Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hiroaki Okawa, Missaka M. P. Wijayagunawardane, Peter L. A. M. Vos, Osamu Yamato, Masayasu Taniguchi, Mitsuhiro Takagi
Summary: Intrauterine infusion of chitosan solution in early postpartum dairy cows can accelerate uterine recovery from endometritis, potentially serving as a replacement for prostaglandin F-2 alpha administration. The treatment has antimicrobial effects on the uterus and does not show adverse effects on fertility.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Ill-Hwa Kim, Jae-Kwan Jeong, Ui-Hyung Kim
Summary: This study aimed to identify the critical time period at which body condition score (BCS) most impacts reproductive performance after calving in dairy cows. Data from 4865 lactation records on 28 dairy farms were analyzed, revealing that a higher BCS at the first artificial insemination (AI) after calving is positively associated with pregnancy probability per AI and likelihood of pregnancy within 180 days after calving. Conversely, a greater BCS loss during a specific period after calving was found to decrease the likelihood of pregnancy within 180 days after calving.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Carolina Menezes Suassuna de Souza, Ewerton de Souza Lima, Raphael Ferreira Ordonho, Bianca Rafaella Rodrigues dos Santos Oliveira, Rebeca Cordeiro Rodrigues, Marquiliano Farias de Moura, Daniel Magalhaes Lima, Maiara Garcia Blagitz, Eduardo Milton Ramos Sanchez, Isac Almeida de Medeiros, Fernando Nogueira Souza, Artur Cezar de Carvalho Fernandes
Summary: This study evaluated the expression of immune checkpoints PD-1 and CTLA-4 in blood T lymphocytes during the periparturient period in dairy cows. The expression of these immune checkpoints was found to be associated with uterine health and immune tolerance. Additionally, the serum acute phase-protein haptoglobin concentration was related to the expression of these immune checkpoints. However, there was no association between the indicators of negative energy balance and the expression of the immune checkpoint markers.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. G. N. Moraes, P. R. B. Silva, L. G. D. Mendonca, C. T. C. Okada, R. C. Chebel
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and impact on fertility of purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) in lactating Jersey cows. The results showed that calving-related problems, retained fetal membrane, metritis, and days in the close-up diet were major risk factors for PVD. Additionally, cows diagnosed with PVD had reduced pregnancy rates and increased pregnancy loss compared to cows without PVD.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Nicolas Barbeau-Gregoire, Alexandre Boyer, Marjolaine Rousseau, Marie-Lou Gauthier, Jocelyn Dubuc
Summary: The study aimed to validate the accuracy of on-farm bacteriological culture media (Tri-plate and Petrifilm) from endometrial samples compared to the results from the diagnostic laboratory. Results showed that using >90 and >100 colonies as criteria for Tri-plate and Petrifilm on-farm systems respectively gave optimal results when compared to the standard laboratory. This suggests that Tri-plate media with a threshold of >90 colonies is effective in diagnosing endometritis accurately.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
E. T. Kelly, C. G. McAloon, L. O'Grady, M. Duane, J. R. Somers, M. E. Beltman
Summary: Early detection of reproductive tract disease postpartum is crucial for subsequent reproductive outcomes. Methods such as identifying purulent vaginal discharge and endometritis via ultrasound are practical for diagnosis. High PVD or UE scores at prebreeding examination are associated with decreased fertility, with UE scoring of >= 1 having the highest sensitivity and specificity estimates.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Stephen J. LeBlanc
Summary: This paper reviews recent data and concepts on metritis, purulent vaginal discharge, and endometritis in dairy cows and their impact on reproductive performance. It discusses the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases, as well as the potential for improved management strategies.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. Dubuc, V Fauteux, M. Villettaz-Robichaud, J-P Roy, M. Rousseau, S. Buczinski
Summary: This study aimed to quantify the efficacy of a second intrauterine cephapirin treatment on postpartum dairy cows affected by PVD or ENDO. Results showed that a second treatment increased the pregnancy risk at first insemination in cows affected by PVD and ENDO. Administering a second intrauterine cephapirin infusion 14 days after the initial treatment did improve subsequent reproductive performance in these cows.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Bingke Wang, Jinbang Xiao, Yongjie Ma, Chuxi Gao, Hanbing Li, Yonghong Jia, Yaping Jin, Pengfei Lin
