomotion score (MLSC) during pre- and postcalving periods, the cows were classified into three groups: cows never lame (MLSC 1), cows that showed MLSC 2, and cows with MLSC ≥3 during these defined periods. Data sets of 3,998 lactations of 3,058 Austrian Fleckvieh cows from 97 dairy herds could be evaluated. In several statistical models the fixed effects of MLSC (1, 2, ≥ 3), farm, year and season of calving, parity*age class at calving, and early fertility disorders were considered for analysis of the traits days from calving to first insemination, interval from first to last insemination, days from calving to conception and calving interval (CI), as well as the non-return-rate90 (NRR90). Mean lameness prevalence during the dry period was 19,43 %, and reached 27,70 % in the period between calving and conception. Lameness (MLSC ≥ 3) during the dry period significantly (P = 0,030) prolonged the period between calving and conception, and lameness (MLSC ≥ 3) during the period from calving to first service had a significantly detrimental effect on the periods calving to first insemination, days open and CI (P < 0,001). Further, highly significant associations (P < 0,001) in cows showing MLSC ≥ 2 during the period between calving and conception on all fertility traits were determined. Apart from lameness, farm, year and season of calving, parity*-age class at calving, early fertility disorders and, partly, the interaction of the latter two effects significantly (P.

Increasing the efficiency of the herd reproduction system by introducing innovative technologies into dairy farming in Northern Kazakhstan.

Background and Aim:In recent years, Kazakhstan has increasingly imported breeding cows for dairy and beef production. To maintain and improve their breeding qualities of reproductive function, it is necessary to constantly monitor the herd reproduction system. The aim of this study was to increase the level of herd reproduction by introducing innovative technologies into dairy farms in Northern Kazakhstan. To achieve this goal, the AlphaVision visual insemination system (IMV Technologies, France) was used, aiding to improve the artificial insemination method in farms in Northern Kazakhstan and increased the breeding rate using sexed semen to inseminate cows. In addition, the AlphaVision device was used in the differential diagnosis of certain diseases of the reproductive organs of cows.Materials and Methods:The object of the study was 200 cows (3-5-year-old) and 100 heifers (16-18-month-old) of Holstein breed. The authors carried out a comparative analysis of biotechnological methods of reproduction – the cervical method insemination with rectal fixation of the cervix (traditional method of insemination) and the AlphaVision visual insemination system, and the effectiveness of AlphaVision for diagnosing some reproductive tract abnormalities in cows was studied. In the experiment on conducting artificial insemination through AlphaVision, we have used both normal (two-sex) and sexed semen.Results:When using the AlphaVision visual insemination system, a higher percentage of fruitful insemination was noted (20.7%) than when using the traditional method. The images obtained with AlphaVision made it possible to identify cows with abnormal sexual cycles, signs of vaginitis, endometritis, cervicitis, and differentiate them by the nature of the exudate. In many cases, visual examinations of the vagina and cervix are not carried out before the traditional method of artificial insemination. For this reason, some vaginal and cervical abnormalities are not diagnosed, resulting in reduced fertility in cows. We have found that the number of genital abnormalities has increased by 30% with the increasing age of cows. Obstetric and gynecologic pathologies in high-yielding cows are noted in more than 50% of the herd. A comparative assessment of clinical manifestations of cervicitis and other pathologies of reproductive organs, using the AlphaVision visual insemination system, has been carried out for the identified diseases. With the traditional method of insemination with conventional semen, the calf yield per 100 cows for the period 2016-2019 has been 65-80% and with sexed semen 30-50%. With AlphaVision in 2020, the insemination rate was 85% conventional and 60% sexed, respectively, which was 5% and 10% higher than with conventional insemination. This was due to the improved diagnosis of some reproductive diseases in cows.Conclusion:The introduction of innovative technology, namely, the visual insemination system AlphaVision, into the practice of dairy farms in Northern Kazakhstan increased the level of the herd reproduction system.

A proposed structural approach to improve cow-claw health on Dutch dairy farms.

