Effect of melatonin on postpartum anestrus in beef cows

The effect of melatonin treatment on intervals from calving to first postpartum estrus and ovulation was determined in Shorthorn cows which calved May 8 to June 14. Melatonin (500 mg in beef tallow) was injected subcutaneously (s.c.) into 20 cows on June 15 (4 to 38 d postpartum). Ovulation was determined from progesterone concentrations in jugular venous blood collected weekly from June to August. Mean intervals to first estrus and first ovulation were significantly longer in primiparous than in multiparous cows (85 +/- 4 vs 55 +/- 3 d and 83 +/- 4 vs 52 +/-3 d). Melatonin treatment caused a significant increase in the intervals to first postpartum estrus (68 +/- 4 vs 58 +/- 5d) and ovulation (68 +/- 4 vs 55 +/- 5 d). Mean plasma melatonin concentrations during the daytime were significantly higher in treated than in control cows one and two weeks after melatonin injection and were within the lower range of nighttime values reported previously for cows. Thus melatonin treatment raised daytime plasma concentrations of melatonin and delayed the onset of estrus and ovulation. These results support the possibility of a role of photoperiod through melatonin secretion in the onset of postpartum ovarian activity in cattle.     

Effect of early postpartum PGF2α treatment on reproductive performance in dairy cows with calving and puerperal traits

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of early postpartum PGF two alpha treatment on reproductive performance in dairy cows with calving and puerperal traits. A total of 363 Holstein cows (128 primiparous and 235 multiparous) were selected based on the presence of at least one of calving and puerperal traits (dystocia, retained placenta, twin, abortion, and postpartum uterine infections) and were assigned to two groups (treatment and control) irrespective of presence or absence of luteal tissue. Cows in the treatment group were treated twice with 25 mg dinoprost 8 h apart on day 20 postpartum, and for the control group saline placebo was administered. As it was speculated that the timing of a second dose would mimic the release of endogenous PGF2α from the uterus, our hypothesis was that two doses of PGF2α 8 h apart may increase the duration of elevated plasma prostaglandin F2α metabolite concentration in these cows. Recorded reproductive variables included days to first estrus, days to first AI, first service conception rate, pregnancy by 150 days in milk, service per conception, open days, and the percentage of repeat breeder animals. The data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 15) (IBM North America, New York, NY, USA) and Minitab (Version 14) (Minitab, State College, PA, USA). Although early postpartum PGF2α treatment had no effect on days to first estrus (36.7 days vs. 34.9 days, P = 0.056) and days to first AI (70.5 days vs. 72.2 days, P = 0.537), it increased first service conception rate (47.1% vs. 27.6%, P < 0.001); and this was more remarkable in primiparous cows (64.7% vs. 25%, P < 0.001). PGF2α treatment reduced the mean service per conception (1.92 vs. 2.72, P < 0.001) and the mean open days (112 days vs. 144 days, P < 0.001), and increased pregnancy by 150 days in milk (DIM) (80% vs. 66%, P = 0.004). The prevalence of repeat breeder syndrome in cows with calving and puerperal traits was reduced by PGF2α treatment (10% vs. 29.8%, P < 0.001). In conclusion, treatment of cows with calving and puerperal traits twice with a luteolytic dose of PGF2α 8 h apart on Day 20 postpartum improved reproductive performance and reduced the prevalence of repeat breeder syndrome.     

Influence of parity on follicular dynamics and resumption of ovarian cycle in postpartum dairy cows

The present study examined ovarian changes preceding the resumption of the ovarian cycle in postpartum dairy cows with different parities under similar body nutritional conditions. In postpartum primi- (n=6), bi- (n=4), and multiparous (n=6) Holstein dairy cows, ovarian ultrasonographic observations starting at 7 days after calving were performed every other day and then daily after the confirmation of clinical signs of oestrus for the detection of postpartum first ovulation. Blood samples were collected at the same time as ultrasonography and analyzed for oestradiol and progesterone to monitor ovarian activity. To evaluate the nutritional condition of the cows, body weight and body condition score (BCS, 1=emaciated to 5=obese) were measured weekly and blood samples for the analysis of glucose, insulin, and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) were collected at the same time until postpartum second ovulation. Dominant follicles (>8mm in diameter) of the first follicular wave were detected at 7 days after calving in all cows. The first wave follicle ovulated in five of six multiparous cows, whereas no first wave follicle ovulated in any of the primiparous cows. The days to first ovulation after calving in primiparous cows (31.8+/-8.3 days) were significantly greater (p<0.05) than those in multiparous cows (17.3+/-6.3 days), but were not significantly different from biparous cows (28.8+/-8.6 days). There was a significant relationship between parity and days to first ovulation after calving (p<0.05). BCS was maintained at a level of more than 2.5 during the postpartum period in all cows and there was no influence of parity on postpartum changes in BCS, glucose, insulin, or NEFA throughout the experiment. The present study demonstrated a negative relationship between parity and number of days from calving to first ovulation in dairy cows under similar body nutritional conditions. It is possible that the influence of parity on the resumption of ovarian cycle is modulated by the factors different from the nutrition-related changes during the postpartum period in dairy cows.     