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the hormone program M+C with the Pre-OvSynch program. The results showed that the M+C program had significantly better pregnancy rates and reduced the number of artificial inseminations compared to the Pre-OvSynch program, while also significantly reducing open days.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
A. K. Putman, J. C. Gandy, G. A. Contreras, L. M. Sordillo
Summary: Postpartum diseases are a significant concern for dairy producers, and dysregulated inflammation is believed to contribute to their development. This study investigated the associations between oxylipids and postpartum diseases, and found differences in oxylipid concentrations between cows with and without detected diseases. The results suggest that oxylipids may serve as biomarkers to predict cows at risk for postpartum diseases, although further research is needed to validate their utility.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
R. Schmitt, L. Pieper, S. Borchardt, J. M. Swinkels, C. -c. Gelfert, R. Staufenbiel
Summary: This study assessed the effects of a single transdermal administration of flunixin meglumine (FM) in early postpartum Holstein Friesian dairy cows on milk yield, culling risk, and reproductive performance. The study found that FM treatment reduced systemic inflammation, leading to higher milk yield, reduced culling risk, and improved reproductive performance in the subsequent lactation.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Nyabinwa Pascal, Kashongwe Olivier Basole, Hirwa Claire d'Andre, Bebe Bockline Omedo
Summary: This study identified and quantified the direct and indirect associations of cow- and herd-level risk factors with clinical and subclinical endometritis cases observed among zero-grazed dairy cows. Cow-level risk factors like season of calving, dystocia, and body condition score, along with herd-level factors such as cowshed hygiene and farm size, showed strong direct and indirect influences on the occurrence of endometritis cases. Effective management of these factors should be a priority in extension education to help smallholder farmers prevent and control endometritis in their dairy cows.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
A. R. Guadagnin, L. K. Fehlberg, B. Thomas, Y. Sugimoto, I. Shinzato, F. C. Cardoso
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding rumen-protected lysine (RPL) prepartum and postpartum on reproductive performance, uterine health, and gene expression. The results showed that feeding RPL prepartum improved uterine immune status, but had no effect on days to first ovulation postpartum.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
J. S. Stevenson
Summary: This retrospective study aimed to compare postpartum health, milk yield, reproductive traits, and daily physical activities in dairy cows during late gestation by examining their ear-surface temperatures. The results showed that temperature had an impact on certain postpartum health issues and daily activity times in cows.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Merle Valdmann, Jevgeni Kurykin, Andres Waldmann
Summary: Dairy cow longevity is a concern in high milk-producing countries, and failure to reproduce is a common cause of involuntary culling. Metabolic and infectious diseases (DIS) in dairy herds can affect cow fertility, but the reasons for this variation are unclear. This study investigated the influence of cytological endometritis (CYTO) on fertility and culling in dairy cows. The results showed that CYTO status, regardless of DIS status, reduced the pregnancy rate. When DIS+ and CYTO+ were combined, the negative effect on fertility was even greater. These findings suggest that CYTO can partially explain the variation in the effects of clinical diseases on reproduction. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these results.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
H. E. Flay, C. B. Reed, B. Kuhn-Sherlock, C. V. C. Phyn, C. R. Burke, S. Meier, I. J. Clarke
Summary: Previous research has found that Holstein-Friesian dairy heifers with positive genetic merit for fertility traits reach puberty earlier than those with negative genetic merit. This study investigated the functionality of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in peripubertal heifers with divergent genetic merit, finding that the earlier onset of puberty in positive heifers is associated with earlier activation of the HPG axis.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
O. K. Spaans, B. Kuhn-Sherlock, A. Hickey, M. A. Crookenden, A. Heiser, C. R. Burke, C. V. C. Phyn, J. R. Roche
Summary: The physiology of transition cows from pregnancy to lactation is complex and has significant implications for disease, economic losses, and animal welfare. Most studies have focused on cows fed total mixed rations, while research on grazing cows is limited. This study compiled a database of 2,610 lactations from pasture-based dairy cows in New Zealand to examine the profiles of blood analytes and physiological indicators during the transition period. The results showed that moderate-yielding cows undergo similar changes to high-yielding cows during transition, but differences in diet composition lead to higher concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) than expected.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
