Reproductive Performance In Cattle Research Articles

Factors Affecting Service Per Conception of Ongole Cross-breed Cattles in Tanjung Sari District

One of the parameters to see the reproductive performance of cattle is service per conception (S/C). The lack of information on important factors affecting S/C in Ongole Cross-breed (PO) cattles breeding underlies this research. The analysis in this research was linear regression using the MINITAB 16 application. The results of the research for service per conception (S/C) in Ongole Cross-breed (PO) cattles in Tanjung Sari sub-district were classified as ideal with a value of 1.29 ± 0.52. Each increase in the value of the BCS score will increase the S/C value. Each added age value at first married, it will increase the S/C value. Each added value of the parent's age will reduce the S/C value. The conclusion in this study is that S/C in PO cattles in Tanjung Sari District is 1.29 ± 0.52. Factors that affect the value of conception rate in PO cattles in Tanjung Sari district was the BCS score which was positively associated with S/C with a value of 0.553, age at first mated was negatively associated with S/C with a value of -0.434, and age parent was negatively associated with S/C with value of -0,114.

352 Awardee Talk: Identification of novel haplotypes with recessive and allelic inheritance patterns affecting embryonic development processes, gestation losses and post-natal lethality in cattle

Abstract Genomic data allows the screening of homozygous haplotypes and recessive lethal alleles, which could affect reproductive performance in cattle and other species. Here, we propose an approach based on tracing the inheritance of alleles from heterozygous parents to offspring to identify significant departure from the expected Mendelian inheritance (Transmission Ratio Distortion – TRD). TRDscan software was used to identify genomic regions with TRD using 436,651 trios (sire-dam-offspring) of genotypes from Holstein dairy cattle. SNP-by-SNP analysis was performed using 132,990 SNPs. TRD haplotypes were identified using sliding windows of 2-,4-,7-,10- and 20-SNPs. In total, 109 SNPs and 495 haplotypes were identified with significant TRD (Bayes factor≥100). Interestingly, some of the identified TRD regions overlap with previously known regions with recessive lethal alleles (e.g., HH0, HH1, HH3, HH5). Novel genomic regions with significant TRD were also identified with annotated genes functionally clustered into specific phenotypes related to male and female infertility and postnatal lethality. Approximately 18% of previously identified quantitative trait loci mapped around the TRD regions were related with fertility traits (calving ease, scrotal circumference, fertility index, and non-return rate). Validation of the results was performed using ~13,000 of Holstein embryo genotypes, in trios. The results will be integrated with the TRD regions identified to fine mapping the contribution of the TRD for each embryonic stage and they may be helpful to precisely target genomic regions associated with fertility, embryonic development processes, gestation losses and post-natal lethality in cattle.

Review: Influences of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on dairy cattle reproductive performance

ABSTRACT Purpose Reproductive efficiency is an important contributor to a dairy farm’s profitability; however, there are many factors that influence reproductive success, including, but not limited to, embryonic loss. This review summarizes research findings related to the use of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) inhibitors to improve fertility in cattle. Sources Peered-reviewed literature and conference proceedings were reviewed in this article. Synthesis Approximately one-third of total embryonic loss occurs between d 8 and 27 after fertilization. Because of a large incidence of early embryonic loss in cattle, researchers have been searching for strategies to reduce the risk of embryonic loss. Provided that the embryonic loss, in part, is related to untimely secretion of PGF2α and premature luteolysis, any management strategy to delay the synthesis and secretion of PGF2α during the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy may reduce the occurrence of early embryonic loss. Consequently, researchers have investigated the potential use of PGF2α inhibitors to address the risk of embryonic loss. Conclusions and Applications Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are known inhibitors of PGF2α. In cattle, application of NSAID, as a reproductive tool, to improve fertility has been investigated extensively using a variety of NSAID, timing of administration, and breeding techniques. It seems that many NSAID do not consistently improve reproductive efficiency in cattle, and perhaps, treating all cows with an NSAID after calving is unlikely to be economically advantageous. Nevertheless, the research supports the fact that NSAID, in the form of flunixin meglumine or ibuprofen, consistently improved fertility in cattle, when administered at the time of embryo transfer.

