Estimate of the population of preantral follicles in the ovaries of Bos taurus indicus and Bos taurus taurus cattle

The number of oocytes recovered from Bos taurus indicus females subjected to ovum pick-up averaged two to four times greater compared to Bos taurus taurus females. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that this difference in oocyte yield was due to more preantral follicles in the ovaries of Bos indicus females. Ovaries (n = 64) from Nelore (Bos indicus) fetuses (n = 10), heifers (n = 12), and cows (n = 10), and Aberdeen Angus (Bos taurus) fetuses (n = 10), heifers (n = 12), and cows (n = 10) were cut longitudinally into halves, fixed, and processed for histological evaluation. The number of preantral follicles was estimated by counting them in each histological section, using the oocyte nucleus as a marker and employing a correction factor. The average number of preantral follicles in the ovaries of Bos indicus vs Bos taurus was (mean ± SD) 143,929 ± 64,028 vs 285,155 ± 325,195 for fetuses, 76,851 ± 78,605 vs 109,673 ± 86,078 for heifers, and 39,438 ± 31,017 vs 89,577 ± 86,315 for cows (P > 0.05). The number of preantral follicles varied greatly among individual animals within the same category, as well as between breeds. In conclusion, we inferred that the higher oocyte yield from Bos indicus females was not due to a greater ovarian reserve of preantral follicles. Therefore, mechanisms controlling follicle development after the preantral stage likely accounted for differences between Bos indicus and Bos taurus females in number of oocytes retrieved at ovum pick-up.     

Ovarian follicular dynamics in Nelore breed (Bos indicus) cattle

The most common beef cattle raised in Brazil is the Nelore breed (Bos indicus). Information obtained by ultrasonography on follicular growth in Bos taurus cattle has been accumulating rapidly. However, there are few publications to date on follicular development in Bos indicus breeds. The follicular dynamics in Nelore heifers and cows during natural or prostaglandin (PG)-induced estrous cycle were studied. From the detection of estrus onward, all animals were examined daily by ultrasonography for one (n = 35) or two (n = 10) consecutive estrous cycles. The follicular dynamic in Nelore cattle was characterized by the predominance of 2 follicular waves in the cows (83.3%, n = 18, P < 0.05) and 3 waves in the heifers (64.7%, n = 16, P < 0.05). Most of the cattle observed over 2 consecutive estrous cycles presented the same pattern of follicular waves in the first and second cycle, and only 30% showed variation in the number of waves from one cycle to the other. Most of the follicular parameters analyzed were not affected by PG treatment or age but were altered by follicular waves. Consequently, data on cows and heifers were combined according to the number of follicular waves. The ovulatory follicle was larger than the other dominant follicles (P < 0.05), and the ovulatory wave was shorter than the preceding waves (P < 0.05). The interovulatory interval was longer in animals showing 3 waves than those exhibiting 2 waves (P < 0.05). Maximum diameter of the dominant follicle (around 11 mm) and of the corpus luteum (CL, approximately 17 mm) were smaller than those reported for European breeds. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that although the dominant follicle and corpus luteum are smaller than in European breeds, the follicular dynamics in Nelore cattle were similar to those observed in European breeds and were characterized by 2 or 3 follicular waves for cows and heifers, respectively, during the natural or prostaglandin-induced estrous cycle.     

Folliculogenesis during the transitional period and early ovulatory season in mares

