Postpartum Anestrus Research Articles

Transcriptome and proteome analysis of pregnancy and postpartum anoestrus ovaries in yak.

BackgroundDomestic yaks are the most important livestock species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Adult female yaks normally breed in the warm season (July to September) and enter anestrous in the cold season (November to April). Nevertheless, it is unclear how ovarian activity is regulated at the molecular level.ObjectivesThe peculiarities of yak reproduction were assessed to explore the molecular mechanism of postpartum anestrus ovaries in yaks after pregnancy and parturition.MethodsSixty female yaks with calves were observed under natural grazing in Haiyan County, Qinghai Province. Three yak ovaries in pregnancy and postpartum anestrus were collected. RNA sequencing and quantitative proteomics were employed to analyze the pregnancy and postpartum ovaries after hypothermia to identify the genes and proteins related to the postpartum ovarian cycle.ResultsThe results revealed 841 differentially expressed genes during the postpartum hypoestrus cycle; 347 were up-regulated and 494 genes were down-regulated. Fifty-seven differential proteins were screened: 38 were up-regulated and 19 were down-regulated. The differential genes and proteins were related to the yak reproduction process, rhythm process, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway categories.ConclusionsTranscriptome and proteomic sequencing approaches were used to investigate postpartum anestrus and pregnancy ovaries in yaks. The results confirmed that BHLHE40, SF1IX1, FBPX1, HSPCA, LHCGR, BMP15, and ET-1R could affect postpartum hypoestrus and control the state of estrus.

Current status of assisted reproductive technologies in buffaloes.

Buffaloes are raised by small farm holders primarily as source of draft power owing to its resistance to hot climate, disease, and stress conditions. Over the years, transformation of these animals from draft to dairy was deliberately carried out through genetic improvement program leading to the development of buffalo-based enterprises. Buffalo production is now getting more attention and interest from buffalo raisers due to its socioeconomic impact as well as its contribution to propelling the livestock industry in many developing countries. Reproduction of buffaloes, however, is confronted with huge challenge and concern as being generally less efficient to reproduce compared with cattle due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as poor estrus manifestation, silent heat, marked seasonal infertility, postpartum anestrus, long calving interval, delayed puberty, inherently low number of primordial follicles in their ovaries, high incidence of atresia, and apoptosis. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are major interventions for the efficient utilization of follicle reserve in buffaloes. The present review focuses on estrus and ovulation synchronization for fixed time artificial insemination, in vitro embryo production, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos, somatic cell nuclear transfer, the factors affecting utilization in various ARTs, and future perspectives in buffaloes.

Prevalence of Postpartum Anoestrus in Cattle in Jabalpur

The present research work was planned to study the prevalence of anoestrus in cattle in and around Jabalpur. A total of 157 cows reared under field conditions (76 from organized and 81 from unorganized) in different villages situated in Jabalpur during the period of six months (June to November 2021) were surveyed and calving and breeding history of animals provided by the dairy owners was recorded. Per-rectal examination of genitalia (cervix, uterus and ovary) was also done to know the reproductive status of the animals. The observations were recorded in a prescribed proforma. The cows with a history of not showing the signs of oestrus for 90 days or more postpartum were considered for the study of the prevalence of anoestrus. The prevalence of anoestrus in postpartum cows was 19.10 per cent (30/157). The prevalence of anoestrus in organised and unorganized dairy farm was recorded to be 15.78 and 22.22 per cent, respectively. Write a conclusion based on the findings. Good managemental practice as in organized dairy farms decrease the incidence of anoestrus in cows as compared to unorganized dairy farms.

Transcriptome and proteome analysis of pregnancy and postpartum anoestrus ovaries in yak

Transcriptome and proteome analysis of pregnancy and postpartum anoestrus ovaries in yak

Intrauterine proteolytic enzymes therapy hastens expulsion of fetal membranes in dystocia affected buffaloes.