Effect of Complex Trace Minerals on Reproductive Performance of Beef and Dairy Cattle

Providing balanced nutrients is critical for maintaining cow fertility. Adequate trace mineral intake and absorption is required for proper functioning of many metabolic processes associated with reproduction. Reproductive performance of cattle may be compromised if zinc, copper, or manganese status is in the marginal-to-deficient range. Common copper deficiency symptoms in cattle include delayed or suppressed estrus, decreased conception, infertility and embryo death. Inadequate zinc levels have been associated with decreased fertility, abnormal estrus, abortion and altered myometrial contractibility with prolonged labor. Manganese deficiency in cows results in suppression of conception rates, delayed estrus in both post-partum females and young prepuberal heifers, infertility, abortion, immature ovaries and dystocia. This study evaluated the effect on reproduction from feeding complex trace to beef cattle.

Analysis of Genetic Parameters for Reproductive Traits in Crossbred Dairy Cattle Maintained at Holetta Agricultural Research Center.

This study was aimed to generate information on variance components and the resulting genetic parameters (heritability, repeatability, genetic and phenotypic correlations and genetic trends) of some economic traits of Borena and its crosses with Holstein Friesian dairy cattle maintained at Holetta agricultural research center dairy farm. Traits studied were age at first service (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO) and number of service per conception (NSC). Overall, 11331 dairy cattle reproductive performance records were used for the study. WOMBAT, which is a software package for quantitative genetic analysis of continuous traits, fitting a linear, mixed model; estimates of covariance components and the resulting genetic parameters were employed and obtained. Heritability values of reproductive traits were from very low (0.071, 0.082 and 0.012) for CI, DO and NSC to moderate (0.3 and 0.22) for AFC and AFS traits. Repeatability estimate for CI, DO and NSC were low (0.17, 0.17 and 0.129). Strong and positive genetic correlation (0.98) was appeared between AFS and AFC traits. Negative genetic correlations were observed between AFS and DO (-0.001), AFC and DO (-0.05), AFS and NSC (-0.022), AFC and NSC (-0.29) and CI and NSC (-0.31). AFS were negative phenotypic correlation with CI, DO and NSC. Similarly, AFC was negative phenotypic correlation with CI and DO. Low phenotypic correlation was observed between AFC and NSC, CI and DO, CI and NSC and, DO and NSC. Strong and positive phenotypic correlation was appeared between AFS and AFC. The regression coefficient of mean breeding value for NSC, CI, DO, AFC and AFS on year of birth were -0.0066x+13.25 times/year, -1.19x+2387.4 days/year, -1.23x+2445.6 days/year, 0.2x-410 months/year and 0.48x-980 months/year, respectively.

Establishment of long-term chronic recording technique of in vivo ovarian parenchymal temperature in Japanese Black cows.

The reproductive performance of cattle can be suppressed by heat stress. Reproductive organ temperature, especially ovarian temperature, may affect follicle development and ovulation. The establishment of a technique for long-term measurement of ovarian temperature could prove useful in understanding the mechanisms underlying the temperature-dependent changes in follicular development and subsequent ovulation in cows. Here we report a novel method facilitating long-term and continuous recording of ovarian parenchymal temperature in cows. The method revealed that the ovarian temperature in the luteal phase was constantly maintained lower than the vaginal temperature, and that the diurnal temperature variation in the ovary was significantly greater than that in the vagina, suggesting that the ovaries may require a lower temperature than other organs to maintain their functions. This novel method could be used for the further understanding of ovarian functions during estrous cycles in cows.