Individual follicles were monitored by ultrasonography in 15 mares during the transitional period preceding the first ovulation of the year and in 9 mares during the first interovulatory interval. During the transitional period, 7 mares developed 1-3 anovulatory follicular waves characterized by a dominant follicle (maximum diameter greater than or equal to 38 mm) that had growing, static, and regressing phases. The emergence of a subsequent wave (anovulatory or ovulatory) did not occur until the dominant follicle of the previous wave was in the static phase. After the emergence of the subsequent wave, the previous dominant follicle regressed. The mean (+/- s.d.) length of the interval between successive waves was 10.8 +/- 2.2 days. Before the emergence of waves (identified by a dominant follicle), follicular activity seemed erratic and follicles did not reach greater than 35 mm. During the interovulatory interval, 6 mares developed 2 waves (an anovulatory wave and a subsequent ovulatory wave) and 3 mares developed only 1 detected wave (the ovulatory wave). The ovulatory follicle at the end of the transitional period reached 20 mm earlier (Day - 15), grew slower (2.6 +/- 0.1 mm/day; mean +/- s.e.m.) but reached a larger diameter on Day - 1 (50.5 +/- 1.1 mm) than for the ovulatory follicle at the end of the interovulatory interval (Day - 10, 3.6 +/- 0.2 mm/day, 44.4 +/- 1.0 mm, respectively; P less than 0.05 for each end point). The interval from cessation of growth of the largest subordinate follicle to the occurrence of ovulation was longer (P less than 0.05) for end of the transitional period (9.5 +/- 0.7 days) than for the end of the interovulatory interval (6.8 +/- 0.6 days). Results demonstrated the occurrence of rhythmic follicular waves during some transitional periods and the occurrence of 2 waves during some of the first oestrous cycles of the year.     

Ovarian antral follicular dynamics and their relationships with endocrine variables throughout the oestrous cycle in breeds of sheep differing in prolificacy.

Transrectal ultrasonography of ovaries was performed each day in non-prolific Western white-faced (n = 12) and prolific Finn ewes (n = 7), during one oestrous cycle in the middle portion of the breeding season (October-December), to record the number and size of all follicles > or = 3 mm in diameter. Blood samples collected once a day were analysed by radioimmunoassay for concentrations of LH, FSH and oestradiol. A cycle-detection computer program was used to identify transient increases in concentrations of FSH and oestradiol in individual ewes. Follicular and hormonal data were then analysed for associations between different stages of the lifespan of the largest follicles of follicular waves, and detected fluctuations in serum concentrations of FSH and oestradiol. A follicular wave was defined as a follicle or a group of follicles that began to grow from 3 to > or = 5 mm in diameter within a 48 h period. An average of four follicular waves per ewe emerged during the interovulatory interval in both breeds of sheep studied. The last follicular wave of the oestrous cycle contained ovulatory follicles in all ewes, and the penultimate wave contained ovulatory follicles in 10% of white-faced ewes but in 57% of Finn ewes. Transient increases in serum concentrations of FSH were detected in all animals and concentrations reached peak values on days that approximated to follicle wave emergence. Follicular wave emergence was associated with the onset of transient increases in serum concentrations of oestradiol, and the end of the growth phase of the largest follicles (> or = 5 mm in diameter) was associated with peak serum concentrations of oestradiol. Serum FSH concentrations were higher in Finn than in Western white-faced ewes during the follicular phase of the cycle (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in serum concentrations of LH between Western white-faced and Finn ewes (P > 0.05). Mean serum concentrations of oestradiol were higher in Finn compared with Western white-faced ewes (P < 0.01). It was concluded that follicular waves (follicles growing from 3 to > or = 5 mm in diameter) occurred in both prolific and non-prolific genotypes of ewes and were closely associated with increased secretion of FSH and oestradiol. The increased ovulation rate in prolific Finn ewes appeared to be due primarily to an extended period of ovulatory follicle recruitment.     

Growth and regression of ovarian follicles during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle in heifers undergoing spontaneous and PGF-2 alpha-induced luteolysis

Ultrasonography was used to monitor the growth, ovulation and regression of individual ovarian follicles greater than or equal to 5 mm during the late luteal and follicular phases of the oestrous cycle in heifers treated with injections of PGF-2 alpha to induce luteolysis and in heifers undergoing spontaneous luteolysis. Six heifers were given a single injection of PGF-2 alpha between Day 12 and 15 of the oestrous cycle and their ovaries were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography until ovulation occurred. Another group of 5 heifers was examined daily by ultrasound from Day 14 or 15 of the cycle through spontaneous luteolysis and ovulation. Blood samples were taken twice daily from this group and analysed for progesterone to determine when luteolysis occurred. All heifers were checked for oestrous behaviour twice daily. Mean diameters of ovulatory follicles on each of the 3 days before oestrus were not different between PGF-2 alpha-treated and untreated heifers. In both groups there was large variation among heifers in the sizes and growth rates of the ovulatory follicles. At 3 days before oestrus the diameters of ovulatory follicles were between 7.5 and 11 mm in PGF-2 alpha-treated heifers and between 6 and 11.5 mm in untreated heifers. Non-ovulatory follicles decreased in size during the 3 days before oestrus and the number of non-ovulatory follicles within the size ranges of ovulatory follicles decreased. The ovulatory follicle was not consistently the largest follicle on the ovaries until the day of oestrus but was always one of the 2 largest follicles during the 3 days before oestrus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ultrasonography of the bovine ovary