Despite extensive research leading to an improved understanding of the risk factors and pathogenesis of infectious and non-infectious disorders, claw health has not structurally improved in recent decades. Several studies have shown that claw disorders harm milk production, fertility and longevity of the dairy cows and job satisfaction of the farmer. This is enough reason to structurally improve claw health on dairy farms. The focus should be on a rapid curative intervention when lameness occurs and above all the prevention of claw problems. Most claw disorder diagnoses are nowadays made during regular claw trimming by the professional trimmer or the dairy farmer. Registration of the detected disorders during claw trimming is not always done consistently, so the estimated prevalence (number of cows with a claw disorder) is in most cases an underestimation of the real prevalence. The quality of these records often makes it difficult for consultants to formulate appropriate claw health advice. To be able to give good advice on claw health, insight into the prevalence of the various hoof disorders on a farm is a key condition. However, good quality advice alone is not a guarantee for an improved claw health situation on a farm. Research has shown that in addition to high quality substantiated advice, the communication style between the consultant and the dairy farmer is essential for the interpretation and motivation of the dairy farmer to implement the advice. In this paper a 7-point plan is presented as a guidance for herd advisors who want to support dairy farmers to improve claw health.

Estrous synchronization and fertility of cross-bred dairy cows using prostaglandin F2α and gonadotropin releasing hormone

A comparative hormonal study of prostaglandin, gonadotropin releasing hormone and their combination was conducted on 30 randomly selected cross-bred dairy cows of SEMEX project for artificial insemination in Hillat Kuku, Khartoum North, Sudan. The study attempts to determine the response of the animals to hormonal induction and synchronization of estrous as well as fertility following fixed time artificial insemination. Three treatment groups of 10 cows each were undertaken. Groups 1, 2 and 3 involved administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and a combination of PGF2α + GnRH, respectively. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. The results revealed that all the three protocols induced and synchronized estrous were almost synchronous in all the treated groups. However, protocol 3 revealed a significantly (p&lt;0.05) better result of 70% pregnancy rate compared to other two protocols that equally provided 50% pregnancy rates. The study resolves that protocol 3 be highly recommended to change the mindset of farmers about the spread of reproductive technology in Sudan. Protocols 1 and 2 provided acceptable pregnancy rates that can be enhanced with the improvement of management.

تأثیر کودهای آلی، شیمیایی و زیستی بر عملکرد و کارایی مصرف نیتروژن و فسفر در خرفه (Portulaca oleracea L.)

AbstractBackground and Objectives: Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is an annual and C4 plant that belongs to the family of Portulacaceae. The plant is drought- and salt-tolerant which contains high amounts of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins. Nitrogen is the key element in soil fertility and crop production. Attention to the soil quality and health has increased in recent years, especially for sustainable production of medicinal crops. So that, for production of healthy food in industrialized countries, using natural and on-farm inputs has been considered. One of the practical ways to achieve this goal is organic and biofertilizers. Given the importance of Purslane as a medicinal plant and due to the fact that there is not detailed information about the nitrogen requirement for this plant, this study was conducted to effect of organic, biological and chemical fertilizers on yield, N and P use efficiency Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) in Birjand, Iran Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the effect of organic, biological and chemical fertilizers on the yield and yield components of purslane seed, an experiment was conducted in a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications in Birjand University Research Farm in crop years 2015-2016 and 2017- 2018. Experimental treatments were based on a combination of four sources of nitrogen supply: cow manure, vermicompost, fertilizer (NPK) and control (without any fertilizer application), and four types of biofertilizer including: nitroxin (including azotobacter and azospirillum), mycorrhiza (Glomus intraradices), Biosulfur (including thiobacillus with sulfur) and control (without any fertilizer). The traits studied in this experiment included: biomass yield, grain yield, nitrogen and phosphorus biomass percentage, nitrogen and phosphorus biomass content, nitrogen and phosphorus uptake efficiency, seed based nitrogen and phosphorus uptake efficiency, agronomic efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus based They were. Results: The results showed that the effect of nitrogen sources on all studied traits (except physiological grain nitrogen efficiency) was significant. The highest grain yield (1959.99 kg.ha-1) and biomass yield (9782.43 kg.ha-1) were obtained from NPK treatment with no significant difference with cow manure. Also, the most nitrogen efficiency indices were obtained from NPK treatment. However, no significant difference was observed between agronomic efficiency of grain and cow manure. The highest phosphorus content and biomass phosphorus content were obtained from NPK treatment. However, with the use of organic and chemical fertilizers, the efficiency of phosphorus use decreased. The effect of biofertilizers on most of the studied traits (except biomass P percent) was not significant. Interaction of nitrogen sources and biofertilizers was significant on most of the studied traits (except grain yield, agronomic efficiency of N and P). Conclusions: Based on the results of this experiment, considering the environmental effects and increasing the efficiency of nitrogen use for sustainable production of purslane seed in Birjand region can be used as fertilizer replacement (NPK).