Supplementation of ascorbic acid to improve fertility in dairy cattle. Review

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C: VC) is an antioxidant that participates in the regulatory processes involved in the development of ovarian structures and fertility. However, supplementation of VC to dairy cattle to improve fertility has received little attention. However, reduced fertility in dairy cattle associated with high genetic merit for milk production and heat stress, which also diminish blood VC concentrations, suggest a potentially beneficial role for VC supplementation. The objectives of this review are to contribute to the current knowledge regarding the relationship between VC and fertility and to share many experiences that support the relevance of VC supplementation to improve dairy cattle reproductive performance.

Effect of organic production system on productive and reproductive performance of cattle

The present investigation was carried out with the objective to study the productive and reproductive performances of dairy cattle under organic farming systems. Total 24 medium to high yielding cattle has been selected for the study, out of which 12 were reared under organic management system and 12 under conventional management system. For cows maintained under organic management system, the animals were fed ad lib quality green fodder grown organically and limited quantity (1.5 to 2.0 kg/cows/day) of concentrate mixture. Production and reproduction performance of animals of both the groups were compared. The results revealed that the reproductive performance was better in cows maintained under organic production management system than their conventional counterparts. The study on milk quality in terms of composition revealed significantly (P less than 0.05) higher fat % of milk, while lower (P less than 0.05) protein % of milk for the cows maintained under organic system as compared to those under conventional system. It can be concluded that the organic management system of dairy cows can be beneficial as depicted by better reproductive efficiency of cows with higher fat % of the milk.

Effects of Separation of Cows and Calves on Reproductive Performance and Animal Welfare in Tropical Beef Cattle.

Simple SummaryThis review summarizes knowledge on the separation of cows and calves and its effect on the onset of ovarian activity and animal welfare, principally in tropical beef cattle. After a brief introduction establishing the importance of calf separation to induce ovarian activity in their mothers and the welfare aspects that are jeopardized during this process, subsequent sections describe different strategies used for the separation of cows and calves, highlighting the effect of each method on beef cattle reproductive performance and welfare considerations of both cow and calf; conclusions and practical implications.Nursing a calf suppresses postpartum ovarian activity prolonging the period of anestrus. Diverse methods are used to reduce the effect of suckling; the most popular, restricted suckling, reduces the number of encounters mother-calf. Temporal weaning of the calf for periods of 24 h, 48 h, or even 72 h also suppress the effect of suckling and is commonly applied to cow-calf operations in the tropics. Early weaning of the calf, usually three to five months after birth, is a practice gaining popularity over the traditional system of weaning at seven months. Furthermore, the use of nose-flaps in the calf to avoid suckling is a common procedure in South America. Finally, weaning during the first week after calving is an established method to reduce postpartum anestrus. The objective of the present review is to discuss the effects of these methods on the reproductive performance of beef cattle and their animal welfare implications.

Increased genetic diversity of BVDV strains circulating in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey: first detection of BVDV-3 in Turkey.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a pathogen associated with loss of meat, milk, and reproductive performance in cattle across the world. There have been two types of BVDV identified worldwide: BVDV-1 and BVDV-2. However, a new type of BVDV, named HoBi-like pestivirus (BVDV-3), has been identified recently. BVDV presence in Turkey has been reported since the 1990s, but a mandatory vaccination program has not been implemented in Turkey so far. In serological studies conducted in Turkey for BVDV, reported seropositivity has been 50% on average. The aim of this study is to determine the genetic diversity of BVDV in blood and abortion materials from bovine in eastern Turkey. The presence of the virus was determined by antigen ELISA test. As a result of the phylogenetic analysis of 5'UTR, Npro and E2 genomic regions of the BVDV (n = 28), BVDV-1 (n = 25) was identified as the dominant type. In addition, BVDV-2 (n = 2) and BVDV-3 (n = 1) were determined which is the first report of HoBi-like pestivirus in Turkey. Although BVDV-1l (n = 19) was detected as the predominant sub-type of BVDV-1, 1a (n = 2), 1b (n = 1), 1c (n = 1), and 1d (n = 2) were also identified. In 2 samples, the BVDV-2 type detected was the 2a sub-type. In this study, it is emphasized that BVDV can be present in the abort materials as an agent and that it should be examined in the herd screening. In addition, it is understood that molecular epidemiological studies should continue for determining the genetic diversity of the viruses and that such studies should be carried out on the country basis. Necessary diagnostic programs should be developed for animals, which are imported or buying from other barns, and protection and control measures should be taken. The increase of reports on BVDV heterogeneity in Turkey and worldwide gets up related to the occurrence and spread of new BVDV types or variants, with potential implications for animal health and disease control.

