Interovulatory Interval Research Articles

176 EFFECTS OF VEHICLE AND ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION OF LETROZOLE ON OVARIAN FUNCTION IN CATTLE

Treatment with letrozole, a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, has been associated with elevated mean plasma LH concentrations, a prolonged period of dominance of the extant dominant follicle, and delayed emergence of the next follicular wave in cattle. As well, a luteotrophic effect was hypothesised by the observation that CL diameter was increased in heifers given 250 μg kg–1 of letrozole divided in a 3-day regimen. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of vehicle and route of administration of letrozole on ovarian function in sexually mature beef heifers. Ovarian function was synchronized among heifers using transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular ablation followed by a luteolytic dose of PGF b.i.d. 4 days later. The ovaries were subsequently examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography until ovulation was detected. On Day 3 (Day 0 = ovulation), heifers were assigned randomly to 4 treatment groups and given letrozole at a dose of 1 mg kg–1 intravenously (i.v. in benzyl alcohol, n = 10) or intramuscularly (i.m. in benzyl alcohol plus canola oil 1:1 v/v, n = 10), or given a placebo (i.v. in benzyl alcohol, n = 5) or (i.m. in benzyl alcohol plus canola oil 1:1 v/v, n = 5). The ovaries were monitored daily by ultrasonography, and blood samples collected twice daily by jugular venipuncture from pre-treatment to post-treatment ovulations. Comparisons among groups were made by 1-way ANOVA for single-point measurements and by ANOVA for repeated measures for time-series data. The interovulatory interval did not differ among groups, nor did the day-to-day diameter profile of the dominant follicle of wave 1 (first follicular wave after ovulation). However, the interval between emergence of waves 1 and 2 was longer in heifers treated with letrozole i.m. (11.7 ± 0.3 days) than in controls (10 ± 0.4 and 9.5 ± 0.5 days for i.v. and i.m. controls, respectively; P < 0.05), and intermediate in heifers given letrozole i.v. (10.6 ± 0.30 days). The day-to-day diameter profile of the corpus luteum was greater (P < 0.05), and plasma progesterone concentrations tended to be greater (P < 0.06) in heifers treated i.m. with letrozole v. placebo. Plasma LH concentrations did not differ among groups, whereas plasma FSH concentrations were greater (P < 0.02) in heifers treated i.v. with letrozole v. placebo. In summary, letrozole dissolved in benzyl alcohol and given intravenously at a dose of 1 mg kg–1 on Day 3 did not alter ovarian function in cattle, but the same dose given i.m. in canola oil vehicle resulted in a longer inter-wave interval, a greater CL diameter profile, and greater plasma progesterone concentrations. We conclude that i.m. letrozole in oil is a feasible route of administration and vehicle for the development of an aromatase inhibitor-based treatment for herd synchronization in cattle. Research supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Canadian Institutes for Health Research, and Bioniche Life Science Inc.

Follicular Waves in the Human Ovary: A New Physiological Paradigm for Novel Ovarian Stimulation Protocols

Ovulation induction (OI) is a cornerstone of human assisted reproduction treatments (ART). Current OI protocols are based on the human follicular dynamics model known as propitious moment theory (PMT), by which follicles continuously grow from the primordial pool without any pattern, and follicular fate depend on the occurrence of a gonadotropin surge. Recently, a new paradigm of human follicular dynamics called follicular waves was revealed using sequential ultrasound examination of 1 interovulatory interval. Instead of random growth, follicles develop in coordinated groups or waves, occurring 2 to 3 times during an interovulatory interval. Follicular waves are common in several other mono-ovulatory species, like equines and bovines. In fact, this model was applied to the development of several OI protocols in veterinary medicine, especially in cows. It has been shown that synchronization of OI with the emergence of a follicular wave increases substantially success rates in animals, even with single embryo transfer. Veterinarians have already developed mechanisms to control wave emergence through mechanical or chemical ablation of the dominant follicle or corpus luteum. Considering the follicular dynamics similarities between humans and bovines regarding the follicular wave phenomenon, we hypothesize that synchronization of follicular wave emergence with ovarian stimulation produces more competent oocytes and embryos and will enhance ART efficiency in humans. At the end of this article, we propose 2 theoretical approaches to induce the emergence of a follicular wave in women: (1) a mechanical strategy by aspiration of the dominant follicle and (2) a pharmacological strategy by administering estradiol and progesterone.

