Improve Conception Rates Research Articles

Designing a diagnostic method to predict the optimal artificial insemination timing in cows using artificial intelligence

Dairy farmers and beef cattle breeders aim for one calf per year to optimize breeding efficiency, relying on artificial insemination of both dairy and beef cows. Accurate estrus detection and timely insemination are vital for improving conception rates. However, recent challenges such as operational expansion, increased livestock numbers, and heightened milk production have complicated these processes. We developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based pregnancy probability diagnostic tool to predict the optimal timing for artificial insemination. This tool analyzes external uterine opening image data through AI analysis, enabling high conception rates when inexperienced individuals conduct the procedure. In the initial experimental phase, images depicting the external uterine opening during artificial insemination were acquired for AI training. Static images were extracted from videos to create a pregnancy probability diagnostic model (PPDM). In the subsequent phase, an augmented set of images was introduced to enhance the precision of the PPDM. Additionally, a web application was developed for real-time assessment of optimal insemination timing, and its effectiveness in practical field settings was evaluated. The results indicated that when PPDM predicted a pregnancy probability of 70% or higher, it demonstrated a high level of reliability with accuracy, precision, and recall rates of 76.2%, 76.2%, and 100%, respectively, and an F-score of 0.86. This underscored the applicability and reliability of AI-based tools in predicting optimal insemination timing, potentially offering substantial benefits to breeding operations.

Intrauterine injection of bioengineered hydrogel loaded exosomes derived from HUCM stem cells and spermidine prominently augments the pregnancy rate in thin endometrium rats

The endometrium is essential to the development of embryos and pregnancy. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) are promising stem cell sources. HUCMSCs self-renew quickly and are painless to collect. Spermidine is an inherent polyamine needed for cellular and molecular processes that regulate physiology and function. HUCMSCs and spermidine (SN) may heal intrauterine adhesions. HUCMSCs were investigated for endometrial repair in rats. Composite hydrogels are used for medical exosome implantation, including their materials, properties, and embedding procedures. This study examined whether bioengineered hydrogel-loaded exosomes from HUCMSCs and spermidine prenatally improved conception rates in mice with poor endometrial lining. The data show that HUCMSC and SN provide a good experimental base for HUCMSC safety and intrauterine treatment in rats. Western blots, exosome structural analysis, pregnancy outcomes, flow cytometry, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence labelling found and recovered the aberrant area. HUCM-derived stem cells and spermidine-derived exosomes biophysically match. These traits strengthen and prolong endometrial function. Pregnant rats with HUCMSC and SN had thinner endometrium. Hydrogel-incorporated HEHUCMSC and SN exosomes may improve IUI in rats with thin endometrium.

Synthesis of green zinc-oxide nanoparticles and its dose-dependent beneficial effect on spermatozoa during preservation: sperm functional integrity, fertility and antimicrobial activity.

Introduction: The development of an effective extender is important for semen preservation and the artificial insemination (AI) industry. This study demonstrates the beneficial effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as an additive to semen extenders to improve semen quality, fertility, and antibacterial activity during liquid preservation in a boar model. Methods: Initially, to find out the safe concentration of ZnO-NPs in sperm cells, a wide range of ZnO-NP concentrations (0, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000μM) were co-incubated with sperm at 37°C for a cytotoxic study. These NP concentrations were compared to their salt control zinc acetate (ZA) at the same concentrations and to a control group. The effect of the different concentrations of ZnO-NPs on sperm motility, membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and apoptosis was assessed. Accordingly, the non-toxic dose was selected and supplemented in MODENA extender to determine its beneficial effect on the boar semen parameters mentioned and the lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels during liquid preservation at 16°C for 6days. The non-cytotoxic dosage was subsequently chosen for AI, fertility investigations, and the evaluation of the antibacterial efficacy of ZnO-NPs during preservation hours. An antibacterial study of ZnO-NPs and its salt control at doses of 10μM and 50μM was carried out by the colony forming unit (CFU) method. Results and discussion: The cytotoxic study revealed that 5, 10, and 50μM of ZnO-NPs are safe. Consequently, semen preserved in the MODENA extender, incorporating the non-toxic dose, exhibited 10 and 50μM ZnO-NPs as the optimal concentrations for beneficial outcomes during liquid preservation at 16°C. ZnO-NPs of 10μM concentration resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) improved conception rate of 86.95% compared to the control of 73.13%. ZnO-NPs of 10 and 50μM concentrations exhibit potent antimicrobial action by reducing the number of colonies formed with days of preservation in comparison to the negative control. The investigation concluded that the incorporation of 10μM ZnO-NPs led to enhancements in sperm motility, membrane integrity, and MMP, attributed to a reduction in the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. This improvement was accompanied by a concurrent increase in fertility rates, including farrowing rate and litter size, during the liquid preservation process. Furthermore, ZnO-NPs exhibited an antimicrobial effect, resulting in decreased bacterial growth while preserving boar semen at 16°C for 6days. These findings suggest that ZnO-NPs could serve as a viable alternative to antibiotics, potentially mitigating antibiotic resistance concerns within the food chain.