Effects of abnormal ovarian cycles during pre-service period postpartum on subsequent reproductive performance of high-producing Holstein cows

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of abnormal ovarian cycles during the pre-service postpartum period on subsequent reproductive performance of high-producing Holstein cows. The study was conducted in a commercial dairy farm with approximately 150 lactating cows, in a subtropical region of Japan. Animals were kept in free-stall barn, and fed a total mixed ration. Cows that calved from June 2001 to July 2002 were included in the study. Milk samples were collected twice weekly from 2 to 11 weeks postpartum, and progesterone concentrations in skim milk were determined by ELISA. After a voluntary waiting period of 40 days, cows detected in estrus were bred by artificial insemination (AI). Pregnancy was confirmed by palpation per rectum 40-70 days after AI. Out of a total of 91 cases, 39 (42.9%) had normal ovarian cycles (ovulation within 45 days after calving, followed by normal ovarian cycles), 32 (35.2%) had prolonged luteal phase (i.e. luteal activity for >20 days), and 12 (13.2%) had anovulation or delayed first ovulation (i.e. first ovulation did not occur until >45 days after calving). The remaining (8.8%) had other types of abnormalities. When compared with cows with a normal ovarian cycle, prolonged luteal phase cows had a lower 100 days AI submission rate, conception rate and pregnancy rate (84.2% versus 56.3%; P<0.05, 50% versus 16.7%; P<0.05 and 42.1% versus 9.4%; P<0.01, respectively), and longer intervals to first AI and to conception ( 67+/-6 days versus 98+/-7 days and 95+/-9 days versus 136+/-11 days; P<0.01 for each). Similarly, when compared with cows with normal ovarian cycles, those with anovulation had lower 100 days conception rate and pregnancy rate (50% versus 0%; P<0.05 and 42.1% versus 0%; P<0.01, respectively), and longer intervals to first AI and to conception ( 67+/-6 days versus 93+/-12 days; P<0.05 and 95+/-9 days versus 155+/-14 days; P<0.01, respectively). Survival analysis of the data for calving to conception interval showed that cows with prolonged luteal phase or anovulation were getting pregnant at a slower rate, and took longer to get pregnant than the cows with normal resumption of ovarian cyclicity postpartum. In conclusion, abnormal ovarian cycles during the pre-service period postpartum adversely affected reproductive performance, including AI submission rate, pregnancy rate, interval to first AI, and calving to conception interval in high-producing Holstein cows.     

Effect of feeding yeast culture on reproduction and lameness in dairy cows under heat stress

Multiparous Holstein cows (n=717) from two dairy farms were blocked at calving by parity and previous lactation milk yield and, within each block, randomly assigned to one of two treatments: a diet containing no yeast culture (Control; n=359) or 30 g/d of a culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YC; n=358) from 20 to 140 d postpartum. Only cows calving during months of heat stress, May-August were enrolled. Lameness score (1-5 scale) was evaluated at study enrollment and again at 100 d postpartum. The body condition score (BCS, 1-5 scale) was evaluated at calving, 28, 58 and 140 d postpartum. Cows received two injections of PGF(2alpha) at 37 and 51 d postpartum, and those observed in estrus were inseminated. Cows not in estrus were enrolled in a timed AI protocol at 65 d postpartum and inseminated at 75 d postpartum. Ovaries were examined by ultrasonography at 37 and 51 d postpartum to determine whether estrous cycling had been initiated by the presence of a corpus lutem (CL) in at least one of the two examinations. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 31, 38 and 66 d after the first AI and at 38 and 66 d after the second and third AI. Diet did not affect time of onset of estrous cycles postpartum, and 8.2% of the cows were anovular. Detection of estrus in the 7d after the second injection of PGF(2alpha) was similar for control and YC. For control and YC, conception rates 38 d after AI at first (30.8% and 31.4%), second (39.3% and 35.1%) and third (25.8% and 30.6%) inseminations, and pregnancy losses did not differ, which resulted in similar median days to pregnancy and proportion of pregnant cows at 140 d postpartum. Yeast culture did not affect incidence of lameness, but tended to reduce lameness score. Lame cows and anovular cows had lesser conception rates at first AI, and extended interval from calving to conception. A THI of 71 was identified as the critical point in which fertility was reduced in lactating dairy cows, although the sensitivity and specificity were minimal. Cows exposed to a THI>71 on the day of first AI had a 33% reduction in the rate of pregnancy resulting in extended interval to pregnancy. Feeding a yeast culture of S. cerevisiae had minor effects on lameness score, but no impact on reproduction of multiparous cows under heat stress.     