A linear-array ultrasound scanner with a 5-MHz transducer was evaluated for the study of follicular and luteal status in heifers. The ovaries of five heifers were monitored daily until all heifers were examined for a period from three days before an ovulation to three days after the next ovulation. There was a significant difference among days for diameter of the largest follicle and second largest follicle and for the number of follicles 4-6 mm and >10 mm. Differences seemed to be caused by the presence of several 4- to 6-mm follicles in early diestrus, growth to an ostensibly ovulatory size and subsequent regression of a follicle during mid-cycle, and selective accelerated growth of the ovulatory follicle four days before ovulation. The corpus luteum became visible approximately three days after ovulation and was identifiable throughout the rest of the interovulatory interval. In two of the five heifers, the corresponding corpus albicans was identified for three days after the second ovulation. Two heifers were induced to superovulate and follicular growth was monitored. The results indicated that the follicles which ovulated originated from the population present when the superovulation treatment was initiated. The ultrasound instrument was judged effective for monitoring and evaluating ovarian follicles and corpora lutea in normal and superovulated heifers.     

中国部分地方黄牛品种线粒体D-loop区的遗传变异与进化分析

测定了13个黄牛品种125个个体的线粒体D-loop区段的全序列,包括12个中国地方黄牛品种的123个个体和德国黄牛2个个体,并进行了分析。结果显示,共检测到93个变异位点,57个单倍型,平均核苷酸差异(average number ofnucleotide differences,k)为22.708,核苷酸多样度(nucleotide diversity,π)为0.0251±0.00479,单倍型多样度(haplotypediversity,Hd)为0.888±0.026,表明我国黄牛品种遗传多样性非常丰富。构建的Neighbor-Joining进化树显示这13个品种主要分成两大类型:普通牛和瘤牛;新发现的特殊类型Ⅲ只有一个西藏阿沛甲咂牛的个体,它与牦牛D-loop序列最相近,证明西藏地区的黄牛与牦牛之间存在基因渗入现象。普通牛和瘤牛在日喀则驼峰牛中占的比例分别是64.3%和35.7%,在阿沛甲咂牛中占的比例分别是50.0%和50.0%,证明了西藏的黄牛也有瘤牛类型。云南牛品种的单倍型非常丰富证明了云南在中国黄牛起源上的重要地位;在27个中国黄牛品种中(本研究11个品种以及GenBank上的16个品种)找到了中国瘤牛的核心单倍型i1,并且对它进行了讨论。同时证明了西藏瘤牛独立于中国瘤牛核心类群的特殊性。     

Ovarian follicular development in Holstein cows following synchronisation of oestrus with oestradiol benzoate and an intravaginal progesterone releasing insert for 5-9 days and duration of the oestrous cycle and concentrations of progesterone following ovulation