Reproductive cycles of buffalo

The domestic water buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) has an important role in the agricultural economy of many developing countries in Asia, providing milk, meat and draught power. It is also used in some Mediterranean and Latin American countries as a source of milk and meat for specialized markets. Although the buffalo can adapt to harsh environments and live poor quality forage, reproductive efficiency is often compromised by such conditions, resulting in late sexual maturity, long postpartum anoestrus, poor expression of oestrus, poor conception rates and long calving intervals. The age at puberty is influenced by genotype, nutrition, management and climate, and under favourable conditions occurs at 15–18 months in river buffalo and 21–24 months in swamp buffalo. The ovaries are smaller than in cattle and contain fewer primordial follicles. Buffalo are capable of breeding throughout the year, but in many countries a seasonal pattern of ovarian activity occurs. This is attributed in tropical regions to changes in rainfall resulting in feed availability or to temperature stress resulting in elevated prolactin secretion, and in temperate regions to changes in photoperiod and melatonin secretion. The mean length of the oestrous cycle is 21 days, with greater variation than observed in cattle. The signs of oestrus in buffalo are less overt than in cattle and homosexual behaviour between females is rare. The duration of oestrus is 5–27 h, with ovulation occurring 24–48 h (mean 34 h) after the onset of oestrus. The hormonal changes occurring in peripheral circulation are similar to those observed in cattle, but the peak concentrations of progesterone and oestradiol-17β are less. The number of follicular waves during an oestrous cycle varies from one to three and influences the length of the luteal phase as well as the inter-ovulatory interval. Under optimal conditions, dairy types managed with limited or no suckling resume oestrus cyclicity by 30–60 days after calving, while swamp types with free suckling do so at 60–90 days. However, in many farming systems prolonged postpartum anoestrus is a major problem, and the causes include poor nutrition and body condition, and stress due to harsh climates and improper management. Synchronization of time or induction of oestrus can be done using the same regimens as applied in cattle, using various combinations of prostaglandins, progesterone releasing devices, GnRH and eCG, but success rate is poor when treatment is done during the periods of marginal breeding activity or seasonal anoestrus.

Ovarian follicular dynamics during the interovulatory interval in Najdi goats

The pattern of growth and regression of ovarian follicles was characterized during the estrus cycle in 5 Najdi goats by daily ultrasonographic examination of the ovaries. Follicles ≥2 mm was measured and their relative locations within the ovary were determined to follow the sequential development of each individual follicle. Results indicated the presence of either four (n = 2 estrus cycles) or five (n = 3 estrus cycles) waves of follicular growth during the interovulatory interval. Each wave was characterized by the development of at least 1 large follicle (dominant) and a variable number of small follicles (subordinate). The mean number of follicular waves in Najdi goats is 4.6 ± 0.55, the days of wave emergence were on -0.8 ± 1.06, 3.2 ± 0.4, 7.0 ± 0.6, 12.3 ± 1.72 and 13.0 ± 1.63, for the first to fifth follicular waves, retrospectively. In goats with four or five follicular waves the dominant follicle in forth or fifth wave was ovulatory follicle. The mean number of ovulations in Najdi goats is 1.8 ± 0.4. Means of values were analyzed by repeated measures test using general linear model (GLM). Key words: Goats, estrous, follicles, ultrasonography.

Effects of the Rate and Duration of Physiological Increases in Serum FSH Concentrations on Emergence of Follicular Waves in Cyclic Ewes1

Large antral follicles grow in waves in the ewe, with each wave triggered by a peak in serum FSH concentrations. In this study, our objectives were to determine if the slope of the rise in the FSH peak affects the ability of the peak to trigger wave emergence (experiment 1), and whether increasing serum FSH concentrations and holding them at peak concentrations would provide a stimulus for constant emergence of large antral follicles (experiment 2). In experiment 1, cyclic ewes received ovine FSH (n = 6; 0.1 μg/kg, s.c.) or vehicle (n = 6; control) every 6 h for 42 h. This treatment created a peak in serum FSH concentrations (P < 0.05) during the early growth phase of the first follicular wave of the interovulatory interval and enhanced the growth of follicles in that wave (P < 0.05), but did not trigger emergence of a follicular wave. In experiment 2, cyclic ewes were infused constantly with oFSH (1.98 μg/h; n = 6) or vehicle (control; n = 6) for 60 h starting at the time of the second endogenously driven FSH peak of the interovulatory interval. Infusion of oFSH resulted in a super-stimulatory effect, with a peak in the mean number of large follicles (≥5 mm) on Day 2 after the start of FSH infusion (13 ± 1.2 large follicles per ewe, 1.8 ± 0.2 in control ewes; P < 0.001). In conclusion, exposing early growing antral follicles in a wave to a gradual increase in serum concentrations of FSH enhanced their growth, but did not trigger the expected new follicular wave, and infusion of a dose of oFSH within the physiological range caused a super-ovulatory response in cyclic ewes.