Peripheral testosterone in boars after administration of hCG, ACTH and testosterone at three ages

The frequency of short cycles after the first postpartum estrus was determined from data collected in three experiments. Short estrous cycles (SEC) were defined as those less than 17 days long. Cows that were bred at the first estrus postpartum and conceived were included in the non-short cycle count. In Exp. 1, designed to determine the influence of genetic ability for milk production on postpartum traits, 16 of 118 Holstein cows (13.6%) had short estrous cycles. The incidence of SEC was greater in the low milk production group, but the differences were not significant (P>.25). This group had a shorter mean postpartum interval to first estrus (PPI) when compared to the high milk production cows (P<.025). Exp. 2 was designed to test the influence of suckling versus nonsuckling on postpartum traits, and seven of 54 Angus cows (13.0%) had SEC. The incidence of SEC in suckled and nonsuckled cows was 2 26 and 5 28 , respectively (P<.25). The nonsuckled cows had a shorter (P<.005) PPI than suckled cows. When these cows were grouped according to winter or summer calving, the incidence of SEC was 1 20 vs 6 34 (P<.25). In Exp. 3, designed to determine breed of sire x nutrition interactions on postpartum traits, there were 14 SEC out of 174 (8.0%) first estrous cycles in three parities of 58 crossbred cows. There was a tendency (P<.15) for more SEC to occur in the high nutrition group, but this may have been due in part to two cows in the high nutrition group that exhibited SEC in more than one parity. The high nutrition group also tended (P<.10) to have a shorter mean PPI than the low nutrition group. In all experiments, there were more SEC among cows displaying first estrus before 20 days postpartum.     

Chronic stress, hormone profiles and estrus intensity in dairy cattle

The objectives of the present study were to determine if lameness, a model for a natural chronic stressor, affects hormone concentrations in milk prior to estrus and/or the subsequent expression of estrus in the postpartum period. Dairy cows>20 days postpartum were scored for lameness and observed for estrus intensity using a weighted scoring system (>100 points=estrus=Day 0). Increasing lameness score was not associated with daily profiles of milk progesterone (throughout Days -18 to 0), estradiol (Days -6 to 2) or cortisol (Days -18 to 2) around estrus, maximum estradiol values or estradiol concentrations on Day 0. However, post hoc pair wise comparisons revealed that prior to estrus, severely lame cows had lower maximum progesterone concentrations compared to nonlame cows (1.3+/-0.1, 1.2+/-0.2, 0.7+/-0.1 ng/ml milk; P=0.042). Furthermore, severely lame cows expressed behavioral estrus with lower intensity (284+/-128 points, n=9) compared to moderately lame (662+/-310 points, n=9) or nonlame animals (583+/-275 points, n=18; P=0.05 and P=0.02, respectively). Resting concentrations of cortisol (Days 20-80 postpartum) did not vary between days postpartum or lameness score. The incidence of behavioral estrus was not affected by increasing lameness score, as 54.2%, 56.2% and 50.0% periods with low progesterone were associated with spontaneous estrus expression, respectively. Concluding, in this biological model of chronic stress, lameness did not affect the incidence of behavioral estrus but did reduce estrus intensity once ovarian cyclicity had resumed after calving. This reduced intensity of estrus was associated with lower maximum progesterone values prior to estrus but not abnormal daily cortisol or estradiol values in milk.     