The aim of this study was to determine if the duration of treatment with an intravaginal progesterone releasing insert (IVP(4)) after treatment with oestradiol benzoate (ODB) at the time of insertion and 24 h after removal would affect selected variables including: size of ovarian follicles at the time of removal of inserts, diameter of ovulatory follicles, plasma concentrations of progesterone following ovulation, and duration of the following oestrous cycle. Characteristics of oestrus at a synchronised and spontaneous oestrus were also monitored. Non-lactating Holstein cows were synchronised with an IVP(4) for 5 (n = 10), 7 (n = 10), 8 (n = 9) or 9 (n = 9) days together with injections of ODB at device insertion (2 mg) and 24 h after removal (1 mg). Ultrasonography showed no significant effect of treatment on the day of emergence of preovulatory follicles relative to the day of removal of inserts (overall mean = -4.22 +/- 0.58; P = 0.15) for cows that ovulated within 120 h insert removal (n = 36). Treatment with ODB and an IVP(4) for 5 days reduced the diameter of preovulatory follicles at the time of removal of inserts and for the following 2 days compared to cows treated for 7-9 days (mean difference 2.56 +/- 1.15 mm; P = 0.033) but did not reduce the diameter of the ovulatory follicle (P = 0.21). Day of emergence relative to removal of inserts was associated with the diameter of the ovulatory follicle (R2 = 0.69; P < 0.001). Concentrations of progesterone and the diameter of the corpus luteum following ovulation were not affected by treatment (P > 0.20), but were affected by the diameter of the ovulatory follicle (P < 0.01). Diameter of the ovulatory follicle did not affect interoestrous and interovulatory intervals (P > 0.40). We conclude that treatment with an IVP(4) for 5 compared to 7-9 days with ODB administered at device insertion, and 24 h after removal reduced the diameter of preovulatory follicles at the time of removal of the insert but did not reduce the diameter of the ovulatory follicle or concentrations of progesterone in plasma. Emergence of preovulatory follicles closer to the time of removal of inserts reduced the diameter of the ovulatory follicle when oestrus was induced with ODB. Ovulation of smaller follicles reduced concentrations of progesterone in plasma following ovulation but did not affect oestrous cycle duration.     

Developmental pattern of small antral follicles in the bovine ovary

The study was designed to characterize the developmental pattern of 1- to 3-mm follicles and to determine the stage at which the future dominant follicle first attains a size advantage among its cohorts. In experiment 1, heifers (n = 18) were examined every 24 h by transrectal ultrasonography for one interovulatory interval (IOI). In experiment 2, cows (n = 9) were examined every 6 h from 5 to 13 days after ovulation to monitor precisely the diameter changes of individual follicles >/=1 mm during emergence of wave 2. Results revealed a change over days (P < 0.05) in the number of 1- to 3-mm follicles, with a maximum (P < 0.05) 1 or 2 days before wave emergence (conventionally defined as the time when the dominant follicle is first detected at 4 mm), followed 3-4 days later by a maximum (P < 0.05) in the number of >/=4-mm follicles. The profiles of small (1-3 mm) and large (>/=4-mm) follicles were inversely proportional (r = -0.79; P = 0.01). The profile of the number of 1- to 3-mm follicles during wave emergence was similar (P = 0.63) between waves in two-wave IOI, but differed (P < 0.01) among waves in three-wave IOI as a result of a greater number of follicles in the ovulatory wave (P < 0.04). As well, the number of follicles in the ovulatory wave tended to be greater (P < 0.06) in three-wave IOI than in two-wave IOI. The future dominant follicle was first identified at a diameter of 1 mm and emerged 6-12 h earlier than the first subordinate follicle (P < 0.01). After detection of the dominant follicle at 1 mm (0 h), its diameter differed from that of the first and second subordinate follicles at 24 h (P = 0.04) and 12 h (P = 0.01), when the dominant follicle was 2.4 +/- 0.17 mm and 1.7 +/- 0.14 mm, respectively. The growth rate of the dominant follicle differed from that of the first and second subordinate follicles at 120 h (P = 0.03) and 108 h (P = 0.02), when the dominant follicle was 9.5 +/- 0.30 mm and 8.8 +/- 0.49 mm, respectively. Emergence of the future dominant (r = 0.71), first (r = 0.73), and second (r = 0.76) subordinate follicles was temporally associated (P < 0.01) with a rise in circulating concentrations of FSH. Transient, nocturnal elevations in plasma FSH concentration were followed within 6 h by an increase in the growth rate of 1- to 3-mm follicles. We conclude that 1) 1- to 3-mm follicles develop in a wave-like manner in association with surges in plasma concentrations of FSH, 2) 1- to 3-mm follicles are exquisitely responsive to transient elevations in FSH, and 3) selection of the dominant follicle is manifest earlier than previously documented and is characterized by a hierarchical progression over a period encompassing the entire FSH surge (5 days).     