Difficult calving (dystocia) in buffalo cows is a major obstetrical problem which further leads to metritis complex, encompassing the retention of fetal membranes (RFM), puerperal metritis, endometritis and pyometra with impaired future fertility. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of the administration of intrauterine proteolytic enzymes on the expulsion of fetal membranes and postpartum fertility in dystociac buffaloes. Proteolytic enzymes consisting of Trypsin (16 mg), Chymotrypsin (16 mg), and Papain (8 mg) were dissolved in 500 ml normal saline were administered after 1 h of assisted delivery in dystociac buffaloes along with the conventional therapy. The treated animals (n=15) expelled fetal membranes within a shorter period of time (P=0.043) compared to the control group (n=15) with none in the treatment group retaining it for more than 24 hours. Fewer (26.67 vs 73.33%; P=0.027) postpartum uterine infections developed in the treated animals compared to the control group. The interval between first postpartum estrus (P=0.067), service period (P=0.554), and open days (P=0.557) was shorter in the treatment group compared to the control group where postpartum anestrus developed less frequently (26.67 vs 66.67%; P=0.066) in the animals treated with enzymatic therapy. Systemic illness (neutrophillia) was reduced in the treatment group compared to the control on day 20 (64.55 ± 1.14% vs 70.23 ± 0.99%; P=0.001) and 45 (55.05 ± 1.63% vs 64.92 ± 1.45%; P<0.001) postpartum. It is concluded that proteolytic enzymes therapy after assisted delivery in dystociac buffalo cows could help in the early expulsion of fetal membranes and reduce uterine infections with decreased neutrophils count.

"Therapeutic Management of Prolonged Postpartum Anoestrus in a Crossbred Jersey Cattle without Hormonal Intervention: A Case Report"

"Therapeutic Management of Prolonged Postpartum Anoestrus in a Crossbred Jersey Cattle without Hormonal Intervention: A Case Report"

Risk Factors and Treatment of Postpartum Anestrus in Cattle: The Case of Zebu

This literature review reports on risk factors for postpartum anoestrus in zebus and their potential treatments. Prolonged postpartum anestrus is one of the major factors limiting reproductive efficiency in cattle, particularly in Bos indicus cows in tropical regions, as it prevents a calving interval of 365 days from being achieved. During anestrus, ovulation does not occur despite ovarian follicular development, as the growing follicles do not reach maturity. This period is very variable and depends on various factors whose importance is relative or, on the contrary, essential. Some are specific to the animal (breastfeeding or food); others relate more to its social environment, season sanitary conditions. Several hormonal treatments have been used to induce ovulation and cyclicity in postpartum cows. Generally speaking, given the inconsistency of the effects or even their lack of practicability, treatments using a single or repeated injection of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) have been gradually abandoned in favour of progestagens. These are administered for 8 to 12 days on a continuous basis in the form of a subcutaneous implant (Crestar®), a vaginal coil (PRID®) or a CIDR. A prostaglandin injection is given two days before the implant is removed. The addition of an ECG treatment at the time of device removal, which increased plasma progesterone concentrations and pregnancy rates in anestrous postpartum suckled Bos indicus cows, may be useful to improve reproductive performance. This improvement requires a better understanding of the effect of different risk factors on the recovery of postpartum cyclicity.

​Induction of Postpartum Oestrus in Lakhimi Cows through Hormonal and Nutritional Interventions

Background: Postpartum anoestrus is the most devastating cause of the dairy farming which causes more economic losses to the farmers. The present study was conducted to record the incidence of postpartum anoestrus and to evolve a suitable therapeutic regime for addressing postpartum anoestrus in Lakhimi cows. Methods: A total of 1000 Lakhimi cows maintained in different villages of Assam were selected and the incidence rate was recorded on the basis of breeding records provided by the farmers, per-rectal examination and ultrasonography screening of genital organ. To study the effect of hormonal and nutritional interventions in post partum anoestrus cows, the cows were divided randomly into seven groups comprising twelve animals in each group. The different treatment regimes were Hydroxyprogesterone caproate + eCG, Clomiphene citrate alone, Clomiphene citrate + Mineral mixture, GnRH analogue alone, GnRH analogue + Mineral mixture, Mineral mixture alone and control. The response to different treatment regimes was based on oestrus response, mean interval from the end of treatment to onset of oestrus and conception rate. Result: The incidence of postpartum anoestrus was found to be 20.60%. Clomiphene citrate + Mineral mixture administration regime brought about the highest oestrus induction response (100.00%) and conception rate (66.67%).