Reproductive function in beef cows calving in the spring or fall

Plasma progesterone was determined twice weekly for approximately 100 days postpartum in suckled purebred (Hereford) and crossbred (beef x dairy) cows that calved in the spring or late summer/fall season. The progestèrone profiles and occurrence of estrus were used to determine ovulation times and to monitor ovarian function. Postpartum ovulations occurred significantly earlier in crossbred than in purebred cows (38.1 ± 18.5 vs. 58.1 ± 21.8, P<0.01) and in fall compared to spring calving cows (32 ± 13.9 vs. 59.1 ± 20.3, P<0.001). Rations providing either 70 or 100% of requirements for metabolizable energy were fed from 30 days prepartum until the end of the subsequent rebreeding period. Cows receiving the 70% energy ration ovulated slightly earlier but there was no effect of ration on days to pregnancy. The minimal effect of energy ration was not unexpected in this trial since many of the cows were overconditioned during late gestation.The correlation between calendar date of calving and interval to first ovulation was significant for spring (r = ?0.38, P<0.01) but not for fall calving animals. Since cows were confined and received a balanced ration of stored feeds throughout the year, photoperiod and/or temperature rather than nutritional factors would be the probable cause of delayed ovarian activity in spring calvers.Reproductive performance was assessed during the period when samples were collected and the response for purebred (n=105) and crossbreds (n=142), respectively were: ovulated by day 60 postpartum, 57 vs. 87%; mated by day 100 without conception, 17 vs. 26%; ovulated before day 100 without detection and mating, 10 vs. 4%; anovulatory to day 100, 7 vs. 0%; pregnant by day 100, 67 vs. 70%. Similar comparisons for spring (n=133) and summer/fall (n=144) calvers, respectively, were: ovulated by 60 days postpartum, 56 vs. 96%; mated by day 100 without conception, 27 vs. 17%; ovulated by day 100 without detection and mating, 8 vs. 5%; anovulatory to day 100, 5 vs. 0%; pregnant by day 100, 60 vs. 78%. The difference with the greatest practical significance is that a higher proportion of the late summer/fall calving animals were pregnant by day 100 postpartum (P<0.01) which indicates that reproductive performance is superior in fall calving beef cows.     

Factors affecting postpartum ovarian activity in crossbred primiparous tropical heifers

The relationship between postpartum ovarian activity and a total of 9 variables was studied in a dry tropical environment. Primiparous cows (n=61) that had shown no peripartum abnormalities, and were not suckled but milked twice daily, were used in the study. Independent variables included crossbreeding, sex of the calf, season, body condition, weight of cow at calving, age of dam at calving, uterine involution, calf weight and accumulated milk yield. Diet was a controlled variable. Dependent variables were first estrus postpartum and/or first milk progesterone elevation prior to first estrus. A bull fitted with a chin ball marker was used to detect first estrus postpartum, while ovarian structures were palpated per rectum once a week. Progesterone was measured by RIA in milk samples collected twice weekly. First postpartum estrus was detected at 56 +/- 32 days postpartum, a first milk progesterone elevation was observed in 50.8% of cows at 42 +/- 27 days. Cows calving in the dry season had longer intervals and those who calved males had shorter postpartum intervals. Accumulated milk yield affected both intervals significatly (p < 0.01). Weight, age and uterine involution were asociated with first milk progesterone elevation, while crossbreeding, weight at calving and weight postpartum change were associated with the dependent variables.     

Follicular dynamics during postpartum anestrus and the first estrous cycle in suckled or non-suckled Brahman (Bos indicus) cows

Brahman (Bos indicus) cows, were selected at 28+/-10 days after calving and analyzed by real time rectal ultrasonography three times a week, in order to evaluate and compare follicular and corpus luteum development during postpartum (PP) anestrus and the first PP estrous cycle under sylvopastoril conditions. Suckling (S, n=11) or non-suckling (NS, n=5) cows were evaluated in a zone of tropical dry forest (450m of altitude, mean temperature=27 degrees C, annual rainfall=1000mm). Estrous detection was performed twice daily by direct observation. Progesterone was quantified using RIA. From 28+/-10 days postcalving to resumption of estrous cycles, there were no differences (P>0.05) between NS and S cows for diameter of the dominant or first subordinate follicle, follicular growth rate, or interdominance interval. Silent ovulation, corpus luteum formation and subsequent progesterone concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 9. 7ng/ml, were found in both groups. The first calving to ovulation and calving to standing estrus intervals were shorter (P<0.01) in NS (34.8+/-5.81 and 41.2+/-9.03 days) than in S (65+/-4.82 and 81+/-6. 21 days) cows. Follicular development and progesterone concentrations during the first PP estrous cycle did not differ (P>0. 05) between NS and S cows. These results suggest that Brahman cows could have an early PP resumption of follicular recruitment if fed under sylvopastoril system conditions. However, non-suckled cows did have an earlier standing estrus and ovulation than did suckled cows.     