PSVI-37 Reproductive performance of cattle: a meta-analytical approach.

PSVI-37 Reproductive performance of cattle: a meta-analytical approach.

PSXVII-20 Reproductive performance of cattle: a meta-analytical approach.

PSXVII-20 Reproductive performance of cattle: a meta-analytical approach.

Productive and reproductive performance of cattle and buffaloes reared under farmers’ management in differential dairy progressive states in India

The productive and reproductive performances of dairy animals have direct effect to milk production and profitability of dairy enterprise. The present study was carried out to analyse the productive and reproductive performance of cattle and buffaloes reared under farmers’ management in three states of differential dairy progress in India. Haryana, Maharashtra and Odisha states were purposively selected from highly, moderately and least dairy progressive states, respectively. The total sample size was 900 containing 300 dairy farmers from each state. The finding shows that the productive and reproductive performances of buffalos in Haryana are better than Maharashtra and Odisha. The productive and reproductive performances of Crossbred were found better in Haryana as well as Maharashtra than Odisha. In Haryana, very few farmers reared Indigenous cattle but the performances were better than Maharashtra and Odisha. The better performance of Haryana may be due to being home track of elite Murrah buffalo, Tharparker and Sahiwal breeds of Indigenous cattle, agro-climatic situations, veterinary services and managerial skills of dairy farmers. To improve the productive and reproductive performance of dairy animals in the moderately progressive (Maharashtra) and least progressive (Odisha) states efforts should be focused on breed improvement, better veterinary infrastructure and enhance the managerial skills of the farmers

Ovarian antral follicle populations and embryo production in cattle

Reproductive biotechniques such as embryo production are important tools to increase the reproductive performance in cattle in a short time. In this context, the antral follicle count (AFC), which reflects the population of antral follicles present in an ovary, has been indicated as an important phenotypic characteristic related to female fertility and closely correlated to the performance of in vivo and in vitro embryo production (IVEP). A positive correlation was evidenced between AFC and oocyte retrieval by ovum pick up (OPU) sessions and and with the number of embryos produced. Several studies have reported that females with a high AFC had greater embryo yields compared to those with medium and low AFC. However, controversial results were obtained by studies conducted in different bovine breeds. Many conflicting data may be due to the differences in the experimental design, particularly regarding the classification of animals in AFC groups, subspecies particularities, herd aptitude or even issues related to animal management. Therefore, aspects such as the choice of donor, type of aspirated follicles and the stage of follicular wave need to be clarified. Thus, this text aims to discuss the use of AFC as a reproductive tool and its applications in the in vivo and in vitro production of embryos, besides describing consistent results and new challenges regarding AFC and embryo production.

Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on superovulation and reproductive performance in cattle

Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on superovulation and reproductive performance in cattle

Loci and pathways associated with uterine capacity for pregnancy and fertility in beef cattle.