Suckling, male effect and kisspeptin in the reproductive management of ewes in postpartum anestrus

Objective: To describe the management strategies of controlled suckling and the male effect to reduce postpartum anestrus, and to show the participation of kisspeptin to regulate the effect of both factors. Design/Methodology/Approach: A review of scientific publications was conducted, in order to show the importance of suckling and the male effect as strategies to reduce postpartum anestrus in the ewe, as well as the relation of kisspeptin with both factors. Results: Seasonal anestrus can be avoided with the use of breeds adapted to the local environment, such as Pelibuey. Postpartum anestrus occurs mainly as a result of suckling, since the latter inhibits the pulsating secretion of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH). The exact path of this inhibition is unknown, although it seems that endogenous opioid peptides and kisspeptin are intermediaries. Controlled suckling and the male effect are management strategies that improve the reproductive behavior of postpartum ewes. Kisspeptin regulates the influence of the male effect through the secretion of GnRH/LH. Study Limitations/Implications: To understand the impacts of suckling and the male effect on the duration of postpartum anestrus, as well as the participation of kisspeptin in the regulation of both effects, will allow designing management strategies to improve the reproductive efficiency of the ewes. Findings/Conclusions: Controlled suckling and the male effect reduce postpartum anestrus and improve the reproductive behavior of the ewes; advancing knowledge of the kisspeptin effect could improve the effectiveness of both techniques.

Reproductive activity of dairy cattle in the postpartum anestrus period

Objective: To review the metabolic and hormonal processes that regulate reproductive activity in dairy cattleduring the postpartum anestrus period.Design/methodology/approach: Analysis of scientific documents and systematization of information relatedto the reproductive physiology and management of dairy cattle in postpartum anestrus.Results: Postpartum anestrus is an event that occurs naturally and is necessary for restoration of the homeostasisof the cow’s body following calving. However, failure to reestablish this homeostasis actually increases itsduration and negatively affects the subsequent reproductive performance of the individual cow.Limitations on study/implications: Reproductive management decisions must be based on scientificknowledge.Findings/conclusions: Management of dairy cattle in the postpartum anestrus period should focus onreestablishment of the state of homeostasis and the subsequent reproductive activity, with nutritional andhormonal strategies implemented to induce cyclicity, ovulation and formation of the first corpus luteum in thatperiod, through application of exogenous hormones after day ten postpartum.

Reproductive management strategies to reduce postpartum anestrus in dual-purpose cattle

Objective: To share technical aspects and recommendations to improve the reproductive and productive efficiency of dual-purpose cattle. Design/Methodology/Approach: A review of scientific articles published in journals was carried out to show the importance of some factors that limit reproduction, as well as to identify management strategies to increase the reproductive potential in dual-purpose cows. Results: The duration of postpartum anestrus is reduced by weaning calves at a few days or weeks of age, restricting suckling to short periods of the day, delaying suckling, and exposing cows to a bull during postpartum. On average, the combined effect of delayed suckling and exposure of cows to a bull reduces postpartum anestrus to less than 50 d and the calving-conception interval to 84 days. Milk production and calf weight gain also are improved without affecting postpartum weight changes in cows. Study Limitations/Implications: Extensive management of dual-purpose cattle reduces the intensive use of some reproductive biotechnologies commonly applied in other animal production systems. Findings/Conclusions: Improvement in the reproductive efficiency of dual-purpose cattle can be achieved by reducing the postpartum anestrus by using reproductive management strategies and minor modifications to common management practices.

Kisspeptin Stimulates the Pulsatile Secretion of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) during Postpartum Anestrus in Ewes Undergoing Continuous and Restricted Suckling.