Effect of days postpartum and exogenous GnRH on reproductive hormone and ovarian changes in postpartum suckled beef cows

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of days postpartum and exogenous gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) on reproductive hormone and ovarian changes in postpartum suckled beef cows. In experiment 1, eight suckled cows were bled at .5 hour intervals for 4 hours on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 postpartum. Although mean concentrations of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) were positively correlated with days postpartum, mean concentrations did not differ. The mean maximum change and the variance of plasma LH were low on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 postpartum. Although the number of cows with an ovarian follicle and follicular size increased with days postpartum, mean concentrations of estradiol-17beta did not change. The interval from parturition to the first detected ovarian follicle and the first postpartum estrus was 17.5 +/- 2.6 days and 36.0 +/- 2.2 days, respectively. An elevation in plasma progesterone was detected about one week prior to the first postpartum estrus in 6 of the eight cows in the absence of corpora lutea. In experiment 2, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) induced ovulation in 4 of the 8 cows treated on day 27, 28 or 29 postpartum whereas none of the 8 saline treated cows ovulated to treatment. The interval from parturition to first estrus and conception were similar for both groups (P >.10).     

Induction of cyclicity in postpartum anestrous beef cows using progesterone, GnRH and estradiol cypionate (ECP)

The objective of the present study was to determine whether treatment of postpartum multiparous and primiparous anestrous beef cows with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR) and PGF(2alpha), with and without the addition of GnRH or estradiol cypionate (ECP) at the time of CIDR insertion, is effective in stimulating onset of estrous cycles. Postpartum lactating Angus primiparous (n=47, 2 years of age, 495+/-6 kg) and multiparous (n=76, >or=3 years of age, 553+/-9 kg) cows were assigned by calving date to four blocks spaced 21-day apart. Cows were assigned sequentially by calving date to four treatment groups: (1) PGF(2alpha) (n=30), (2) CIDR-PGF(2alpha) (n=30), (3) GnRH-CIDR-PGF(2alpha) (n=33), and (4) ECP-CIDR-PGF(2alpha) (n=27). Intravaginal CIDR inserts were in place from days -7 to 0. A single 100 microg injection of GnRH or 2 mg ECP were administered on day -7, and 25mg PGF(2alpha) was administered on day 0. Day 0 averaged 38+/-1 day postpartum. Blood samples were collected on days -19, -9, 0, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, and 30 for determination of plasma progesterone concentrations. Pre-treatment luteal activity (progesterone>or=1 ng/ml) was detected in 19% of primiparous and 8% of multiparous cows. Progesterone concentrations on day 0 were greater (P<0.001) in primiparous (3.2+/-0.3 ng/ml) than multiparous (2.0+/-0.2 ng/ml) cows. Following CIDR withdrawal, progesterone concentrations from days 5 to 30 were used to categorize response profiles as either: (1) treatment-induced onset of estrous cycles, (2) continued anestrus, or (3) spontaneous ovulation and subsequent formation of a CL. Incidence of treatment-induced onset of estrous cycles, which was defined as progesterone concentrations >or=1 ng/ml in three or more consecutive samples from days 9 to 19, was influenced by treatment and parity. Percentages of cows initiating estrous cycles were greater (P<0.001) in the three CIDR-treated groups than in the PGF(2alpha) group (55 and 8%, respectively). Percentages of cows initiating estrous cycles in the CIDR-PGF(2alpha), GnRH-CIDR-PGF(2alpha), and ECP-CIDR-PGF(2alpha) groups were 55, 58, and 52%, respectively. Incidence of treatment-induced estrous cycles in the three CIDR-treated groups of cows was greater (P=0.008) in primiparous (76%) than multiparous (43%) cows. Treatment of postpartum anestrous primiparous and multiparous beef cows with CIDR-PGF(2alpha) approximately 40-day postpartum provides an approach to increase the percentage of cows that have reinitiated estrous cycles by the start of the breeding season.     