Switching of largest follicle from dominant to subordinate status when follicle and CL are in same ovary in heifers

It has been reported that early development of wave 3 in three-wave interovulatory intervals occurs during the luteolytic period, and the frequency of the ipsilateral relationship between the preovulatory follicle and CL is lower (e.g., 33%) than for the contralateral relationship (67%). In this study, luteolysis was induced with PGF2α when the largest follicle of wave 2 reached 8.5 mm or more (diameter at expected deviation). A two-way interaction (P < 0.004) of follicle (first follicle to reach 8.5 mm and the next-largest follicle) by group (ipsilateral and contralateral relationship between the 8.5-mm follicle and CL) represented smaller posttreatment diameter difference between the two follicles within the ipsilateral group than within the contralateral group; the 8.5-mm follicle was smaller and the next-largest follicle was larger in the ipsilateral than in the contralateral group. Switching in the destiny of the 8.5-mm follicle from dominant to subordinate occurred in 3 of 8 (41%) and 0 of 5 (0%) heifers in the ipsilateral and contralateral groups, respectively. These novel findings supported the hypothesis that follicle deviation during luteolysis may result in decreased diameter of the largest follicle and increased frequency of switching of the largest follicle from future dominant to subordinate status when the follicle and CL are ipsilateral. Support for the switching hypothesis indicated that the reported lower frequency of an ipsilateral than contralateral relationship between the preovulatory follicle and CL for wave 3 of three-wave interovulatory intervals can be attributed to development of the wave during luteolysis.     

Reproductive performance of heifers induced to oestrous asynchrony by suprabasal plasma progesterone levels

Suprabasal progesterone concentrations around oestrus have induced disturbances in oestrous behaviour and ovulation. To determine whether fertility in such an altered oestrus can be maintained at normal levels with additional inseminations (AI) until ovulation, fertility was compared in heifers (n = 11) inseminated in normal oestrous cycles and thereafter in cycles in which the animals were treated with progesterone in order to create suprabasal concentrations after luteolysis. The treatment consisted of silicone implants containing 10.6 mg kg⁻¹ of progesterone inserted subcutaneously on Day 8 of the oestrous cycle (day of ovulation designated Day 0) and removed on Day 25. Both in control oestrous cycles and oestrous cycles under progesterone treatment, growth of the ovulatory follicle and ovulation were determined by frequent ultrasound scanning. Blood was collected frequently for further analysis of progesterone, oestradiol-17β and luteinising hormone (LH). Insemination was performed 12 h after onset of standing oestrus. if ovulation did not occur 24 h after AI, heifers were inseminated again until ovulation. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound 25 days after ovulation.In control oestrous cycles, plasma progesterone decreased to 0.3 ± 0.3 nmol 1⁻¹. Duration of oestrus was 22.9 ± 2.0 h, the interval from onset of oestrus to ovulation was 32.4 ± 2.3 h and the interval from LH peak to ovulation was 28.6 ± 1.4 h. The interovulatory interval was 20.7 ± 0.6 days. In oestrous cycles in treated heifers, progesterone decreased to 1.0 ± 0.3 nmol l⁻¹ (P > 0.10) and the interovulatory interval was prolonged to 23.5 ± 1.0 days (P < 0.05). Standing oestrus lasted 47.2 ± 12.0 h (P = 0.09, n = 7). The interval from the onset of oestrus to ovulation was 59.4 ± 13.0 h (P = 0.08) and the interval from LH peak to ovulation 25.8 ± 1.3 h (P > 0.10). The prolonged oestrus was associated with increased (P < 0.05) growth of the ovulatory follicle and higher (P < 0.05) release of oestradiol-17β. Conception rates were 90% and 46% (P < 0.05), and the numbers of AI per heifer were 1.1 ± 0.1 and 3.4 ± 0.6 (P < 0.01) for control oestrous cycles and after treatment, respectively.The induction of suprabasal concentrations of progesterone caused asynchronies similar to those observed in cases of repeat breeding. The repeated AI did not maintain fertility at normal levels. It is suggested that the extended growth of the ovulatory follicle may cause impaired oocyte maturation or it may alter the maternal milieu owing to the prolonged release of oestradiol.     