Simple SummaryOne of the major impediments to improving the efficiency of sheep production systems is the difficulty of breeding the females before their young are weaned. A major physiological barrier is suckling, because it prevents the initiation of a new reproductive cycle by inhibiting the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and thus the secretion of LH pulses. It has now become clear that, at brain level, the secretion of GnRH is controlled primarily by the neuropeptide kisspeptin (Kp), a central player in the ‘KNDy’ system that generates GnRH pulses. Here, we report that intravenous administration of Kp stimulates pulsatile LH secretion in ewes during postpartum anestrus. Moreover, the response was greater when suckling was restricted to 30 min twice a day. We conclude that kisspeptin application increases pulsatile LH secretion in suckling ewes, suggesting that suckling inhibits ovulation by reducing the activity of kisspeptin neurons.This study tested whether the intravenous application of kisspeptin can stimulate the pulsatile secretion of LH in suckling ewes during postpartum anestrus. Ten days after lambing, Pelibuey ewes were allocated among two groups: (1) continuous suckling (n = 8), where the lambs remained with their mothers; and (2) restricted suckling (n = 8), where the mothers suckled their lambs twice daily for 30 min. On Day 19 postpartum, the ewes were individually penned with ad libitum access to water and feed and given an indwelling catheter in each jugular vein. On Day 20, 4 mL of blood was sampled every 15 min from 08:00 to 20:00 h to determine LH pulse frequency. At 14:00 h, four ewes in each group received 120 μg of kisspeptin diluted in 3 mL of saline as a continuous infusion for 6 h; the remaining four ewes in each group received only saline. The interaction between kisspeptin and suckling type did not affect LH pulse frequency (p > 0.05). Before kisspeptin administration, pulse frequency was similar in all groups (1.50 ± 0.40 pulses per 6 h; p > 0.05). With the application of kisspeptin, pulse frequency increased to 3.50 ± 0.43 pulses per 6 h (p ≤ 0.014), so the concentration of LH (1.11 ± 0.14 ng mL−1) was greater in kisspeptin-treated ewes than in saline-treated ewes (0.724 ± 0.07 ng mL−1; p ≤ 0.040). The frequency of LH pulses was greater with restricted suckling than with continuous suckling (2.44 ± 0.29 versus 1.69 ± 0.29 pulses per 6 h; p ≤ 0.040). We conclude that intravenous application of kisspeptin increases the pulsatile secretion of LH in suckling ewes and that suckling might reduce kisspeptin neuronal activity, perhaps explaining the suppression of ovulation. Moreover, the effects of kisspeptin and suckling on pulsatile LH secretion appear to be independent, perhaps operating through different neural pathways.

Field study on effect of hormonal protocol on treatment of postpartum anoestrus in water buffaloes of semi-arid region of Uttar Pradesh

Water Buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ) is one of the premier productive animal and a major contributor to milk, meat, skin and draught power in our country. It is a better dairy animal in comparison to cattle in terms of better feed (roughage) conversion efficiency, greater resistance to diseases, and, higher milk fat percentage. But anoestrus is the most important cause of poor reproductive performance in buffaloes both in filed condition as well as in organized farm. The percentage of anoestrus is more in rural areas mainly due to malnutrition, lack of scientific knowledge and improper management practices causing huge economic losses to the farmers. Thus this study was conducted to test the effectiveness of these treatments in farmers field for treating anoestrus in buffaloes with PGF2α or GnRH protocol (ovsynch protocol) under the field conditions. A total of 36 animals were selected from different affected villages of Matura district with good body condition score (BCS >2.5), parity of two or above, healthy reproductive organs and history of minimum 6 months anoestrus problems after reaching the age of breeding or after calving or the last breeding were selected. The treated animals were examined per-rectal method. Among 36 treated buffaloes, 13 were found pregnant (36.11 %) and another 9 buffaloes had become cyclic with success rate of treatment was 61.11 %.