A comparison of the follicular dynamics in heifers of the Czech Fleckvieh and Holstein breeds

Differences in follicular development and repeatability of follicular growth pattern among Czech Fleckvieh (n = 20) and Holstein (n = 23) heifers were investigated. Follicular dynamics was evaluated by daily sonographic scanning during three interovulatory intervals. The mean duration of the interovulatory interval was 20.66 &amp;plusmn; 0.32 days, no differences between breeds were observed. The proportion of the non-alterna-ting pattern was nearly the same as that of the alternating pattern (54% and 46%, respectively). The majority of IOIs &amp;le; 21 days were of the 2-wave pattern (71%) whereas only 29% of them were of the 3-wave pattern. Conversely, the majority of IOIs &amp;ge; 22 days were of the 3-wave pattern (84%), whereas only 16% were of the 2-wave pattern. Differences could be observed in the Czech Fleckvieh heifers. Comparing 2- and 3-wave interovulatory intervals, 44.2% of the heifers exhibited 3 waves and 55.8% of the heifers exhibited 2 waves of follicular growth. The ratio of 3- to 2-wave heifers was about the same in the Holstein breed; in Czech Fleckvieh 2-wave cycles slightly dominated (11/12, 8/12; respectively). In Holstein heifers, the first follicular wave occurred 0.92 &amp;plusmn; 0.15 days after ovulation in 2-wave interovulatory intervals, and the emergence of the first wave in 2-wave Czech Fleckvieh heifers appeared later (P &amp;lt; 0.05), 1.83 &amp;plusmn; 0.3 days after ovulation. The maximal size reached by the dominant follicles in all animals and in the Czech Fleckvieh differed in the first and in the second wave of 2-wave cycles (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In 3-wave interovulatory intervals the dominant follicles in the second wave differed (P &amp;lt; 0.05) from the mean diameters of the first and the third wave in the Czech Fleckvieh. The ovulatory follicles were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) smaller in 2-wave than in 3-wave interovulatory intervals among all animals and between the Holstein and Czech Fleckvieh heifers. In conclusion, we found a similar pattern of ovarian follicular dynamics in Czech Fleckvieh and Holstein heifers kept under identical nutritional and environmental conditions. Whether the significant difference in the emergence of the 1st fol-licular wave in 2-wave IOIs between C and H heifers is of real biological significance is ambiguous.

Factors affecting gestation length and estrus cycle characteristics in Spanish donkey breeds reared in southern Spain

This paper investigated gestation length and estrus cycle characteristics in three different Spanish donkey breeds (Andalusian, Zamorano-Leones, and Catalonian) kept on farm conditions in southern Spain, using data for ten consecutive breeding seasons. Gestation length was measured in 58 pregnancies. Ovarian ultrasonography was used to detect the ovulation, in order to ascertain true gestation length (ovulation-parturition). Pregnancy was diagnosed approximately 14–18 d after ovulation and confirmed on approximately day 60. Average gestation length was 362 ±15.3 (SD) d, and no significant differences were observed between the three different breeds. Breeding season had a significant effect (P < 0.01), with longer gestation lengths when jennies were covered during the early period. Breed, age of jenny, year of birth, foal gender, month of breeding, and type of gestation had no significant effect on gestation length. After parturition, foal-heat was detected in 53.8% of the postpartum cycles studied (n = 78), and ovulation occurred on day 13.2 ± 2.7. The duration of foal-heat was 4.7 ±1.7 d, with a pregnancy rate of 40.5%. When subsequent estrus cycles were analyzed, the interovulatory interval (n = 68) and estrus duration (n = 258) were extended to a mean 23.8 ± 3.5 and 5.7 ± 2.2 d, respectively. Both variables were influenced by the year of study (P < 0.03 and P < 0.001), whereas month and season of ovulation (P < 0.005 and P < 0.009, respectively) affected only interovulatory intervals. Estrus duration was significantly longer than that observed at the foal-heat (P < 0.006), and the pregnancy rate was 65.8%. This study provides reference values for true gestation length and estrus cycle characteristics in Spanish jennies. Breeding season affected gestation length in farm conditions. Also, seasonal influence was observed on the length of the estrus cycle (i.e., interovulatory interval), although foal-heat was not affected by environmental factors.

Characteristics of peaks in serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol, and follicular wave dynamics during the interovulatory interval in cyclic ewes

There are three or four ovarian follicular waves in the interovulatory interval of cyclic ewes. Each follicular wave is preceded by a transient peak in serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations. Serum concentrations of estradiol also increase concurrent with the growth of follicle(s) in each wave. In the current study, we investigated the patterns of follicular wave development and characteristics of FSH and estradiol peaks in all follicular waves of the interovulatory interval and after induction of a supraphysiologic FSH peak in cyclic ewes (Ovis aris). In Experiment 1, 19 ewes underwent daily ovarian ultrasonography and blood sampling for a complete interovulatory interval. In Experiment 2, seven ewes received two administrations of ovine FSH (oFSH), 8h apart (1μg/kg; sc), at the expected time of the endogenous FSH peak preceding the second follicular wave of the interovulatory interval. In Experiment 1, the amplitude of the FSH peaks decreased (up to 50%), whereas basal serum FSH concentrations increased across the interovulatory interval (P<0.05). Maximum follicular diameter was greater (P<0.05) for Wave 1 and the Ovulatory wave (6.0±0.3 and 6.1±0.2mm, respectively) than for Waves 2 and 3 (5.3±0.1 and 5.4±0.3mm, respectively). Life span was greater for follicles in Wave 1 compared with other waves (P<0.05). Treatment with oFSH increased the amplitude of an FSH peak by 5- to 6-fold. This treatment increased estradiol production (P<0.05) but had little effect on other characteristics of the subsequent follicular wave. We concluded that changes in the amplitude and duration of the peaks in serum concentrations of FSH that precede follicular waves across the interovulatory interval do not influence the characteristics of the follicular waves that follow.