Pattern of growth of dominant follicles during the oestrous cycle of heifers

Ovarian follicular development was studied in 13 heifers by daily ultrasound examination during 2 complete and consecutive natural oestrous cycles. In 21 cycles (81%) 3 dominant follicles were identified, in 4 cycles (15%) 2 and in the remaining cycle 1 (4%). Consistently, the first dominant follicle was detected on average on Day 4, reached a maximum size on Day 6, went through a period of relative stability between Days 6 and 10, then began to decrease in size and was undetectable by Day 15. The second dominant follicle was detected by Day 12, reached maximum size on Day 16 (or 19 in the 4 cycles in which the 2nd dominant follicle was the ovulatory follicle) and was undetectable by Day 19. The 3rd (ovulatory) follicle was identified on average by Day 16 (range Days 10 to 19) and maximum size was reached on Day 21. The ovulatory follicles were larger (P less than 0.05) than the previous ones and the stage of the cycle at which maximum size was reached was significantly different for each dominant follicle (P less than 0.05). The analysis of the rates of growth and atresia suggest that the rate of growth is slowest during mid-cycle. The number of dominant follicles that developed in the ovary ipsilateral to the corpus luteum was greater (P less than 0.05) than in the contralateral ovary.     

Complete mitogenome reveals genetic divergence and phylogenetic relationships among Indian cattle (Bos indicus) breeds

Indigenous cattle of India belong to the species, Bos indicus and they possess various adaptability and production traits. However, little is known about the genetic diversity and origin of these breeds. To investigate the status, we sequenced and analyzed the whole mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of seven Indian cattle breeds. In total, 49 single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) were identified among the seven breeds analyzed. We observed a common synonymous SNV in the COII gene (m.7583G?>?A) of all the breeds studied. The phylogenetic analysis and genetic distance estimation showed the close genetic relationship among the Indian cattle breeds, whereas distinct genetic differences were observed between Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle. Our results indicate a common ancestor for European Zwergzebu breed and South Indian cattle. The estimated divergence time demonstrated that the Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle lineages diverged 0.92 million years ago. Our study also demonstrates that ancestors of present zebu breeds originated in South and North India separately ～30,000 to 20,000 years ago. In conclusion, the identified genetic variants and results of the phylogenetic analysis may provide baseline information to develop appropriate strategies for management and conservation of Indian cattle breeds.     

The production of mixed-species Bos taurus-Bos indicus twin calves

Bos taurus-Bos indicus twin calves were produced by transferring Day 6–8 Bos indicus or Bos taurus embryos to previously inseminated Bos taurus or Bos indicus cows. Embryos were transferred to 112 recipients of which 64 (57.1%) were diagnosed as pregnant by rectal palpation at 7–8 weeks gestation. Twin foetuses were diagnosed in 38 (65.5%) of 58 cows in which the location and number of foetuses was recorded. Substantial foetal losses occurred after 7–8 weeks and only 44 cows calved giving 21 sets of twins and 23 singletons. Six of the single calves were from transferred embryos. The duration of gestation of the twin pregnancies (282 days) was similar to that of single Bos taurus pregnancies (282 days for Jerseys and 286 days for Friesians) and 14 days shorter than single Bos indicus pregnancies (296 days). Consequently Bos indicus members of mixed-species twins were premature at birth and required intensive care to ensure their survival.     

Ovarian follicular and luteal dynamics in wapiti during seasonal transitions

Transitions from the anovulatory to the ovulatory season (n=20) and ovulatory to anovulatory season (n=11), were monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonography in wapiti. In 17 of 20 observations, the first interovulatory interval (IOI) was short (9.1+/-0.3 days; mean+/-S.E.M.) compared with later in the ovulatory season (21.3+/-0.1) and the last IOI (21.2+/-0.6 days). With one exception, the short IOI were composed of only one wave of follicular development. Subsequent IOI were composed of two or three waves. Maximum diameters of the first two ovulatory follicles were similar (11.3+/-0.4 mm versus 11.3+/-0.2 mm), but both were larger (P<0.05) than the last two ovulatory follicles of the ovulatory season (10.3+/-0.3 and 10.1+/-0.4 mm). Multiple ovulations occurred in three hinds at the first ovulation of the season and in one hind at the second ovulation, but were not at any other time. Day-to-day profiles of CL diameter and plasma progesterone concentration were smaller (P<0.05) for short versus long IOI. Maximum diameter (12.8+/-0.6 mm versus 12.5+/-0.6 mm) and the diameter profile of the last CL of the season were not different from that of the previous CL. In summary, transition to regular ovulation occurred over a 3-week interval and was preceded by one short IOI (9 days). Multiple ovulations were detected only at the onset of the ovulatory season. The characteristics of the last IOI of the ovulatory season were similar to those reported during the rut. The wave pattern of follicle development was maintained throughout both fall and winter transition periods and follicular wave emergence was preceded by a surge in serum FSH concentrations. Transition to anovulation occurred over a 3-month interval and was marked by a failure of the dominant follicle to ovulate after a typical luteal phase.     