Factors affecting postpartum ovarian activity of goats in tropical semi-arid region

&#x0D; There have been few studies on the use of diets and strategies to reduce the length of postpartum anoestrus in dairy goats, especially in tropical semi-arid regions. This review discusses the factors influencing the return of postpartum ovarian activity in goats. During the postpartum period, goats are in puerperal anoestrus and their reproductive tract is being prepared for a new conception. Anoestrus is necessary for tissue renewal in the uterus (uterine involution) associated with the return of cyclic ovarian activity, and is influenced by factors such as suckling of the offspring, social interactions, body condition score (BCS) before and after birth, intensity of negative energy balance (NEB) and stress from adverse climatic conditions. The anoestrus period can be extended by delays in the resumption of reproductive activity of females in puerperium. The duration of puerperal anoestrus in goats directly affects the productivity of the herd and is mainly influenced by nutrition, lactation period and heat stress. To minimize the negative effects of postpartum anoestrus on productivity, we recommend a mating season and a plan for the kidding period, as well as a program to monitor the body condition score during pregnancy so that the animals will have a better BCS at parturition. To minimize the effects of a negative energy balance, we suggest nutritional supplementation with levels of energy above the requirements for maintenance.&#x0D; Highlights&#x0D; &#x0D; The duration of postpartum anoestrus in goats is influenced by nutrition and body condition score.&#x0D; Heat stress can intensify the negative energy balance, consequently increased the period of anoestrus.&#x0D; Puerperal anoestrus occurs as a result of tissue renewal in the uterus.&#x0D; Suckling of the offspring associated with the period of lactation and social interactions can modified the puerperal anoestrus period.&#x0D; Use of diets and strategies to reduce the postpartum anoestrus in goats.&#x0D;

Zinc-methionine supplementation prevents the live weight loss in the early lactation of Ongole-Crossbred cows in the reproduction cycle

This research aimed to investigate the reproductive performance of Ongole crossbred (PO) cows offered zinc methionine (ZincMeth) during the late gestation and early lactation. Thirty-two PO pregnant cows, 400 kg live weight (LW) were weighed and measured body condition score (BCS) before the experiment. The experimental design was a 2 x 2 factorial with two nutritional and two ZincMeth treatments, with eight cows in each nutrition x ZincMeth group. All cows were offered elephant grass (EG), 16 cows offered a concentrate diet (CONS) containing 15% crude protein (CP) and 16 cows offered a CONS containing 11% CP at 3% LW on a DM basis, the ratio of EG: CONS was 40:60. Five grams of ZincMeth was added to the CONS prepared for individual cows. The parameters observed were LW gain, BCS, post-partum anestrus period, luteinizing hormone, volatile fatty acid, and blood metabolite concentrations. The results showed that the BCS change was greater in cows fed a high CP diet, they also had high plasma glucose, urea, and total protein concentrations. ZincMeth prevented LW loss in the early lactation and increased plasma urea concentration. Thus, the ZincMeth maintained the LWG during the critical period but did not affect any reproductive parameters.

Haematological, biochemical and endocrinological profiles in crossbred postpartum anestrus cows under tropical island ecosystem

A study was carried out to assess the effect of postpartum anestrus (PPA) on haematological, antioxidant and endocrinological profiles in crossbred cows under tropical island ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Based on the records, the cows that had shown anestrous for more than 120 days were selected in PPA group while cows coming in estrous before 65 days of postpartum for more than three successive lactations involving present lactation were selected in normal cyclic group (control group). Blood samples were collected, analysed for haematological profile, antioxidant profile such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and free radical such as malondialdehyde (MDA), and hormone profiles such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol 17β (E2), progesterone (P4), cortisol (CORT) and thyroxin (T4). Crossbred cows of ANI with PPA had suffered severe anaemia. PPA affected cows showed significantly low level of antioxidant profiles and higher MDA level than the unaffected animals. Similarly, endocrinological profiles revealed the PPA affected cows had significantly higher level of CORT and lower level of E2, P4, FSH, LH and T4 than the unaffected crossbred cows. PPA was due to anaemia, lack of antioxidants, over production of free radicals and disturbances of endocrinological profiles. A balanced, limited ration with good quality and quantity of antioxidants, sufficient daily exercise and sufficiently large, clean drinking water can minimize the PPA in crossbred cows.