Evaluation of later timepoints for fixed-time artificial insemination of beef heifers and cows when using sex-sorted semen

Two experiments were designed to evaluate later timepoints for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) of beef heifers and cows, with the hypothesis that use of a later timepoint would allow a greater proportion of animals to express estrus prior to FTAI and result in greater conception rates among estrous females inseminated with sex-sorted semen. In Experiment 1, estrus was synchronized for 1640 heifers using the 14 d CIDR-PG protocol: insertion of an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR; 1.38 g progesterone) on Day −33 and removal on Day −19, and administration of prostaglandin F2α (PG; 500 μg cloprostenol sodium) on Day −3. Heifers were inseminated at one of three FTAI timepoints: 66 h, 70 h, or 74 h after PG administration. In Experiment 2, estrus was synchronized for 414 beef cows using the 7 & 7 Synch protocol: administration of PG coincident with CIDR insertion on Day −17, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; 100 μg gonadorelin) on Day −10, and PG coincident with CIDR removal on Day −3. Cows were inseminated at one of two FTAI timepoints: 66 h or 72 h after PG administration. In both experiments, only animals that expressed estrus prior to FTAI were inseminated with sex-sorted semen. In Experiment 1, the proportion of heifers that expressed estrus prior to FTAI (66 h: 62 %; 70 h: 67 %; 74 h: 71 %) was greater when FTAI was performed at 74 h versus 66 h (P = 0.0097); however, conception rate of heifers that expressed estrus and were serviced with sex-sorted semen did not differ among treatments (P = 0.67; 66 h: 56 %; 70 h: 53 %; 74 h: 53 %). In Experiment 2, the proportion of cows expressing estrus prior to FTAI did not differ between treatments (P = 0.30; 66 h: 71 %; 72 h: 76 %). Additionally, conception rate of estrous cows inseminated with sex-sorted semen did not differ between treatments (P = 0.24; 66 h: 45 %; 72 h: 40 %). These results indicate that performing FTAI later following the 14 d CIDR-PG protocol increases the proportion of heifers that express estrus and are serviced with sex-sorted semen but does not improve conception rates. Later timing of FTAI following the 7 & 7 Synch protocol was not observed to increase the proportion of cows expressing estrus prior to FTAI or improve conception rates among estrous cows inseminated with sex-sorted semen. Together, these results provide further insight into optimal timing of FTAI when using sex-sorted semen.

PSXII-8 Effects of Pre-Synchronization with Short-Term Melengesterol Acetate in Nulliparous Beef Heifers