T. M. Grala, B. Kuhn-Sherlock, M. A. Crookenden, C. G. Walker, J. R. Roche, M. D. Price, C. R. Burke, S. Meier
Summary: This study investigated the associations between adaptive immune responses and reproductive phenotypes, and found that adaptive immune response has positive effects on fertility. The interaction effects between genetic merit for fertility traits and immune ranking on reproductive phenotypes were also observed when cows were ranked by overall immune response.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. L. Juengel, E. M. O. Mosaad, M. D. Mitchell, C. V. C. Phyn, M. C. French, E. D. Meenken, C. R. Burke, S. Meier
Summary: This study investigated the associations among prostaglandin concentrations, a gene mutation in HSD17B12, and fertility traits in first-lactation dairy cows. The results showed that the gene mutation was associated with submission rate by day 21 of the breeding season, and prostaglandin concentrations were associated with fertility traits. However, the gene mutation did not consistently correlate with changes in prostaglandin concentrations.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Kayley D. McCubbin, Ellen de Jong, Theo J. G. M. Lam, David F. Kelton, John R. Middleton, Scott McDougall, Sarne De Vliegher, Sandra Godden, Paivi J. Rajala-Schultz, Sam Rowe, David C. Speksnijder, John P. Kastelic, Herman W. Barkema
Summary: Blanket dry cow therapy may no longer be necessary for all dairy farms due to improvements in udder health and the introduction of teat sealants. Selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) can be a viable option for maintaining udder health and milk production while improving antimicrobial stewardship. Methods for selecting cows or mammary quarters for treatment include somatic cell count thresholds, pathogen identification, clinical mastitis history, or a combination of criteria. Concurrent teat sealant use is recommended, especially in quarters not receiving intramammary antimicrobials.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
D. K. Berg, A. Ledgard, M. Donnison, R. McDonald, H. V. Henderson, S. Meier, J. L. Juengel, C. R. Burke
Summary: The study found that the pregnancy success rate of dairy cows in a seasonal, pasture-grazed system varies at different developmental stages. The major developmental events contributing to pregnancy failure in the first week after fertilization are fertilization failure and embryonic arrest before the morula stage. Pregnancy failure in the second week is primarily associated with embryo elongation failure. Risk factors for pregnancy success related to the cows include the interval between calving and insemination, as well as plasma progesterone concentrations on day 7, while the insemination sire is associated with pregnancy outcome.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
M. A. Crookenden, A. V. R. Lake, C. R. Burke, J. T. Pratt, M. D. Mitchell, C. V. C. Phyn, J. R. Roche, A. Heiser
Summary: Chronic postpartum uterine infection has a negative impact on fertility. NSAIDs are commonly used to alleviate pain and treat inflammation in transition dairy cows. To study uterine inflammation without animal experiments, an in vitro model using cultured bovine endometrial epithelial cells was established. The effectiveness of 5 NSAIDs in dampening inflammation was measured by ELISA, and meloxicam, flunixin meglumine, and tolfenamic acid were found to be successful. Further gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of genes involved in chemokine signaling and the eicosanoid pathway. These findings suggest that these NSAIDs should be investigated for the treatment of postpartum uterine inflammation.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ellen de Jong, Kayley D. McCubbin, David Speksnijder, Simon Dufour, John R. Middleton, Pamela L. Ruegg, Theo J. G. M. Lam, David F. Kelton, Scott McDougall, Sandra M. Godden, Alfonso Lago, Paeivi J. Rajala-Schultz, Karin Orsel, Sarne De Vliegher, Volker Kromker, Diego B. Nobrega, John P. Kastelic, Herman W. Barkema
Summary: The treatment of clinical mastitis (CM) and the use of antimicrobials for dry cow therapy account for a large amount of antimicrobial use (AMU) on dairy farms. However, recent advancements have allowed for the exclusion of nonsevere CM cases that are likely to be cured without antimicrobials, as well as cases with a low bacteriological cure rate. These advancements include the availability of rapid diagnostic tests and improved udder health management practices. This review provides an evidence-based protocol for selective CM treatment decisions, which can aid in reducing AMU, improving udder health, and benefiting farm economics.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