Infertility and subfertility negatively impact the economics and reproductive performance of cattle. Of note, significant pregnancy loss occurs in cattle during the first month of pregnancy, yet little is known about the genetic loci influencing pregnancy success and loss in cattle. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) with large effects associated with early pregnancy loss, Angus crossbred heifers were classified based on day 28 pregnancy outcomes to serial embryo transfer. A genome wide association analysis (GWAA) was conducted comparing 30 high fertility heifers with 100% success in establishing pregnancy to 55 subfertile heifers with 25% or less success. A gene set enrichment analysis SNP (GSEA-SNP) was performed to identify gene sets and leading edge genes influencing pregnancy loss. The GWAA identified 22 QTL (p < 1 x 10−5), and GSEA-SNP identified 9 gene sets (normalized enrichment score > 3.0) with 253 leading edge genes. Network analysis identified TNF (tumor necrosis factor), estrogen, and TP53 (tumor protein 53) as the top of 671 upstream regulators (p < 0.001), whereas the SOX2 (SRY [sex determining region Y]-box 2) and OCT4 (octamer-binding transcription factor 4) complex was the top master regulator out of 773 master regulators associated with fertility (p < 0.001). Identification of QTL and genes in pathways that improve early pregnancy success provides critical information for genomic selection to increase fertility in cattle. The identified genes and regulators also provide insight into the complex biological mechanisms underlying pregnancy establishment in cattle.

Promoter variants of OAS1 gene are associated with reproductive performance and incidence of normal calving in cattle

2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) are important components of an interferon-mediated antiviral pathway. But no polymorphisms have yet been identified and associated with reproduction and reproduction traits in the bovine OAS1 gene. The objective of this study was to detect and evaluate the effects of mutations in the promoter region of bovine OAS1 gene with production and reproduction traits in cattle. Two single nuclear polymorphisms were identified, including A to T transversion (rs715937117:A>T) and A to G transition (rs480985443:A>G) and subsequently genotyped in Sahiwal and Frieswal populations. Three haplotypes were constructed including H1 (A-A), H2 (T-A) and H3 (T-G), among them H2 was the most abundant in the Sahiwal (0.677) and Frieswal (0.838) population. The analysis revealed that genotypes of promoter region had significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) on age at first breeding, age at first calving, service period and pregnancy rate. The animals with H1H2 diplotype had higher age at first breeding and age at first calving compared to H2H2 genotyped animals. Further logistic regression analysis also revealed that the probability of normal calving was found more in H2H2 diplotype, as the odds ratios of H1H2 and H2H3 in comparison to H2H2 were 0.516 and 0.486, respectively. H2H2 diplotyped animals also exhibited higher milk production also in terms of total milk yield, 300 day milk yield and peak yield. These results outlined that the bovine OAS1 gene can be used as candidate genes for simultaneous improvement of both production and reproductive performance of cattle.

The copper transporter (SLC31A1/CTR1) is expressed in bovine spermatozoa and oocytes: Copper in IVF medium improves sperm quality

Adequate dietary intake of copper (Cu) is required for normal reproductive performance in cattle. The objective of this study was to investigate the pregnancy rates from cattle with deficient, marginal and adequate Cu plasma concentration at the beginning of artificial insemination protocol. Moreover, we determined Cu concentrations present in bovine oviductal fluid (OF), and the effects of Cu on fertilizing ability of bovine spermatozoa. Also, the presence of Cu transporter, SLC31A1 (also known as CTR1), in spermatozoa and in vitro matured oocyte were investigated. We found no differences in pregnancy rates among animals with adequate, marginal, and deficient Cu concentrations measured in plasma at the beginning of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. Copper concentrations in OF were 38.3 ± 2.17 μg/dL (mean ± SEM) regardless of cupremia levels. The addition of 40 μg/dL Cu to IVF medium enhanced total and progressive motility, sperm viability, functional sperm membrane integrity (HOST), sperm–zona binding, and pronuclear formation. On the other hand, the presence of Cu in IVF medium did not modify acrosome integrity and cleavage rates after IVF, but impaired blastocyst rates. Cu transporter SLC31A1 was detected in bovine spermatozoa in the apical segment of acrosome, and in the oocyte matured in vitro. In conclusion, the results obtained in the present study determined that cupremia levels at the beginning of FTAI protocol did not influence the pregnancy rates at 60 d after insemination. The presence of CTR1 in bovine mature oocyte and spermatozoa, as well as the beneficial effect of Cu on sperm quality would suggest an important role of this mineral during the fertilization process.