Acute stress may induce ovulation in women

BackgroundThis study aims to gather information either supporting or rejecting the hypothesis that acute stress may induce ovulation in women. The formulation of this hypothesis is based on 2 facts: 1) estrogen-primed postmenopausal or ovariectomized women display an adrenal-progesterone-induced ovulatory-like luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in response to exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration; and 2) women display multiple follicular waves during an interovulatory interval, and likely during pregnancy and lactation. Thus, acute stress may induce ovulation in women displaying appropriate serum levels of estradiol and one or more follicles large enough to respond to a non-midcycle LH surge.MethodsA literature search using the PubMed database was performed to identify articles up to January 2010 focusing mainly on women as well as on rats and rhesus monkeys as animal models of interaction between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes.ResultsWhereas the HPA axis exhibits positive responses in practically all phases of the ovarian cycle, acute-stress-induced release of LH is found under relatively high plasma levels of estradiol. However, there are studies suggesting that several types of acute stress may exert different effects on pituitary LH release and the steroid environment may modulate in a different way (inhibiting or stimulating) the pattern of response of the HPG axis elicited by acute stressors.ConclusionWomen may be induced to ovulate at any point of the menstrual cycle or even during periods of amenorrhea associated with pregnancy and lactation if exposed to an appropriate acute stressor under a right estradiol environment.

211 EFFECT OF ESTRADIOL BENZOATE ON THE FIRST WAVE DOMINANT FOLLICLE IN HOLSTEIN HEIFERS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of estradiol benzoate on the first wave dominant follicle in Holstein heifers. Estrous cycle of cyclic Holstein heifers (n = 16; 13.84 ± 0.44 months of age; 335.5 ± 6.65 kg) was synchronized using CIDR (14 days; VetoCIDR®, Aburaihan, Tehran, Iran) in association with GnRH analogue (12.5 μgi.m. Vetaroline®, Aburaihan) on Day 6 and PGF2 analogue (500 μg; Vetaprost®, Aburaihan) on day 13 after CIDR insertion. On Days 5 to 7 of the ensuing cycle (Day 0 of the experiment), heifers were assigned into 4 experimental groups. Heifers in Groups 1, 2, and 3 (n = 4 in each group) received 2, 5, and 10 mg of estradiol benzoate (i.m. Vetastrol®, Aburaihan), respectively, concurrent with 100 mg of progesterone (i.m. Vetagesterone®, Aburaihan). Heifers in the control group (n = 4) received distilled water as a placebo intramuscularly. Ovarian follicles were monitored daily, from Days 0 to 16, using an ultrasound scanner (Sonovet 2000, Korea) equipped with a 7.5-MHz transrectal probe. Initiation of follicle regression was defined when there was a sudden decrease of 1 to 2 mm followed by a progressive decrease in the diameter of the ovarian follicle. Emergence of anew follicle wave was defined as the day that the dominant follicle was, retrospectively, identified at a diameter of 4 to 5 mm. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA in SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). On Day 0, there was a functional CL (19.62 ± 0.57 mm) and a growing dominant follicle (11.25 ± 0.62 mm) on the ovary of all heifers. The dominant follicle regressed on Day 3.5 ± 1.04, 3.2 ± 0.85, 2.7 ± 0.75, and 8.5 ± 0.50 in Groups 1, 2, 3, and control, respectively (P &lt; 0.05). A new follicle wave emerged on Day 7.7 ± 0.25, 8.2 ± 0.48, 9.7 ± 1.44, and 7.2 ± 1.11 in Groups 1, 2, 3, and control, respectively (P &gt; 0.05). Estrus was detected on Day 12.0 ± 1, 11.7 ± 0.34, 13.0 ± 0.00, and 15.2 ± 1.75 in Groups 1, 2, 3, and control, respectively (P &gt; 0.05). The interval between steroid injections (Day 0) and ovulation were 13 ± 0.41, 13 ± 0, 14.3 ± 0.33, and 16.2 ± 1.75 days for Groups 1, 2, 3, and control, respectively (P &gt; 0.05). Interovulatory intervals were 18.7 ± 0.33, 18.7 ± 0.33, 20.7 ± 0.67, and 20.5 ± 1.55 days for Groups 1, 2, 3, and control, respectively (P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, estradiol benzoate induced early regression of the dominant follicle of the first wave but did not affect the interval between steroid treatment and ovulation in Holstein heifers. This research was funded by Aburaihan Pharmaceutical Company (Tehran, Iran).