Tick-susceptible Bos taurus cattle display an increased cellular response at the site of larval Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus attachment, compared with tick-resistant Bos indicus cattle

Cattle demonstrate divergent and heritable phenotypes of resistance and susceptibility to infestation with the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Bos indicus cattle are generally more resistant to tick infestation than Bos taurus breeds although large variations in resistance can occur within subspecies and within breed. Increased tick resistance has been previously associated with an intense hypersensitivity response in B. taurus breeds; however, the mechanism by which highly resistant B. indicus cattle acquire and sustain high levels of tick resistance remains to be elucidated. Using the commercially available Affymetrix microarray gene expression platform, together with histological examination of the larval attachment site, this study aimed to describe those processes responsible for high levels of tick resistance in Brahman (B. indicus) cattle that differ from those in low-resistance Holstein-Friesian (B. taurus) cattle. We found that genes involved in inflammatory processes and immune responsiveness to infestation by ticks, although up-regulated in tick-infested Holstein-Friesian cattle, were not up-regulated in Brahman cattle. In contrast, genes encoding constituents of the extracellular matrix were up-regulated in Brahmans. Furthermore, the susceptible Holstein-Friesian animals displayed a much greater cellular inflammatory response at the site of larval R. microplus attachment compared with the tick-resistant Brahman cattle.     

Follicular populations during the estrous cycle in heifers. II. Influence of right and left sides and intraovarian effect of the corpus luteum

Ovarian follicles ≥2 mm were studied in 22 Holstein heifers by daily ultrasound examinations. Data were partitioned by right vs. left ovary and corpus luteum bearing ovary vs. the contralateral ovary. There were significantly more (P < 0.03) follicles 4–6 mm, > 13mm and total ≥2 mm in the right ovary, regardless of the presence of a corpus luteum. Significantly more (P < 0.05) follicles 2–3 mm, > 13 mm and total ≥2 mm were observed in the ovary bearing the corpus luteum. Interactions between day and corpus luteum appeared to be due to a greater number of follicles in the ovary bearing the corpus luteum during the first part of the interovulatory interval. There was also a day by right side vs. left side interaction for the number of follicles > 13 mm. Interpretation of the interactions was that the presence of a corpus luteum was conducive to the development of more anovulatory diestrous follicles > 12 mm. However, as regression of the corpus luteum progressed, there was an apparent proclivity for preovulatory follicular development in the right ovary. There was no apparent pattern of alternating sides of ovulation or of alternating sides of development of anovulatory diestrous follicles and preovulatory follicles in heifers observed for more than one interovulatory interval. There was not a significant difference in the maximum diameter attained by the anovulatory diestrous follicle or preovulatory follicle between ovaries ipsilateral or contralateral to the corpus luteum; however, the maximum diameter attained by the preovulatory follicle was greater (P < 0.05) than that attained by the anovulatory diestrous follicle.     