Evaluation of short estrus synchronization methods in dairy cows

In the present study, two new short estrus synchronization methods have been developed for lactating dairy cows. The study was completed in three consecutive phases. In experiment (Exp) 1, 32 cows, that were not detected in estrus since calving between the 50th and 84th post-partum days, were treated with PGF2alpha (PGF, d-cloprostenol, 0.150 mg), estradiol propionate (EP, 2mg) and GnRH (lecirelina, 50 microg) at 24h intervals, respectively, and timed artificial insemination (TAI) was performed 48 h after PGF. Different from Exp 1, EP and GnRH were given at 48 and 60 h, respectively after PGF in Exp 2 (n=20), instead of 24 and 48 h. Ovulations were investigated by ultrasound for 7 days starting from the day of PGF treatment, and ovulation rates were compared with the ones obtained in Exp 1. In Exp 3, cows were given the same treatments as Exp 2, but treatments started at certain estrus stages. Cows detected in estrus and with a confirmed ovulation (n=27) after the second PGF given 11 days apart were assigned to three treatment groups. Treatment was initiated at Day 3 (group metestrus, n=9), Day 12 (group diestrus, n=9) and Day 18 (group proestrus, n=9) after ovulation. All cows included in Exp 3 were TAI between 16 and 20 h after GnRH treatment. In Exp 2 and 3, blood samples were obtained once every 2 days, starting from Day 0 to the 10th day after GnRH injection, and once every 4 days between the 10th and the 22nd days after GnRH to examine post-treatment luteal development. During the study, animals exhibiting natural estrus were inseminated and served as controls (n=85). The rate of estrus was found to be significantly higher in cows with an active corpus luteum (CL) at the start of Exp 1 (72.7% vs. 30.0%, P<0.05) and the pregnancy rate tended to be higher than cows without an active CL (40.9% vs. 10.0%, P=0.08). Compared to those in Exp 1, cows in Exp 2 had higher rates of synchronized ovulation (94.1% vs. 59.1%, P=0.013). In Exp 3, estrus (P<0.001) and pregnancy rates (P=0.01) were found to be significantly higher in cows in the proestrus group than in those in the metestrus group. Comparable pregnancy rates were obtained from the first and second inseminations in Exp 1 and 3 with results from those inseminated at natural estrus (P>0.05). It was concluded from the study that the treatment in Exp 1 and 3 could result in comparable pregnancy rates after timed AI of lactating dairy cows at random stages of the estrus cycle relating to those inseminated at natural estrus, but the stage of the estrus cycle can have significant effects on pregnancy rates.     

Screening for high fertility in high-producing dairy cows

A retrospective study involving 2756 pregnancies from two commercial dairy herds in northeastern Spain determined relationships between management, production and reproductive data, and high fertility (conception before 90 days in milk) in high-producing dairy cows. High fertility was registered in 989 (35.9%) cows. The following data were recorded for each animal: herd, repeated animal (cows included two or more times within the study in which data were obtained from different lactational periods), parity (primiparous versus multiparous), previous twinning, reproductive disorders following calving (retained placenta, primary metritis) and at postpartum gynecological examination (incomplete uterine involution, pyometra and ovarian cysts), days in milk at conception, previous estrous synchronization and season of calving and conception. In order to evaluate the possible effect of high production during the peak milk yield on subsequent fertility, daily milk production at Day 50 postpartum was also recorded and cows were classified as high (> or = 50 kg) and low (< 50 kg) producers. Logistic regression analysis indicated no significant effects of herd, repeated animal, previous twinning, reproductive disorders such as primary metritis, incomplete uterine involution, pyometra and ovarian cysts, previous estrous synchronization and season of calving and insemination. Based on the odds ratio, the likelihood of high fertility increased in high-producer cows by a factor of 6.8. High fertility was less likely for multiparous cows (by a factor of 0.35) and for cows suffering placenta retention (by a factor of 0.65). High fertile cows produced a mean of 49.5 kg milk at Day 50 postpartum, in contrast to that 43.2 kg milk of the remainder cows. These findings question the negative effect of high production on fertility. Our results indicated that high individual cow milk production can be positively related to high fertility.     