CALVING PATTERNS OF N’DAMA COWS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

The calving patterns, calving and postpartum anoestrus intervals calving percentages and calf mortality of N’Dama cows in a cattle herd belonging to the Federal College of Agricultural, Akure were examined for the 1991 – 1995 calving periods. A total of 128 cows were involved. Calving patterns were irregular from year to year and calving percentage varied from 45 to 65% with a mean of 54.69% while calf mortality was between 6.25 and 11.11% during the period. Calving intervals were 786 ± 44.99 and 712 ± 14.70 days (1993 and 1995). Value for days open were 506 ± 44.99 and 432 ± 14.70 days (1993 and 1995) for the same years. The results of the study are suggestive of inefficient reproduction within the herd.

Herbal Combo Therapy’ for Oestrus Induction in Postpartum Anoestrus Cows

The research was aimed at studying the effect of a ‘Herbal combo therapy’ (HCT) on induction of oestrus and enhancement of fertility in postpartum anoestrus (PPA) in crossbred cows. Crossbred cows (n = 24) which were diagnosed for true anoestrus condition were utilized for the study. All the cows were dewormed and randomly divided into two groups (i) Control group (n = 10): No treatment schedule and (ii) Treatment group (n = 14): HCT involving a sequential administration of Raphanus sativus, Aloe vera, Moringa oleifera, Cissuss quadrangularisis and Murraya koenigii for a period of 20 days. The animals which expressed oestrus signs during the experimental period were inseminated and pregnancy was confirmed. Diameter of the largest follicle was documented on the initiation day of experiment and at the end of the experimental period or on the day of expression of induced oestrus. Perusal of the data revealed that 71.4 per cent of the PPA animals responded to the HCT by expressing oestrus signs within the experimental period as against 10.0 per cent in control group. The follicular diameter significantly increased in HCT group (11.8 + 2.4 mm) than the control group (9.6 + 0.8 mm). The overall conception rate among the PPA cows treated with HCT was much higher (57.1%) than the control group (10.0%). Steroidogenic activity, rich nutrient source and anti-inflammatory properties of HCT would have potentiated the follicular development and thereby induced oestrus and improved conception rate in anoestrus cows.

Effect of Janova, Sepia and Ovsynch Protocol on Blood Biochemical Profile and Fertility in Postpartum Anoestrus Cows

Background: Anoestrus is still one of the most prevalent reproductive disorders in dairy cows despite technological advances in animal husbandry. Evaluation of blood biochemical profile is of diagnostic value to determine disease or health status of animal. The current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of different therapeutic regimen on blood biochemical profile, oestrus induction response and conception rate of anoestrus cows.Methods: Thirty two postpartum anoestrus cows randomly allocated to four groups as G0 (negative control), GI, GII, GIII, GIV and 8 normal cyclic as GV (positive control). Dewormer and mineral mixture administered to GI, GII, GIII, GIV while group GII, GIII and GIV additionally received janova, sepia and Ovsynch protocol respectively.Result: Different therapeutic protocols have variable effects on blood biochemical parameters. Overall oestrus induction response in G0, GI, GII, GIII, GIV and GV is 0.00, 50, 62.5, 75, 87.5 and 100.00 per cent respectively with corresponding conception rate of 0.00, 75, 80, 66.66, 57.13 and 75.00 per cent. On the basis of findings it can be concluded that aforesaid therapeutic regimens have definite bearings on fertility and can be used to manage postpartum anoestrus in cows.

Prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis and its Effects on Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cows during the Postpartum Period in Gasabo District, Rwanda

Mastitis is one of the most important diseases affecting production and reproductive efficiency of dairy cows. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCMA) and its effects on reproductive performance in postpartum dairy cows. In a cross-sectional survey, sample cows (n = 200) within their 10-40 days in milk from smallholder farms (n = 159) were selected and tested for SCMA using California Mastitis Test. They were classified into two groups: cows with SCMA (SCMA group, n = 101) and cows without SCMA (WSCMA group, n = 99). Reproductive performance including calving-to-first-oestrus interval (CFOI), calving-to-first service interval (CFSI), calving-to-conception interval (CCI), cows that remained non-pregnant, postpartum anoestrus, and total number of services per conception were recorded for 150 days in milk. The overall prevalence of SCMA recorded was 50.5%. The mean number of days for CFOI was significantly longer (p