Abstract Conception rates in nulliparous beef heifers can be greatly influenced by their ability to reach puberty at or prior to the initiation of a breeding season. Previous research has analyzed the efficacy of utilizing both long and short-term exposure to a source of progesterone via a controlled internal drug release insert (CIDR) prior to estrous synchronization with timed artificial insemination (TAI) and found improved conception rates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding melengesterol acetate (MGA) immediately and 10 days before estrous synchronization. Ninety-three crossbred heifers (395.67 ± 5.37 kg) were blocked by BW, genetics, and reproductive tract scores and allotted to 3 treatments. The 3 treatment groups were: 7-day Co-synch + CIDR without presynchronization (CON, n = 31); 2cc PGF2α (Lutalyse) followed by melengesterol acetate feeding for 7 d before the start of the 7-day Co-synch + CIDR program (PRE, n = 31); and 2 mL Lutalyse followed by MGA feeding for 7 d followed 10 d later by the start of the 7-day Co-synch + CIDR program (PRE+10, n = 31). The 7-day Co-synch + CIDR protocol was initiated on d 0 by administering a 2 mL IM injection of GnRH and placing a CIDR into the vagina. The CIDRs were removed 7 days later and accompanied by 2 ml IM injection of PGF2α. An injection of GnRH occurred 60 to 66 hours following PGF2α at TAI with frozen semen from a single bull. Ten days after TAI, heifers were exposed to a bull. Estrotect patches were applied throughout the study to assess estrous behavior. Ovaries were visualized 24 hours post TAI to determine whether ovulation occurred. Pregnancy was determined on days 40, 64, and 109 post TAI via transrectal ultrasonography. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture (d -19, MGA initiation and termination, d 0, d 7, and d 9) and serum progesterone determined. Performance data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure and conception data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Heifers in the PRE+10 treatment group had higher levels of progesterone (P = 0.04) at d 0 than PRE heifers. At d7 there was a tendency (P = 0.07) for PRE+10 heifers to have greater concentrations of progesterone than PRE, but did not differ by d 9 (TAI, P = 0.36). TAI conception rates in heifers in the PRE treatment group (63%) tended (P = 0.09) to be greater compared with the controls (35%) and not different from PRE+10 (43%), with no differences in season-long pregnancy rates (P &amp;gt; 0.15). Presynchronization with MGA immediately before TAI synchronization can increase conception rates early in the breeding season in beef heifers.

Ovarian response and conception rate in Boran and Boran*Holstein cows treated by Gonadotrophin-realizing hormone and ProstaglandinF2α with and without exogenous progesterone

BackgroundDifference in breed, nutrition status and climate in which animals are managed result in differences in response to reproductive hormones. Fertility rate to artificial insemination is very low in Ethiopian Boran and Boran*Holstein crosses. This partly maybe due to adopting estrus and/or ovulation synchronization developed for temperate taurine cattle. Experimental study was conducted to evaluate ovarian response to combinations of Gonadotrophin-Realizing Hormone agonist (gonadorelin) and ProstaglandinF2α (PGF2α) with or without progesterone (Controlled Internal Drug Release/CIDR), and conception rate to timed AI. Postpartum native Ethiopian Boran (n = 60) and Boran*Holstein cross (n = 66) cows were randomly assigned to four treatment groups as Ovsynch (gonadorelin on day of start, PGF2α seven days later, 2nd gonadorelin at 48 h of PGF2α and insemination at 19 h of the 2nd gonadorelin); CIDR + Ovsynch (same as Ovsynch but CIDR device was inserted into vagina for 7 days); Cosynch (same as Ovsynch but insemination was made at the 2nd gonadorelin) and CIDR + Cosynch (same as Cosynch but CIDR was inserted for 7 days).ResultThere was no difference (P > 0.05) in ovulation rate to day 9 gonadorelin (88.33% in Boran; 78.79% in Boran*Holstein) and interval from day 9 gonadorelin to ovulation (36.5 ± 1.13 h in Boran and 36.057 ± 1.11 h in Boran*Holstein). Dominant follicle immediate to ovulation (14.95 ± 0.19 mm Vs 19.12 ± 0.49 mm) and corpus luteum size (16.31 ± 0.33 mm Vs 20.28 ± 0.43 mm ) respectively were smaller (P < 0.05) in Boran than Boran*Holstein. Plasma progesterone concentration at PGF2α was higher (P < 0.05) in Boran (11.91 ± 0.74ng/mL) than Boran*Holstein (6.13 ± 0.27ng/mL) but luteolysis rate was lower (P < 0.05) in Boran (87.9%) than Boran-Holstein (96.9%). Cows with CIDR had higher conception rate than cows without CIDR (72.00% Vs 39.02% in Boran*Holstein and 74.07%, Vs 51.52% in Boran respectively). Insemination at 19 h of gonadorelin administration resulted in higher conception rate (78.6% for Boran; 71.43% for Boran*Holstein) than insemination at gonadorelin (69.29% for Boran; 66.67% for Boran*Holstein).ConclusionBoran cows have smaller preovulatory follicles, smaller corpus luteum, large amount of progesterone and lower rate of luteolysis to PGF2α compared to Boran*Holstein. The CL of Boran cattle seems les reactive to PGF2α than Boran*Holstein CL. CIDR significantly improved conception rate in Boran and Boran*Holstein cows.