Ovarian and endocrine responses and reproductive performance following GnRH treatment in early postpartum dairy cows

At calving forty-eight Holstein and Guernsey cows were assigned according to age and breed to one of six postpartum periods (1 or 2, 3 or 4, 5 or 6, 7 or 8, 12 or 13 and 18 or 19 days postpartum). Thirty-six of the cows (6 cows per postpartum period) received a single intramuscular injection of 100 μg GnRH. The other twelve cows (2 cows per postpartum period) served as controls and received a single intramuscular injection of the carrier vehicle for GnRH.Four of 36 cows administered GnRH and three of the 12 control cows ovulated by the day following treatment. Four of the cows were 12 or 13 days postpartum (1 control and 3 GnRH treated) and three were 18 or 19 days postpartum (2 controls and 1 GnRH treated). Six of the seven cows that ovulated the day following treatment had a follicle > 1.0 cm the day prior to treatment. Follicular growth was detected in the earlier postpartum periods but ovulation the following day was not detected for either control or GnRH treated cows. Following estrus or silent estrus, plasma progesterone concentrations increased to about 4 ng/ml on day 13. However, in cows ovulating the day following GnRH treatment, plasma progesterone declined from about 3 ng/ml on day 9 to approximately 1 ng/ml on day 13 postestrus. In addition, LH in plasma was higher (P < .01) ? through 13 days following estrus or silent estrus in cows ovulating the day after GnRH treatment in comparison to cows during the first or subsequent postpartum estrous cycles.In summary, in addition to days postpartum other factors including follicular development and maturity are probably involved in GnRH induced ovulation.     

Influence of a CIDR prior to bull breeding on pregnancy rates and subsequent calving distribution

We determined whether insertion of a CIDR for 7 days prior to the breeding season enhanced pregnancy rates and altered the date of conception in suckled beef cows mated naturally. Suckled beef cows (n=2033) from 15 locations were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: (1) cows received a CIDR 7 days prior to the breeding season for 7 days (CIDR; n=999); (2) cows received no treatment (Control; n=1034). On the first day of the breeding season bulls were introduced to herds at a rate of 15-25 cows per yearling bull or 20-30 cows per mature bull. Pregnancy status and the date of conception were determined via transrectal ultrasonography at 56 and 120 days after initiation of the breeding season. Overall pregnancy rates ranged from 59.3 to 98.9% among the 15 locations. The percentage of cows becoming pregnant during the first 30 days of the breeding season was similar between CIDR (68.2%) and Control (66.7%) cows, and overall pregnancy rates were similar between CIDR (88.9%) and Control (88.6%) cows. The average day of conception after initiation of the breeding season was shorter (P<0.01) for CIDR (20.1+/-0.8 days) compared to Control cows (23.2+/-0.8 days). Of cows conceiving during the breeding season, more (P<0.05) CIDR cows (35.9%) conceived during the first 10 days of the breeding season than Control cows (30.8%). Neither body condition score and nor parity affected pregnancy rates or days to conception, whereas pregnancy rates and days to conception were affected (P<0.01) by location and days postpartum. Days to conception were greater for cows that calved within 40 days (31.6+/-1.2 days) of initiation of the breeding season compared to cows calving between 40 and 50 days (25.3+/-1.2 days) prior to initiation of the breeding season, which were greater than those cows calving between 50-60 days (20.0+/-0.8 days) and 60-70 days (21.3+/-1.0 days) prior to initiation of the breeding season. Cows calving greater than 70 days (17.3+/-1.5 days) from initiation of the breeding season had the shortest interval to conception. We concluded that insertion of a CIDR prior to the breeding season failed to increase overall pregnancy rates, but did influence the average day of conception.     

Effect of Chromium Supplementation on Productive and Reproductive Performances and Some Metabolic Parameters in Late Gestation and Early Lactation of Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of supplemental chromium as chromium-L-methionine (Cr-Met) on productive and reproductive performances and some metabolic parameters in late gestation and early lactation of dairy cows. Sixty multiparous Holstein dairy cows according to prior lactation, parity, body mass (682?±?33?kg), and expected calving date were divided equally (30 cows/treatment) and were randomly allocated to one of the two groups. One group received basal diet without Cr (control group) and another group received Cr-Met supplement added at manufacturer's recommended level (8?mg of "Cr"/head per day) from 21?days before expected calving date until 21?days of lactation. Supplemental Cr tended to increase milk yield (P?=?0.08) while percentage of lactose and lactose yield increased (P??0.05). Percentage of cyclic cows at 36?days postpartum and estrous behavior before AI was higher in the supplemented group.     