M. A. Stephen, C. R. Burke, N. Steele, J. E. Pryce, S. Meier, P. R. Amer, C. V. C. Phyn, D. J. Garrick
Summary: In this study, the genetic and phenotypic relationships between anogenital distance (AGD) and body stature and fertility traits in dairy cattle were characterized. The results showed that AGD is a moderately heritable trait and is associated with reproductive success in lactating cows.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Natalie Turner, Pevindu Abeysinghe, Holly Flay, Susanne Meier, Pawel Sadowski, Murray D. Mitchell
Summary: The development of biomarkers of fertility in dairy cows was studied by surveying plasma and plasma sEV proteomes in different cohorts. Predictive models with high accuracy were established, and unique biomarker candidates associated with high or low fertility were identified.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Natalie P. Turner, Pevindu Abeysinghe, Pawel Sadowski, Murray D. Mitchell
Summary: This study develops a pipeline using advanced proteomics and transcriptomics to enable cross-species comparison of milk and infant formula (IF) extracellular vesicles (EVs). The molecular cargo difference between EVs in milk and IF can be used to optimize IF recipes and enhance infant nutrition.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
N. M. Steele, M. A. Stephen, B. Kuhn-Sherlock, S. J. Hendriks, S. Meier, C. V. C. Phyn, C. R. Burke
Summary: This study aimed to explore animal- and herd-level risk factors influencing age at puberty in predominantly Holstein-Friesian dairy heifers managed in seasonal, pasture-based systems. The results showed that heifers with higher weight and proportion of expected mature weight, as well as higher proportion of Jersey breed and lower proportion of Holstein breed, reached puberty at an earlier age. Additionally, herd puberty rates varied widely and were influenced by factors such as liveweight, breed, and land type.
NEW ZEALAND VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Haolin Li, Xiaomeng Pei, Hao Yu, Wei Wang, Dagan Mao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of APN/AdipoRon on autophagy and apoptosis in goat luteal cells, and found that autophagy and apoptosis play important roles in the structural regression of goat corpus luteum.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Yan-Qiu Wang, He-Xuan Qu, Yan-Wei Dong, Jia-Jia Qi, Hua-Kai Wei, Hao Sun, Hao Jiang, Jia-Bao Zhang, Bo-Xing Sun, Shuang Liang
Summary: This research reveals the crucial role of Ferroptosis Suppressor Protein 1 (FSP1) in regulating the development and quality of porcine early embryos. Inhibition of FSP1 impairs blastocyst formation, induces glutathione-independent ferroptosis, and leads to oxidative stress due to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Xiong Lai, Ruizhuo Liu, Mengyu Li, Yaochun Fan, Hongxia Li, Guotao Han, Ruijie Guo, Hairui Ma, Huimin Su, Wanjin Xing
Summary: This study identifies WDR54 as a protein involved in sperm-oocyte fertilization and shows that it interacts with IZUMO1 and JUNO. The formation of the JWIJ complex on the oocyte surface suggests its importance in sperm-oocyte adhesion and fusion. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms of mammalian sperm-oocyte adhesion and fusion.
Article
Reproductive Biology
S. Nandi, B. Sampath Kumar, P. S. P. Gupta, S. Mondal, V. Girish Kumar
Summary: This study examined the effects of plant bioactive compounds on the survival and growth parameters of ovine preantral follicles granulosa cells (GCs) and the expression of key developmental genes. The results showed that KAE, MYR and QUE had dose-dependent responses on the morphological and functional parameters of the cells, with KAE being the most potent in augmenting ovarian functions.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Francisco E. Martin-Cano, Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips, Laura Becerro-Rey, Eva da Silva, Javier Masot, Eloy Redondo, Antonio Silva-Rodriguez, Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola, Maria Cruz Gil, Fernando J. Pena
Summary: The presence of a more efficient glycolysis mechanism depending on pyruvate in stallion spermatozoa can counteract the detrimental effects of higher glucose concentrations. Incubating spermatozoa with 10 mM pyruvate in a modified Tyrode's media with 67 mM glucose showed increased motility and maintained viability. This improvement is attributed to the conversion of lactate to pyruvate and increased NAD(+) enhancing glycolysis efficiency.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Thanida Sananmuang, Denis Puthier, Catherine Nguyen, Kaj Chokeshaiusaha