Subcutaneous Administration of Melatonin Resumes the Cyclicity and Improves Conception Rate in Anestrus Buffalo Heifers

The present study was aimed to see the effect of subcutaneous injection of melatonin @ 18 mg/50 kg b.wt. on estrus induction and conception rate in anestrus buffalo heifers (n=24). Among the heifers treated with melatonin (n=14), 6 (42.86 %) animals showed behavioral estrus within 4-28 days of treatment as compared to none in control group (n=10). The first service conception rate was 33.33 % (2/6) in the melatonin treated buffaloes, while none of the buffalo exhibited estrus/conceived in control group. It is concluded that melatonin @ 18 mg/50 kg b.wt. can be used to induce the estrus in anestrus buffalo heifers with satisfactory conception rate.

Efficacy and safety of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionPublished data regarding efficacy of intrauterine perfusion of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) is inconclusive. This study aims at evaluating the efficacy and safety of G-CSF in URSA. Materials and methodsElectronic databases were searched including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, China Biology Medicine disc, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (last search was performed on Sep 10th, 2022). A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with R-language software. Combined relative risk (RRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate efficacy and safety. ResultsCompared with placebo, the efficacy of G-CSF in the treatment of URSA patients was significant in conception rate (RR=1.34, 95%CI: 1.03–1.74, P = 0.028), and was none of significance in live birth rate (RR=1.35, 95%CI: 0.99–1.84, P = 0.06). Subgroup analysis showed that the ovulation-period-medication was the protective factor for conception rate, while "Ethnicity Asian" and "ovulation-period medication" were the protective factors for live birth rate. When it comes to the safety of rhG-CSF on URSA, meta-analysis showed that rhG-CSF had no significant effect on the incidence of adverse events (AEs) (RR=1.13, 95% CI: 0.89–1.43, P = 0.322), and subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of AEs in each subgroup did not increase significantly (P > 0.05). ConclusionBased on our meta-analysis, intrauterine perfusion of rhG-CSF in ovulation period is an effective and safe way to improve conception rate in URSA.

Immunomodulation for unexplained recurrent implantation failure: where are we now?

Immune dysfunction may contribute to or cause recurrent implantation failure. This article summarizes normal and pathologic immune responses at implantation and critically appraises currently used immunomodulatory therapies. Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) may be defined as the absence of pregnancy despite the transfer of ≥3 good-quality blastocysts and is unexplained in up to 50% of cases. There are currently no effective treatments for patients with unexplained RIF. Since the maternal immune system is intricately involved in mediating endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation, both insufficient and excessive endometrial inflammatory responses during the window of implantation are proposed to lead to implantation failure. Recent strategies to improve conception rates in RIF patients have focused on modulating maternal immune responses at implantation, through either promoting or suppressing inflammation. Unfortunately, there are no validated, readily available diagnostic tests to confirm immune-mediated RIF. As such, immune therapies are often started empirically without robust evidence as to their efficacy. Like other chronic diseases, patient selection for immunomodulatory therapy is crucial, and personalized medicine for RIF patients is emerging. As the literature on the subject is heterogenous and rapidly evolving, we aim to summarize the potential efficacy, mechanisms of actions and side effects of select therapies for the practicing clinician.

Effect of oestrus synchronisation through ovulation delay by vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cows.

In Korean cattle, after foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination, anovulation increases, acute immune response is stimulated. Here, we aimed to improve the fertility rate by ovulation delay caused by the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine. 160 cows (control, FMD, FMD+Gn250 and FMD+Gn500 groups, with 40 cows each) were used. We analysed the ovulation delay, ovulation rate, conception rate and acute-phase immune responses. In the group vaccinated only with FMD, the average follicle size was maintained at 12mm and ovulation was delayed. The ovulation rate of the FMD+Gn500 group (500μg gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injections 3 days after the FMD vaccination) was the highest at 81.8%. The ovulation rate of the FMD+Gn250 group (250μg GnRH injections 3 days after FMD vaccination) was 54.5%, and that of the control group (not FMD vaccinated) was 53.3%. The conception rate was 52.5% (19/40) in the control group, 37.5% (15/40) in the FMD+Gn250 group, and 67.5% (27/40) in the FMD+Gn500 group. Analysis of acute-phase immune response revealed that the plasma contents of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A increased up to 7 days after vaccination against FMD in all the experimental groups, except the control group. We concluded that ovulation delay can be employed to improve conception rate after FMD vaccination through a modified ovulation synchronisation method with GnRH.