Postpartum ovarian activity in multiparous Holstein cows treated with bovine somatotropin and fed n-3 fatty acids in early lactation

Multiparous cows (n=59) were blocked by expected calving date and previous 305-d mature-equivalent milk yield and assigned randomly to a 2×2 factorial design to determine the effects of bovine somatotropin (bST; Posilac, Monsanto Animal Agricultural Group, St. Louis, MO) and dietary fat on ovarian activity during the first 90 d in milk (DIM). Diets that included whole, high-oil sunflower seeds [SS; 10% of dietary dry matter; rich in linoleic acid (18:2)] or a mixture of Alifet-High Energy and Alifet-Repro [AF; Alifet USA, Cincinnati, OH; 3.5 and 1.5% of dietary dry matter, respectively; protected source of linolenic (18:3), eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic fatty acids] were provided from calving. Diets were isocaloric at equal intakes, but AF provided more net energy for lactation at actual intakes (1.54 vs. 1.66 Mcal/kg of dry matter). Cows received 0 or 500mg of bST (N, Y) every 10 d from 12 to 70 DIM and at 14-d intervals from 70 to 280 DIM. Breeding was initiated after 90 DIM. Follicular dynamics, luteal growth and development (15 to 90 DIM), and plasma progesterone concentrations (1 to 90 DIM) were evaluated (3 times per week). Days to first ovulation (33.6±1.4) and incidence of anovulation at 45 or 70 DIM did not differ among treatments. Interovulatory intervals were similar among treatments (22.1±0.9 d). Incidence of estrous cycles with 2 follicular waves was greater for SSY (71.0%) and AFN (80.0%) than for other groups, but more 3-wave cycles occurred with AFY (83.3%). Growth rate of the ovulatory follicle was greater for AF than SS (1.9 vs. 2.2±0.11 mm/d) and diameter of ovulatory follicles was larger for AFN than the other treatments (17.9 vs. 15.7±0.7mm). Area under the progesterone curve was reduced for SSY (63.2, 48.1, 55.5, and 61.4±5.1 ng·d/mL for SSN, SSY, AFN, and AFY, respectively). The number of class 1 (3 to 5mm) follicles was decreased and the number of class 2 (6 to 9mm) follicles was increased by bST. The number of class 2 follicles was reduced by AF. Initiation of bST administration at 12 DIM and dietary n-3 fatty acids altered ovarian activity during the first 90 DIM and could benefit reproductive performance. Dietary n-3 fatty acids interacted with bST administration in early lactation to increase the incidence of estrous cycles with 3 follicular waves. Although these changes could benefit reproductive performance, evaluation with a larger number of cows is needed to determine if these alterations improve fertility.

Evaluation of the ultrasound image attributes of developing ovarian follicles in the four follicular waves of the interovulatory interval in ewes

Computer-assisted quantitative echotextural analysis was applied to ultrasound images of antral follicles in the follicular waves of an interovulatory interval in sheep. The ewe has three or four waves per cycle. Seven healthy, cyclic Western White Face ewes ( Ovis aris) underwent daily, transrectal, ovarian ultrasonography for an interovulatory interval. Follicles in the third wave of the ovulatory interval had a longer static phase than that of those in Waves 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). The numeric pixel value for the wall of anovulatory follicles emerging in the third wave of the cycle was significantly higher than that for Waves 1 and 2 at the time of emergence (156.7 ± 8.09, 101.6 ± 3.72, and 116.5 ± 13.93, respectively), and it decreased as follicles in Wave 3 reached maximum follicular diameter (P < 0.05). The numeric pixel value of the antrum in the ovulatory follicles decreased as follicular diameter increased to ≥5 mm in diameter (P < 0.05). The pixel heterogeneity of the follicular antrum in Wave 1 increased from the end of the growth phase to the end of the regression phase for follicles in that wave (P < 0.05). The total area for the wall and antrum of the follicles studied were correlated with follicular diameter in all follicular waves (r = 0.938, P < 0.01 and r = 0.941, P < 0.01 for the wall and antrum, respectively). Changes in image attributes of the follicular wall and antrum indicate potential morphologic and functional differences among antral follicles emerging at different stages of the interovulatory interval in cyclic ewes.