Socio-cultural, Herd Structure and Reproductive Practices of Pastoral Cattle Producers in Adamawa State, Nigeria

The objectives of the study were to investigate the socio-cultural, herd structure and reproductive practices of pastoralist cattle producers in Nigeria. The study was carried out with the aid questionnaires, oral interview and field observations on 300 respondents spread across the three study LGAs. Pastoral cattle production in Adamawa state was predominated by highly experienced (80 – 85%), married (75 – 88%), male (75 – 90%) Fulani (95 – 65%) Muslims (75 – 80%) aged mostly 31 – 40 years (48 – 55%) and having limited western education. White Fulani (50.00%) was the most common breed in Gombi LGA, while Red Bororo (53.00%) and Adamawa Gudali (50.00%) were the most predominant breeds in Mubi North and Jada LGAs respectively. Most of the pastoralist (40 – 50%) maintained herd size of 41 to 50 heads and reared cattle for multiple purposes such as breeding, milk, meat and traction. Farmers practiced uncontrolled breeding, with bull to cow ratio of 1:10 (75.00% at Mubi north LGA). First mating (50 – 60%) was done between 4 and 5 years, while age at first calving (73 -75%) was mostly 5 – 7 years indicating serious reproductive life wastage. Most pastoralists (55 – 65%) use ethno-veterinary practices to enhance cattle reproductive performance. Calving rates (75 – 85%) were more during late rainy season (LRS), while (90.00%) depended on natural pastures for feeding their cattle. Cattle graze 21 different species of grasses and 19 legumes during the wet periods, while 12 crop residues, 7 by-products and 10 browse plants were offered during dry periods as supplements. Most of the pastoralists (70.00 – 90.00%) depended solely on natural flowing streams and rivers for the supply of water to their cattle. The major production constraints (43.33%) identified was diminishing natural resources characterized by shrinking land and vegetal resources. The methods used for reducing poor morphometric effects of lean feed resources were forage conservation as hay, supplementation with tree fodder, migration and splitting of herds. The northern guinea savannah zones, therefore, remains the major environment for cattle production in Nigeria since cattle are highly valued livestock in these zones, where it contributes to the local economy and food security.

Reproductive performance and herd growth potentials of cattle in the Borana pastoral system, southern Ethiopia

The pastoral communities in the Borana rangelands of southern Ethiopia mainly rely on cattle (Bos indicus) for their livelihoods. The reproductive performance of cattle is affected by environmental variability and mobility practices that affect fodder availability. This study was conducted to investigate the reproductive performances and herd growth potentials of cattle reared in three ecologically varied zones of Golbo, Malbe and Dirre in the Borana rangelands with different levels of mobility constraints. Using the progeny history technique we gathered life histories of 95, 44, and 138 breeding females and their 411, 203, and 448 calves from the pastoral zones of Golbo, Malbe and Dirre, respectively. The average number of breeding females per household showed a declining trend over the past 10 years. The age at first calving was 53 ± 1 (mean ± s.e.), 52 ± 2 and 56 ± 1 months for the cows from Golbo, Malbe and Dirre, respectively. The mean calving interval was 18. ± 0 for Golbo, 17 ± 0 for Malbe and 19 ± 0 for Dirre. The average number of calves per cow was 3.8 ± 0.1 and was highest in Golbo. Dirre had the lowest calving rate and higher calf mortality than Malbe and Golbo. A simulation of herd growth showed that in Golbo and Malbe the average number of females were 100% higher after 20 years than in Dirre. It is concluded that reduced pastoral mobility that affected resource access across ecological zones can compromise the reproductive performance and hence the growth potential of cattle populations. These findings underscore the importance of policy frameworks such as those by the African Union that call for upholding of pastoral land rights and enabling of mobility practices.