5d CIDR-Heatsynch improves the circulatory estradiol levels, estrus expression and conception rate in anestrus buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The present study aimed to investigate whether increasing estradiol (E2) during preovulatory period would increase estrous expression, luteal profiles and conception rate in 5d CIDR based timed AI protocol. A total 156 anestrus buffalo allocated (78 per group) to either 5d CIDR-Cosynch (d-5: CIDR + GnRH; d0: PGF2α+CIDR removal; 72 h post-CIDR removal: GnRH) or 5d CIDR-Heatsynch (d-5: CIDR + GnRH; d0: PGF2α+CIDR removal; 24 h post-CIDR removal: estradiol benzoate) group. All the buffaloes inseminated at 72 and 84 h post-CIDR removal. A subset of buffalo (n = 58) were subjected to examination of the follicle diameter and luteal profile during protocol, post-AI on days 5 and 12. The buffalo in 5d CIDR-Heatsynch had greater (p < .05) E2 concentrations, estrus induction and increasing trend (p < .08) for conception rate (57.7% vs. 43.6%) than 5d CIDR-Cosynch. The percentage of pregnant buffalo that exhibited estrus signs was greater (p < .01) in 5d CIDR-Heatsynch than 5d CIDR-Cosynch. Positive correlation (p < .01) was observed between POF and E2 concentrations; POF and CL diameter, CL diameter and P4 concentrations. Estrus response and P4 concentrations were indicators of probability of pregnancy. In conclusion, 5d CIDR-Heatsynch tended to improve conception rate. The estrus expression and P4 concentrations (d5 and 12 post-first-AI) is the indicator of probability of pregnancy in buffalo.

THE USE OF OXYTOCIN IN COMBINATION WITH UTERINE LAVAGE AS A POST-MATING TREATMENT FOR INFERTILE MARES WITH ENDOMETRITIS

Eighteen infertile multiparous mares were used in this study. They had been barren for at least 2 years and had been bred repeatedly during those years, and were 8-20 years of age. Clinical genital, and endometrial cytology and histopathological examinations revealed that the mares suffered from acute endometritis. Each mare was subjected to an intrauterine lavage with 500-1000 ml of sterile saline solution in combination with an intravenous injection of 20 I.U. of oxytocin within 12-24 hours after mating. The mares expelled most of the flushed fluid within 20 -30 minutes of oxytocin injection. Eighteen of the treated mares, 13 (72%) conceived after mating on one estrous period. Results of this study indicates that removing intrauterine fluid containing inflammatory by-products by saline lavage and inducing uterine contractions with oxytocin after mating improved conception rates in infertile mares.

ODP429 Treatment of high-normal TSH levels in women with unexplained infertility is associated with an increased conception rate

Abstract Unexplained infertility (UI), defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse with no identified cause, affects up to 30% of infertile couples. Women with UI are significantly more likely to have a TSH level in the high-normal range (TSH between 2.5-5 mIU/L) as compared to a control population of women with infertility secondary to a partner with severe oligospermia. It is not known whether treating high-normal TSH levels with levothyroxine results in a higher rate of conception. We performed a cross-sectional study at a large academic health system in women with infertility and TSH levels between 2.5-5 mIU/L to compare rates of conception in women who were treated with levothyroxine versus those who were not treated with levothyroxine. We hypothesized that treatment with levothyroxine would result in a higher conception rate. We identified 126 women who presented for evaluation of infertility between 1/1/2000-6/30/2017 who met our inclusion criteria of a TSH in the high-normal range (2.5 mIU/L &amp;lt; TSH &amp;lt; 5 mIU/L) and either UI (80%, n=101) or infertility due to a severely oligospermic (semen concentration &amp;lt;1 million/mL) partner (20%, n=25). All subjects (n=126) had a normal prolactin level (&amp;lt; 20 ng/mL), regular menstrual cycles every 21-35 days with &amp;lt;5 days of inter-cycle variability, a day 3 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)&amp;lt; 10 and no other identified cause of infertility. Male partners of women with unexplained infertility had a semen concentration of &amp;gt;15 million/mL, motility &amp;gt;40% and morphology &amp;gt;4% based on 2010 WHO criteria. Thirty-one percent (n=39) were treated with levothyroxine (LT+) by their primary providers, whereas 69% (n=87) were not treated with levothyroxine (LT-). Women treated with levothyroxine were older than those not treated (mean + SD, LT+: 32.5 + 2.4 years vs LT-: 31. 0 + 3. 0 years, p=0. 005) but were of similar BMI (median (interquartile range), LT+: 24.1 [21.7, 28.3] kg/m2 vs LT-: 23.6 [20.9, 27. 0] kg/m2, p=0.38). Baseline TSH was significantly higher in the group treated with levothyroxine (3.55 [3. 07, 4.19] mIU/L compared to the untreated group (2.93 [2.66, 3.40] mIU/L, p&amp;lt; 0. 0001). In women for whom follow-up data was available (n=105), a significantly higher percentage of women treated with levothyroxine (100%) achieved pregnancy compared to those not treated with levothyroxine (92%, p value 0. 027) and this was also true when only evaluating women with UI (n=86) (LT+: 100% versus LT-: 89.5%, p=0. 02). There was no significant difference in time to conception between the two groups (p=0.85). Women with high normal TSH levels (TSH between 2.5-5 mIU/L) treated with levothyroxine had a higher rate of conception compared to those not treated. Prospective, randomized studies are needed to determine whether treatment with levothyroxine could improve conception rates in patients with high-normal TSH levels. Presentation: No date and time listed