Improvement of reproductive performance in crossbred zebu anestrous primiparous cows by treatment with norgestomet implants or 96 h calf removal

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of norgestomet implants (NI) and calf removal (CR) for 96 h on estrus induction and first service fertility in crossbred zebu primiparous anestrous cows after 120 days postpartum. A total of 152 cows in a tropical environment were allotted to three experimental groups: CR for 96 h (n = 51), NI for 9 days plus 500 IU of PMSG at implant removal (n = 51) and a control group (CG) without treatment (n = 50). Estrous rate (%) and mean interval to first estrus (days) were 50.9 and 26.3+/-6.8; 60.7 and 13.8+/-6.8; 16.0% and 61.8+/-5.9 days for groups CR, NI and CG, respectively. CR and NI were statistically similar, however, both groups were different (P < 0.01) when compared with CG. Calving interval to first service and to conception were: CR: 151.2+/-8.4 and 157.8+/-21.4; NI: 145.2+/-8.5 and 150.9+/-21.3; CG: 186.8+/-7.3 and 201.0+/-18.5. A difference (P < 0.01) was found in both intervals when comparing the CR and NI with CG, with longer intervals for cows in the CG group. First service conception rates were 61.5, 67.7 and 62.5% for groups CR, NI and CG, respectively, and were not different (P > 0.05). These results demonstrate the efficacy of NI + PMSG or temporary CR for 96 h in inducing a fertile estrus and shortening the interval to estrus and to conception in primiparous crossbred anestrous zebu cows in the tropics.     

Fertility in postpartum dairy cows in winter or summer following estrus synchronization and fixed time AI after the induction of an LH surge with GnRH or hCG

In this study, the fertility of postpartum dairy cows after a sequence of treatments with GnRH (Day 0), PGF2alpha (Day 7) and GnRH (Day 9) (GnRH group; n = 164) or hCG (Day 0), PGF2alpha (Day 7) and hCG (Day 9) (group hCG; n = 166) was investigated in summer and winter seasons. All cows were artificially inseminated without estrus detection, 16-18 h after the end of treatment. Control cows (CONT; n = 226) were not treated and were inseminated at natural estrus. The pregnancy rates at Day 90 (46% versus 33%; P < 0.05) and at Day 135 (76% versus 62%; P < 0.05) postpartum were significantly lower in CONT cows in summer compared to winter months but this effect was not observed in the two treated groups. The number of days from calving to conception was significantly lower in GnRH and hCG treatment groups compared to CONT cows in cold months (102 +/- 3.2, 106 +/- 4.2, 126 +/- 3.1, respectively; P < 0.001) and in hot months (112 +/- 3.2, 114 +/- 4.2, 139 +/- 3.1, respectively; P < 0.001). The concentration of insulin was significantly higher in winter (P < 0.001). There were no differences in average plasma concentration of glucose (P = 0.474), GH (P = 0.441) or IGF-I (P = 0.190). In conclusion, we have shown that veterinary supervision combined with a program of estrous synchronization and fixed time insemination can improve fertility of cows suffering heat stress.     

Luteal competency during the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in postpartum Brahman cows

Twenty pluriparous, spring-calving Brahman cows were used to determine luteal competency, as measured by serum progesterone concentrations, during the first and the second postpartum estrous cycles. Prior to and after calving, all cows were maintained in good body condition on Coastal bermudagrass pasture (IFN 1-00-703). The calves were allowed to suckle ad libitum, and sterile marker bulls were maintained with the cow herd as an aid in estrus detection throughout the trial. Cow weight and body condition score were recorded within 24 hours after calving and again at the first behavioral estrus observed. From day 1 through day 14 (day 0 = estrus) of both the first and the second postpartum estrous cycles, blood samples were collected from each cow, processed to yield serum and analyzed by radioimmunoassay for progesterone concentrations. There was a higher incidence of abnormal estrous cycles following the first postpartum estrus (35%) than following the second (5%) postpartum estrus (P<0.05). The abnormal first estrous cycles were characterized by either a short luteal phase (four cows) or by standing estrus behavior without luteal tissue formation (three cows). When serum progesterone concentrations were compared for all cows during the first estrous cycle with those during the second estrous cycle, there was less progesterone released during the cycle (P<0.05) and lower peak progesterone concentrations (P<0.10) during the first estrous cycle. However, if the abnormal cows were excluded from the analyses, there was no difference (P>0.10) in either progesterone concentrations through the 14 days measured or in peak progesterone concentrations between the first and the second postpartum estrous cycles. It can be concluded from this study that the higher incidence of abnormal luteal function following the first postpartum estrus may contribute to the decreased conception rates observed when cows are bred at their first postpartum estrus.