Characterization of Reproductive Microbiota of Primiparous Cows During Early Postpartum Periods in the Presence and Absence of Endometritis.

Endometritis has a major impact on fertility in postpartum dairy cows. Since previous studies showed an association between reproductive microbiota and perinatal disease, we monitored both bovine uterine and vaginal microbiota in primiparous cows to elucidate the effect of early postpartum microbiota on endometritis. Uterine and vaginal samples were collected at time points from pre-calving to 35 days postpartum (DPP), and analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, combined with ancillary bacterial culture. A total of seven healthy cows and seven cows diagnosed with endometritis on 35 DPP were used in the current study. The uterine and vaginal microbiota showed a maximum of 20.1% shared amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) at linked time points. 16S rRNA based analysis and traditional culture methods revealed that Trueperella showed a higher abundance in both uterus and vagina of the endometritis group compared to the healthy group on 21 DPP (U-test p < 0.05). Differential abundance analysis of the uterine microbiota showed that Enterococcus and six bacterial genera including Bifidobacterium were unique to the healthy group on the day of calving (0 DPP) and 28 DPP, respectively. In contrast, Histophilus and Mogibacteriaceae were characteristic bacteria in the vagina pre-calving in cows that later developed endometritis, suggesting that these bacteria could be valuable to predict clinical outcomes. Comparing the abundances of bacterial genera in the uterine microbiota, a negative correlation was observed between Trueperella and several bacteria including Lactobacillus. These results suggest that building an environment where there is an increase in bacteria that are generally recognized as beneficial, such as Lactobacillus, may be one possible solution to reduce the abundance of Trueperella and control endometritis.

The effects of various organic fertilizers with or without adsorbents on the productivity, antioxidant status and immune responses of Nile tilapia raised in cement ponds

The present study investigated the role of fish sludge (FS) as an organic fertilizer in fish ponds alone or in combined with some industrial wastes such as sawdust (SD) and sugar beet pulp (SBP) and their influences on productivity, blood biochemistry, antioxidant and immune status of Nile tilapia compared to the well-known fertilizer cow dung. Fish were distributed into the following experimental groups: control group (with no fertilizers); CD group (cow dung fertilized group); FS group (fish sludge fertilized group); FS + SD (fertilized with fish sludge combined with sawdust); FS + SBP group (fertilized with fish sludge combined with sugar beet pulp) in 3 replicates ponds per each. Fish raised in ponds fertilized with FS + SD, FS, and FS + SBP respectively, recorded higher final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) values and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) values when compared to the control group. Fish raised in CD fertilized ponds showed significantly higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. While, FS + SD group had the highest GSH content followed by FS and FS + SBP groups. The catalase (CAT) activity was also significantly higher in FS, FS + SD and FS + SB groups compared to control and CD groups. FS significantly reduced the Malondialdehyde (MDA) content than control and CD groups and a more significant reduction was recorded in FS + SD and FS + SBP groups. The highest total antioxidant activity (TAC) was recorded in the FS + SBP group. The results also showed that FS + SBP followed by FS + SD obtained the highest Alternative Complement pathway (ACH50) activity. FS, FS + SD and FS + SBP groups showed significantly higher lysozyme activity than the CD group. All added fertilizers significantly increased the NBT value compared to the control group. In conclusion, fish sludge showed a more promising property as an organic fertilizer in fish ponds than cow dung, particularly in the presence of adequate water purifying material such as sawdust or sugar beet pulp.