Effect of Soybean Based Extenders on Milk and Tris Egg Yolk in Tharparkar Bull

About 40 (n=10) ejaculates were taken from four Tharparkar Bulls (A, B, C, D) having age of 4-5 years, after the collection, ejaculates were examined for initial evaluation i.e. volume, color, pH, motility, wave motion, viability, morphology, membrane integrity and sperm concentration. Ejaculate having ≥ 70% motility, morphology, membrane integrity and viability were processed and extended into Tris based extender (Control) and Soyabean extender with 3, 6, 9, 12, 15ml concentration of soybean milk. frozen thawed samples were evaluated for motility, morphology, viability and membrane integrity. samples diluted in tris extender resulted in48.50±1.2 motility, 65.00±1.5 morphology, 67.25±3.4 viability and 63.75±2.9 membrane integrity. However, In Soyabean based extender at the quantity of9 ml frozen samples improved semen quality parameters 57.75±1.1 motility, 73.00±3.4 morphology, 72.25±0.3 viability and 70.25±1.3 membrane integrity. After lab-based evaluation, samples diluted with Tris and optimized concentration of 9 ml of Soyabean based extender were inseminated into 20 cows (n=10 each group). Pregnancy was followed after 60 days of AI (Artificial Insemination) Semen diluted with Soya bean-based extender resulted in improved conception rate up to 60%. It was concluded that the soyabean based extender improved the cooled and frozen thawed semen quality of Tharparkar bull semen.

PSIII-6 Evaluation of Later Timepoints for Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination of Beef Heifers When Using sex-Sorted Semen Following the 14-d Cidr®-PG Protocol

Abstract An experiment was designed to evaluate later timepoints for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) of beef heifers, with the hypothesis that use of a later timepoint would allow a greater proportion of heifers to express estrus prior to FTAI and result in greater conception rates among estrous heifers inseminated with sex-sorted semen. Estrus was synchronized using the 14-d CIDR®-PG protocol (1.38 g progesterone CIDR intravaginally inserted Day -33 and removed Day -19, PGF2a; 500 µg cloprostenol administered Day -3) for 1640 heifers in 7 locations. Heifers were blocked by reproductive tract score and body weight and randomly assigned to one of three FTAI timepoints: 66 ± 2 h, 70 ± 2 h, or 74 ± 2 h after PGF2a administration. Estrus detection aids (Estrotect) were applied at PGF2a administration, with activation recorded at FTAI. Heifers that expressed estrus prior to FTAI were serviced with sex-sorted semen (SexedULTRA 4M™). Heifers that failed to express estrus were serviced with conventional semen and administered gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; 100 µg gonadorelin). The proportion of heifers that expressed estrus by FTAI (66 h: 63%; 70 h: 68%; 74 h: 72%) was greater at 74 h versus 66 h (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Conception rates did not differ significantly between treatments among heifers that expressed estrus and were serviced with sex-sorted semen (66 h: 55%; 70 h: 53%; 74 h: 52%). Among heifers that failed to express estrus and were serviced with conventional semen, conception rates were greater (P = 0.02) when FTAI was performed at 66 h versus 70 h (66 h: 39%; 70 h: 26%; 74 h: 32%). Results indicate that performing FTAI later following the 14-d CIDR®-PG protocol increases the proportion of heifers that express estrus and are serviced with sex-sorted semen, but does not improve conception rates of estrous heifers inseminated at later timepoints.