Variances in Reproductive Efficiency of Mares in Fat and Moderate Body Conditions Following Parturition

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> An increase in time to ovulation after parturition could result in economic loss if the mare does not successfully conceive within a short time after foaling. To evaluate whether a difference exists in reproductive efficiency between mares of either fat (BCS of 7 to 8) or moderate body condition (BCS of 5 to 6), 24 mares were allotted to and maintained in their respective group from late gestation until pregnancy was confirmed after breeding on the second postpartum estrus. No differences were found between the groups in the number of days to foal heat ovulation (14.4 vs. 16.2 d), interovulatory interval (22.9 vs. 24.3 d), and conception rates (91.7 vs. 83.3%; <i>P</i> > 0.05) for fat- and moderately conditioned mares, respectively. This suggests that mares maintained in a fleshy body condition (BCS 7 to 8) are not prone to reproductive dysfunction or lowered levels of fertility. Nevertheless, mares in a moderate body condition did lose a greater percentage of body fat after foaling as compared with fleshier mares (0.82% vs. 0.35%; <i>P</i> < 0.05). The significance of these results reassures breeders that mares in a fleshier body condition are not prone to demonstrate subfertility, but does allude to the fact that mares benefit by foaling at a BCS of at least 6 to avoid diminished reproductive capability that may result from the loss of body fat that occurs at parturition and in early lactation.

Effect of dietary protein content on the fertility of dairy cows during early and mid lactation

Ninety autumn-calving Holstein dairy cows (45 primiparous and 45 multiparous; mean parity, 3.1) were allocated to 1 of 3 treatments; 173, 144, or 114g of crude protein (CP)/kg of dry matter (DM) from calving until d 150 of lactation. On d 151 of lactation, half the animals receiving 114g of CP/kg of DM went onto 144g of CP/kg of DM, half of the animals receiving 144g of CP/kg of DM went onto 173g of CP/kg of DM, and half of the animals receiving 173g of CP/kg of DM went onto 144g of CP/kg of DM, with the remaining animals staying on their original treatments. This resulted in 6 treatments in mid to late lactation: 114/114; 144/144; 173/173; 114/144; 144/173; and 173/144g of CP/kg of DM. Overall, 95.3% of cows intended for breeding conceived during a 6-mo breeding period. The average pregnancy rates to first service and first plus second service were 30.9% [standard error of the difference (SED), 0.05] and 56.7% (SED, 0.05) respectively. The average 100 d in-calf rate from the start of the breeding period was 70.5%, and at least one abnormal progesterone profile was observed in 62% of animals. An increase in dietary protein content decreased the requirement for treatment of metritis. There was no effect of dietary protein content on any of the reproductive or progesterone measures; for example, days to conception, calving interval, 100 d in-calf rate (from commencement of breeding), days to onset of luteal activity, average luteal phase, average interovulatory interval, or average interluteal interval. An increase in dietary protein content decreased the average daily energy balance. A more positive energy balance was associated with an increased requirement for the treatment of metritis in the current study. Cumulative energy balance was positively associated with conception. There was no effect of the concentration of plasma urea on any of the reproductive variables; however, the concentration of serum leptin was favorably associated with the time to progesterone increase above 3ng/mL, which has been deemed essential for embryo survival. Additionally, the average peak concentration of progesterone and the duration of the average luteal phase were favorably associated with the interval from calving to conception. The latter relationships emphasize the importance of progesterone in achieving and maintaining pregnancy.

Repeatability of 2-wave and 3-wave patterns of ovarian follicular development during the bovine estrous cycle

Characteristics predictive of a 2-wave versus 3-wave pattern of ovarian follicular development during the interovulatory interval (IOI) were examined by ultrasonographic monitoring of 91 IOIs from 31 beef heifers. Repeatability of the wave pattern within individuals and the effects of season and age were determined using a subset of 75 IOIs from 15 heifers examined for multiple IOIs. The 2-wave pattern was detected in 62 of 91 (68%) IOIs, and the 3-wave pattern was detected in 29 of 91 (32%) IOIs. The preponderance of the 2-wave versus 3-wave pattern (P < 0.05) was not influenced by season (P = 0.61) but was even greater in the more mature age group (P = 0.02). The majority of IOIs ≤21 d was of the 2-wave pattern (88%; P < 0.05), whereas the majority of IOIs ≥22 d was of the 3-wave pattern (78%; P < 0.05). The proportion of nonalternating patterns (repeatability) was more than twofold greater than the proportion of alternating patterns (70% vs. 30%; P < 0.01). This relationship was consistent among seasons (P < 0.01) and even more marked in the more mature age group (P = 0.01). Emergence and follicular dominance of Wave 2 were delayed (P < 0.01), and the onset of corpus luteum regression was earlier (P < 0.01) in 2-wave versus 3-wave IOI. In conclusion, the duration of the IOI was predictive of the wave pattern, and the pattern was repeatable within individuals. Factors influencing the period of follicular dominance of Wave 1 in 2-wave versus 3-wave IOI may be responsible for regulating the wave pattern and may be associated with heifer maturity or relative nutritional demand during the postpubertal period. The impact of greater follicular attrition recorded in 3-wave versus 2-wave IOI on ovarian depletion and reproductive senescence is worthy of critical evaluation.