PSXII-20 Ovarian dynamics and fertility in beef cows administered a 5-day or 6-day CO-Synch protocol for timed artificial insemination

Abstract The 5-day CO-Synch is an extensively used TAI protocol; however, it requires multiple administrations of prostaglandin F2α (PGF). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of increasing progesterone (P4) device insertion from 5 to 6 days during a TAI protocol on ovarian dynamics and fertility in beef cows. Suckled beef cows (n = 867) at six locations were randomly assigned to either a 5-day or 6-day CO-Synch. Cows received an intravaginal P4 device (CIDR, Zoetis) and 100 µg of gonadorelin acetate (GnRH, Parnell) on d-9 (6-day) or d-8 (5-day). On d-3 CIDR’s were removed, an estrus detection patch applied (Estrotect, Rockway Inc.) and either one (6-day) or two (5-day) doses of PGF (500 µg of cloprostenol sodium, Estroplan, Parnell) was administered. On d0 (72 h after CIDR removal) all cows received 100 µg of GnRH, estrus expression was evaluated, and AI was performed. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography 34 days after TAI. Ovarian dynamics were evaluated in a subset of animals (n = 20) between d-3 and d7 to determine preovulatory follicle size, time of ovulation and corpus luteum (CL) size. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models (SAS 9.4). Cows in the 6-day group tended (P = 0.09) to have a larger maximum follicle diameter (16.2±0.4mm) than cows in the 5-day group (15.0±0.6mm). In addition, CL volume on d7 was greater (P = 0.01) in the 6-day (4302±495mm3) than 5-day (2406±455mm3) group. There were, however, no differences (P = 0.15) in the interval between CIDR removal and ovulation. Cows assigned to the 6-day group had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) estrus expression [56.1% (215/385) vs 41.5% (161/388)] and pregnancy rate [54.6% (236/438) vs 47.4% (207/435)] than cows in the 5-day group. In conclusion, extension of the period of P4 device insertion in a prolonged proestrus protocol increases preovulatory follicle size, estrous expression, and fertility to TAI.

24 The Effects of Vaginal pH on Fertility of Beef Cows and Heifers Enrolled in the 7-d Co-synch + Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) Protocol

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vaginal pH on fertility of beef cows and heifers enrolled in a fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) protocol. Year 1, 40 multiparous cows; and year 2, 48 multiparous cows and 41 heifers with no signs of vaginitis were enrolled. Vaginal flushes were collected for all females on D0, D7 and D10 and immediately analyzed for pH with a pH meter. As evidence of vaginitis, CIDR score was determined at CIDR removal (D7) following a 1 to 4 scoring system: 1=no secretion; 2=clear secretion; 3=purulent secretion; 4=purulent secretion and blood. Pregnancy status was determined by transrectal ultrasonography approximately 40 days after TAI. No animals had CIDR scores 1, whereas 23.7% of animals had a score 2, 69.6% a score 3, and 6.6% a score of 4. There was no effect of CIDR score on pregnancy outcome (P = 0.697). However, vaginal pH on D7, differed according to CIDR score (P = 0.045), where score 2 had greater pH (7.32±0.04) than score 4 (7.09±0.08), and score 3 were intermediate (7.25±0.02). No effect (P = 0.307) of CIDR score on vaginal pH on D10 was observed. There were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.01) between vaginal pH of pregnant and open animals on D0 (7.06±0.05); D7 (7.26±0.03); and D10 (7.21±0.04). Nonetheless, on D10 females with vaginal pH 7.1 &amp;lt; pH ≤ 7.34 had greater (P = 0.005) PR (n=56; 66.1%) than cows with pH &amp;gt; 7.35 (n=33; 45.5%), and pH &amp;lt; 7.09 (n = 39; 33.3%). We conclude that vaginitis caused by the CIDR changes vaginal pH on D7, which is not carried on to D10. In addition, there is indication of an optimal vaginal pH range at the day of TAI for maximum PR to the protocol.