Dietary organic trace mineral supplement affects steroid hormone, antioxidant enzyme concentrations, and reproductive performances in dairy cows

Supplementation of organic trace mineral (OTM) may affect reproductive functions in several aspects and has been studied, but very rare is reported in dairy cows. To determine the effects of dietary OTM supplement during pre- and postpartum with timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol on steroid hormones, antioxidant enzymes, and reproductive performances in dairy cows. Prepartum Holstein cows (n = 60) were randomly assigned to received either a control diet or OTM supplemented for 42 days. Both groups were fed the same total mixed ration, but were supplemented with 5 g/head/d OTM (Bioplex®) in the treatment group. Blood and follicular fluid samples were collected to determine progesterone (P4), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and estradiol (E2) concentrations. Cows fed OTM had better placental expulsion period, milk yield, and reproductive performance parameters (day to first ovulation and estrus, percentage of first estrus and size of preovulatory follicle) than control cows (P &lt; 0.05). Cows fed OTM affected (P &lt; 0.05) the serum concentration of P4 on days 12, 15, 18, 21, and 42 after TAI. Follicular fluid concentrations of E2 in large follicle in OTM cows were greater than control cows (336.3 and 376.9 ng/mL; P &lt; 0.05). Cows supplemented with OTM had greater serum SOD and GSH-Px activities than control cows (15.5 vs. 10.6 U/mL and 12.1 vs. 9.9 U/mL; P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, supplements with OTM improved uterine and placental health, steroid hormones concentrations, and antioxidant enzyme activities but did not improve conception rate in dairy cows.

Such a tease! Production and uses of teaser rams, bucks, boars and bulls

Background: Male livestock rendered sterile through vasectomy or epididymectomy, but still hormonally and behaviourally sexually active, have many uses. In small ruminants they can be used to advance the breeding season and puberty, synchronise and detect oestrus and improve conception rates to artificial insemination. In pigs, they can be used to hasten first oestrus in gilts and detect oestrus in sows. In cattle, they can be used to aid heat detection for artificial insemination.Aim of the article: This article outlines the surgical techniques used to produce such ‘teaser’ animals and discusses how they can be best used, as well as the alternatives to their use.

Mineral supplementation (injectable) improved reproductive performance in Holstein cows managed in a warm summer environment.

Sustainability of dairy production depends largely on reproductive efficiency that is affected by heat stress due to high ambient temperature and humidity during summer. Supplementation of minerals has been proposed as a management strategy to minimize adverse impact of heat stress on fertility. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of an injectable mineral supplement (Fosfosan) containing selenium (Se), copper (Cu), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P) on the ovarian structures, reproductive hormones and conception rate of heat-stressed Holstein cows. Sixteen cows were assigned during summer to one of two treatments, a control group (CON; n=8) and a mineral-supplemented group (SUP; n=8). Ambient temperature and relative humidity records were collected and processed to estimate the temperature-humidity index (THI), which confirmed a heat-stressed environment during the study (avg. THI=79.4). Cows were subjected to a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) program using the CIDR-Synch synchronization protocol. Traits indicative of ovarian activity were recorded during and after this protocol, as well as serum concentrations of reproductive hormones. Pregnancy diagnosis was made 28 and 35 d after FTAI. A completely randomized block design with repeated measures over time was performed to study ovarian functional structures and its hormonal profiles. Correlations and regressions were estimated to study relationships between ovarian structures and related hormones. Mineral supplementation did not increase follicular diameter or follicular populations (p>.05), yet tended to increase corpus luteum diameter (p<.10), and it enhanced (p<.01) oestrogen and progesterone serum concentrations and improved (p<.05) cow's conception rate. Diameter of dominant follicles and corpus luteum was correlated (p<.05) with oestrogen and progesterone levels, respectively, but only in mineral-treated cows. Two additional dairy herds were evaluated to confirm that mineral supplementation improved conception rate during the heat stress period (objective 2). Cows from dairy 1 received FTAI during winter (n=401) and summer (n=240), whereas cows from dairy 2 were bred after natural detected oestrus during winter (n=558) and summer (n=314). Conception rates were higher (p<.05) in winter than summer and they improved (p<.05) with mineral supplementation, but only in cows managed during summer. In conclusion, supplementation of minerals enhanced hormonal secretion from ovarian structures and improved conception rate in Holstein cows exposed to summer heat stress.