Temporal Relationships and Repeatability of Follicle Diameters and Hormone Concentrations within Individuals in Mares

Data were collected daily from 23 mares during two consecutive interovulatory intervals (IOIs). Several significant (p < 0.05) new observations on temporal relationships were made. The FSH increase that begins before ovulation temporarily plateaued on the day of discharge of follicular fluid into the peritoneal cavity in association with ovulation. During the declining portion of the pre-ovulatory oestradiol surge, an abrupt reduction in the rate of decrease occurred in synchrony with the peak of the LH surge and is consistent with a negative effect of LH on oestradiol. Repeatability within mares was based on the following positive and significant correlations between the two IOIs: (i) length of the interval between ovulations and between ovulation and the beginning of follicle deviation; (ii) diameter of the pre-ovulatory follicle on days -3 to -1; (iii) number of follicles in diameter classes of 2-5 mm (correlation for 22/23 days of the IOI), 5.1-10 mm (18/23 days), 10.1-15 mm (12/23 days) and 15.1-20 mm (12/23 days) and (iv) concentrations of FSH (18/23 days) and LH (22/23 days). The greatest repeatability for the follicle-diameter classes occurred in the 2-5 mm class, and thereafter the repeatability progressively decreased as the diameters for the classes increased. Results demonstrated measurable repeatability within mares for several end points between consecutive IOIs.

Administration of sulpiride or domperidone for advancing the first ovulation in deep anestrous mares

Since results with using sulpiride and domperidone are conflicting and since both have not been tested at the same time, the aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of these substances for the induction of ovulation in deep anestrous mares in the same experimental conditions and to determine their fertility after artificial insemination (AI) at the induced estrus. Twenty-six non-pregnant, non-lactating standardbred anestrous mares were randomly assigned to three groups and treated daily for 25 days (from February 3rd to February 28th) with either sulpiride (1 mg/kg of body weight im SID, n = 10), or domperidone (1 mg/kg po SID, n = 10); 6 animals were used as control. The beginning of the transition period and the first ovulation were hastened in sulpiride (16.4 ± 0.8 days) but not in domperidone (46.0 ± 3.3 days) treated mares ( P < 0.05). The diameter of the largest follicle was affected by treatment, time and interaction of treatment-by-day ( P < 0.05) and significantly increased in the sulpiride group ( P < 0.05). Although a main effect of treatment on plasma LH concentration was not observed ( P = 0.06), time and interaction of treatment-by-day were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The interval from the beginning of treatment to first ovulation was shorter ( P < 0.05) in the sulpiride group (36.9 ± 2.5 days) than in the domperidone (74.7 ± 3.3 days) and control (81.4 ± 3.1) groups. The establishment of pregnancy was significantly ( P < 0.05) hastened in sulpiride (61.0 ± 35.2 days) but not in domperidone (83.0 ± 44.0 days) treated mares. Treated mares not pregnant after the first AI, showed normal estrous cycles with regular interovulatory intervals ( P > 0.05). It was concluded that sulpiride is effective in advancing the beginning of transition period and the first ovulation whereas domperidone is successful only in some mares.

Reproductive performance of donor mares subsequent to eFSH treatment in early vernal transition: Comparison between the first, second, and mid-season estrous cycles of the breeding season

The objective was to compare the reproductive performances associated with the first (Cycle-1), second (Cycle-2), and mid-season (MS-Cycle) ovulations of the breeding season in donor mares that were treated with equine-FSH (eFSH) in the early vernal transition. Mares ( n = 15) kept under ambient light were examined ultrasonographically per-rectum starting January 30. When an ovarian follicle ≥25 mm in diameter was detected, twice daily eFSH treatments were initiated. The eFSH treatments ceased when a follicle ≥35 mm was detected, and 36 h later hCG was administered. Thereafter, mares were artificially inseminated every 48 h until ovulation (Day 0). Trans-cervical embryo recovery attempts were performed on Day 8, and subsequently PGF2α was administered. Equine FSH was not administered in the subsequent estrous cycles. In Cycle-2 and in the MS-Cycle, hCG was administered when a follicle ≥35 mm was detected; breeding, embryo recovery, and PGF2α administration, were similar to Cycle-1. Mares had an untreated estrous cycle (no treatment or breeding) between Cycle-2 and the MS-Cycle. All mares developed follicle(s) ≥35 mm after 4.9 ± 0.6 days of eFSH treatment, and subsequently ovulations occurred; mean (95% CI) interval from treatment initiation to ovulation was 7.9 (6.5–9.3) days. The number of preovulatory follicles (≥30 mm) at the time of hCG administration (Cycle-1: 2.2 ± 0.3 compared with Cycle-2: 1.0 ± 0 compared with MS-Cycle: 1.1 ± 0.1 follicles), and the number of ovulations (2.5 ± 0.4 compared with 1.0 ± 0 compared with 1.1 ± 0.1 ovulations) were greater ( p < 0.05) in Cycle-1. Nevertheless, mean embryo numbers did not differ among cycles (0.8 ± 0.2 compared with 0.5 ± 0.1 compared with 0.5 ± 0.1 embryo/mare). On average, embryo morphology grade was less ( p < 0.05) in Cycle-1 as compared to non-eFSH cycles (combined Cycle-2 and MS-Cycle). This impaired embryo quality could be due to a seasonal effect, or negative effect of the eFSH treatment, which was possibly related to alterations in the hormonal environment (estradiol-17β and progesterone). A prolonged IOI (>21 days) was recorded in 7 of 15 mares following the Cycle-1 ovulation, but not subsequently. In conclusion, eFSH treatment of vernal transitional donor mares stimulated ovulation within only few days of treatment, and the following embryo recovery rate was at least as good as in the subsequent estrous cycles; however, on average, embryos were morphologically impaired. In subsequent estrous cycles in the breeding season, ovulations, embryo recovery rates, and embryo variables did not appear to be negatively affected; however, the first inter-ovulatory interval of the breeding season was prolonged in approximately half of the mares.