Summary: Ongoing progress in mRNA-Sequencing technologies has contributed to the refinement of assisted reproductive technologies. This study utilized mRNA-Seq datasets of various mammalian species to analyze differential transcript usage (DTU) and identified ten cross-species DTU genes. Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of these genes in RNA and cell-cycle control mechanisms, suggesting their importance during oocyte maturation. Further exploration of these genes' transcript isoforms may lead to the discovery of novel markers for reproductive technologies.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Chenglei Song, Zhe Zhang, Yilin Wei, Yaqing Dou, Kunlong Qi, Xiuling Li, Feng Yang, Xinjian Li, Kejun Wang, Ruimin Qiao, Xuelei Han
Summary: In this study, the changes in protein levels in boar sperm with different liquid preservation abilities were analyzed. Key proteins related to sperm liquid preservation ability were identified. The findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of boar sperm liquid preservation ability.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Genevieve M. VanWye, Emily G. Smith, Christine Spinka, Michael F. Smith, Matthew C. Lucy, Jordan M. Thomas
Summary: A series of experiments evaluated treatment schedules for controlling the estrous cycle in beef heifers. The results showed that the duration of progestin treatment and the timing of prostaglandin administration had an impact on estrus expression and pregnancy rates.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Hongwei Duan, Shuai Yang, Longfei Xiao, Shanshan Yang, Zhenxing Yan, Fang Wang, Xiaofei Ma, Lihong Zhang, Yong Zhang, Junjie Hu, Xingxu Zhao
Summary: This study first elucidated the mechanism by which melatonin regulates progesterone secretion in the corpus luteum of sheep, namely by promoting progesterone secretion through the regulation of autophagy. This has important implications for further exploring the role of melatonin in regulating sheep ovarian function.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Zhijie Zheng, Yingfang Guo, Yonghui Zheng, Haichong Wu
Summary: This study demonstrates that miR-92b plays a protective role in LTA-induced endometritis by targeting FZD10 and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus alleviating uterine injury.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Areeg Almubarak, Sanghoon Lee, Il-Jeoung Yu, Yubyeol Jeon
Summary: This study found that Nobiletin (NOB) can promote the cryosurvival and embryo development of porcine sperm after in vitro fertilization (IVF). The addition of NOB improves sperm motility, acrosome integrity, viability, and mitochondrial membrane potential, reduces lipid peroxidation, and increases cleavage and blastocyst formation rates. Furthermore, NOB treatment upregulates the expression of genes related to pluripotency and cell differentiation in the resulting embryos.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Yuan Li, Lishu Li, Wenjie Xiong, Xing Duan, Huaming Xi
Summary: This study investigated the cytotoxicity and toxicological mechanisms of fluorochloridone (FLC) on cultured goat Sertoli cells. The results showed that FLC exposure induced oxidative stress, promoted apoptosis and autophagy, inhibited lysosomal biogenesis, and blocked autophagic flux in goat Sertoli cells. FLC also caused mitochondrial dysfunction and disturbed mitophagy, leading to cell apoptosis. The antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) reduced FLC-induced ROS accumulation and reversed the disorder of autophagy levels.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Gabriela Ramos Leal, Thais de Almeida Oliveira, Mariana Pedrosa de Paula Guimaraes, Lucas Francisco Leodido Correia, Erlandia Marcia Vasconcelos, Joanna Maria Goncalves Souza-Fabjan
Summary: This study investigated the time course of lipid accumulation during IVM and the effects of lipid modulators on cat oocytes. The results showed that adding lipid modulators can reduce lipid content and improve viability after cryopreservation.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Isabella Rio Feltrin, Amanda Guimaraes da Silva, Cecilia Constantino Rocha, Priscila Assis Ferraz, Paola Maria da Silva Rosa, Thiago Martins, Juliano Coelho da Silveira, Milena Lopes Oliveira, Mario Binelli, Guilherme Pugliesi, Claudia Maria Bertan Membrive
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of E2 treatment on Nelore heifers on day 15 of the estrous cycle, finding that E2 promoted an increase in PGFM concentrations and accelerated functional and structural luteolysis by upregulating the expression of PGR and OXTR. This suggests that within 3 hours after E2 stimulus, the expression of these receptors is associated with triggering luteolysis in cattle.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Aline Matos Arrais, Angelo Jose Burla Dias, Claudio Luiz Melo de Souza, Alinne Gloria Curcio, Marco Roberto Bourg de Mello
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of phospholipase C (PLC) on the capacitation of cryopreserved ovine semen. The results showed that the inhibitor U73122 can prevent premature capacitation and acrosome reaction induced by the freezing procedure, without affecting the kinetics and integrity of the sperm membranes.