Rectifying cow infertility under heat stress by immunization against inhibin and supplementation of progesterone

This study was undertaken for the development of novel techniques that are based on immunoneutralization of inhibin bioactivity to improve Holstein cow fertility. A series of 4 experiments were carried out on 2 farms that were located in subtropical or temperate regions, to test the effects of immunization against inhibin alpha subunit on cow fertility under varying degrees of heat stress conditions. Though immunization against inhibin alone improved conception rate (CR) after TAI moderately in cows under mild heat stress conditions, the treatment plus progesterone supplementation substantially enhanced CR in the range of 25 to 35 percentages from severe heat stress to comfortable weather conditions. There existed an additive effect between immunization against inhibin and progesterone supplementation that maximally enhanced CR. Further, immunization against inhibin increased both FSH and activin A concentrations in blood during both follicular and luteal phases. It also significantly increased blood concentrations of E2 in the follicular phase but decreased P4 concentrations during the early pregnancy. However, interferon-tau concentrations in blood around the time of pregnancy recognition were doubled in the inhibin immunized cows. In conclusion, immunization against inhibin plus P4 treatment enhances ovarian follicle and the subsequent early embryo developments that help to greatly improve the fertility of Holstein dairy cows.

Evaluating interventions and adjuncts to optimize pregnancy outcomes in subfertile women: an overview review.

There is a wealth of information regarding interventions for treating subfertility. The majority of studies exploring interventions for improving conception rates also report on pregnancy outcomes. However, there is no efficient way for clinicians, researchers, funding organizations, decision-making bodies or women themselves to easily access and review the evidence for the effect of adjuvant therapies on key pregnancy outcomes in subfertile women. The aim was to summarize all published systematic reviews (SRs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions in the subfertile population, specifically reporting on the pregnancy outcomes of miscarriage and live birth. Furthermore, we aimed to highlight promising interventions and areas that need high-quality evidence. We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and PubMed clinical queries SR filter (inception until July 2021) with a list of key words to capture all SRs specifying or reporting any miscarriage outcome. Studies were included if they were SRs of RCTs. The population was subfertile women (pregnant or trying to conceive) and any intervention (versus placebo or no treatment) was included. We adopted Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) for determining the quality of the evidence. Exclusion criteria were overview reviews, reviews that exclusively reported on women conceiving via natural conception, reviews including non-randomized study designs or reviews where miscarriage or live birth outcomes were not specified or reported. The primary outcome was miscarriage, defined as pregnancy loss <24 weeks of gestation. Data were also extracted for live birth where available. We included 75 published SRs containing 121251 participants. There were 14 classes of intervention identified: luteal phase, immunotherapy, anticoagulants, hCG, micronutrients, lifestyle, endocrine, surgical, pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-As), laboratory techniques, endometrial injury, ART protocols, other adjuncts/techniques in the ART process and complementary interventions. The interventions with at least moderate-quality evidence of benefit in reducing risk of miscarriage or improving the chance of a live birth are: intrauterine hCG at time of cleavage stage embryo transfer, but not blastocyst transfer, antioxidant therapy in males, dehydroepiandrosterone in women and embryo medium containing high hyaluronic acid. Interventions showing potential increased risk of miscarriage or reduced live birth rate are: embryo culture supernatant injection before embryo transfer in frozen cycles and PGT-A with the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization. This review provides an overview of key pregnancy outcomes from published SRs of RCTs in subfertile women. It provides access to concisely summarized information and will help clinicians and policy makers identify knowledge gaps in the field, whilst covering a broad range of topics, to help improve pregnancy outcomes for subfertile couples. Further research is required into the following promising interventions: the dose of progesterone for luteal phase support, peripheral blood mononuclear cells for women with recurrent implantation failure, glucocorticoids in women undergoing IVF, low-molecular-weight heparin for unexplained subfertility, intrauterine hCG at the time of cleavage stage embryo or blastocyst transfer and low oxygen concentrations in embryo culture. In addition, there is a need for high-quality, well-designed RCTs in the field of reproductive surgery. Finally, further research is needed to demonstrate the integrated effects of non-pharmacological lifestyle interventions.