164 CHARACTERIZATION OF THE COMMON ELAND (TAUROTRAGUS ORYX) ESTROUS CYCLE

Three species of Tragelaphine (spiral horned) antelopes are endangered including the Eastern Bongo. Though most antelope species are represented as captive herds, a detailed characterization of their estrous cycles has not been described. In a crossover experimental design utilizing two groups of four females (n = 8), two estrus synchronization treatments were applied to each female. The treatments were: 1) PGF2∝ (Lutalyse®, 25 mg IM) repeated 11 days later and 2) administration of a progestin (altrenogest, 5 mL, 2.2% p.o.) for 7 days followed by PGF2∝ (25 mg IM) on 7th day. Blood samples were collected three days (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) per week until 2 days before expected estrus when ovaries were examined via transrectal ultrasound once daily and blood samples were collected twice daily, until the dominant follicle was absent. Blood samples were then collected three days per week until two days before the predicted subsequent natural estrus, when intensive ultrasound and blood collection was resumed. Plasma progesterone levels were determined via competitive radioimmunoassay utilizing a double antibody system from a commercially available kit (Diagnostic Systems Laboratories, Webster, TX, USA). Progesterone levels declined in an equal number of females (n = 6 or 75%) following prostaglandin injection in treatments 1 and 2, suggesting both methods to synchronize the estrous cycle or induce estrus are equally effective. Five of the eight females ovulated at least once during the study. A total of eight (25%) of the 32 possible ovulations were detected by ultrasound observation and confirmed by progesterone levels. Basal progesterone levels for the ovulating females around the days of ovulation were approximately 0.5 ng mL–1 and peaked at approximately 2 ng mL–1 during the luteal phase. Ultrasound observed ovulations occurred as frequently on the right ovary as the left. Two animals from treatment 2 ovulated during both the induced and natural cycles on alternate ovaries. An interovulatory interval of 21 days was observed and agrees with data previously reported by Durrant (1983 Zoo Biol. 2, 191–197). The average time to ovulation after PGF2∝ injection was 69 h (range 58–82 h). The average follicular size 12 to 24 h prior to ovulation was 9 and 7 mm for the induced and natural ovulations, respectively, suggesting that eland follicles ovulate at 10 mm. The described technology allows hormonal and ultrasonographic characterization of the estrous cycle in the eland antelope.

Age-related dynamics of follicles and hormones during an induced ovulatory follicular wave in mares

An ovulatory follicular wave was induced by ablation of follicles ≥6mm and treatment with prostaglandin F2α (PGF) on Day 10 (ovulation=Day 0). Follicle and hormone dynamics of the induced waves were compared among three age groups: young (5–6 y, n=14 waves), intermediate (10–14 y, n=16), and old (≥18 y, n=15). During the common-growth phase of the induced wave (Days 12–17), diameter of the future ovulatory follicle was not different among ages, but the young group had more (P<0.05) follicles that reached ≥10mm. The number was correlated (r=+0.7; P<0.0001) within mares between consecutive interovulatory intervals, indicating repeatability. Concentrations of LH increased in all age groups during Days 12–17, but were greatest (P<0.002) in the young group and continued to be greater (P<0.0001) throughout the ovulatory LH surge. During several days before Day −1, there were no age-related effects on systemic estradiol concentrations, diameter of the preovulatory follicle, or B-mode echo texture or color-Doppler signals of blood flow in the follicle wall. Interpretations were: (1) greater number of follicles in the young group reflected a greater follicle reserve, (2) greater LH concentrations throughout the ovulatory surge in the young group reflected a more positive response to an extraovarian/environmental influence after removal of the negative effect of progesterone, and (3) lower LH concentrations in the older groups were adequate for the preovulatory changes in the follicle.