A histological study of corpora lutea from superovulated beef heifers

There is great variability between animals in the number of viable embryos produced following different superovulation regimens. It is not clear if all the follicles that ovulate produce healthy oocytes and form normal corpora lutea (CL) following superovulation. The objective of this study was to assess and compare CL from heifers undergoing three superovulatory regimes with CL from unstimulated heifers on the basis of morphology and morphometric analysis of luteal cells.Beef heifers were superovulated using either: (a) 24 mg porcine follicle stimulating hormone (pFSH) given twice daily over a 4 day period in decreasing doses commencing on day 10 of the oestrous cycle; (b) a single injection of 2000 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) given on day 10 of the cycle; (c) as in (b) but followed by 2000 IU anti-PMSG (IgG to neutralise endogenous PMSG) at the time of the first insemination which was 12–18 h after the onset of oestrus (n = 33 per treatment). Luteolysis was induced 48 h after initial gonadotrophin administration and CL were collected on day 7 of the subsequent cycle and from ten unstimulated heifers (controls) at the same stage of the oestrous cycle. CL morphology was studied at light and electron microscopy levels. Morphometric analysis was performed on luteal cells. Subcellular morphology was similar in heifers from all groups. However, CL from superovulated heifers had more connective tissue than CL from control heifers; the connective tissue content of CL in the anti-PMSG-treated group was particularly marked. Both large and small luteal cells in the heifers receiving anti-PMSG had significantly smaller (P < 0.001) area and sphere volume than similar cells from CL of heifers in the other groups.     

In vitro developmental competence of buffalo oocytes collected at various stages of the estrous cycle

The objective was to determine the in vitro developmental competence of buffalo oocytes collected from abattoir-derived ovaries at various stages of the estrous cycle and follicular status. In Experiment 1, ovaries (n=476 pairs) were collected and divided into the following five groups: (a) ovaries with a corpus hemorragicum and no dominant follicle (CH-NO-DF); (b) ovaries with a mature functional corpus luteum (CL) and a dominant follicle (CL-DF); (c) ovaries with a mature functional CL and no dominant follicle (CL-NO-DF); (d) ovaries with a regressing CL and a dominant follicle (RCL-DF); and (e) ovaries without any luteal structures and only small follicles (ANEST). In Experiment 2, 144 pairs of ovaries with a CL (or regressing CL) and a dominant follicle were collected and follicles were classified as dominant, largest subordinate, and subordinate. In both experiments, the dominant follicle was defined as any follicle >10mm in diameter that exceeded the diameter of all other (subordinate) follicles. Although oocytes were collected from each group of ovaries, only Grades A or B oocytes were used for in vitro embryo production. Cleavage rates were higher (P<0.05) from oocytes collected from ovaries in the CH-NO-DF (59.6%) and CL-NO-DF (59.2%) groups than those collected from CL-DF (52.2%) and ANEST (43.6%) groups. The yield of transferable embryos was higher (P<0.05) from oocytes collected from CH-NO-DF (27.4%) and CL-NO-DF (24.0%) ovaries than from CL-DF (16.2%), RCL-DF (15.4%), and lowest (P<0.05) from ANEST (8.8%). In Experiment 2, oocytes from the dominant follicle had a higher (P<0.05) cleavage rate (65.2 %) and transferable embryo yield (30.2%) than those collected from the largest subordinate and subordinate follicles. In conclusion, oocyte competence depended on the morphofunctional state of ovaries. Oocyte development was maximal in pairs of ovaries with a corpus hemorragicum or CL and no dominant follicle; in paired ovaries with a CL and a dominant follicle, development was maximal in oocytes derived from the dominant follicle.     

Copy number variation detection in Chinese indigenous cattle by whole genome sequencing

Copy number variation (CNV) refers to a kind of structural variation, having functional and evolutionary effects on phenotypes. Thus far, further elucidation of the CNVs in different Chinese indigenous cattle breeds by whole genome sequencing have yet not been done. In this study, a comprehensive genomic analysis was performed on 75 cattle individuals including six Chinese indigenous cattle breeds and two non-native specialized beef cattle breeds. Based on the 11,486 CNVRs discovered, population analysis was performed, showed that all the cattle breeds clustered in to three clades, consistent with their lineages Bos taurus, Bos taurus × Bos indicus and Bos indicus. Importantly, a set of CNVRs related genes were found to be associated with the traits of interest, which include meat production or quality (CAST, ACTC1, etc.), adaption (BLA-DQB, EGLN2, etc.) and coat color (KIT, MITF, etc.). These results provide valuable full genome variation resources for Chinese bovine genome research and would be helpful for cattle breeding and selection programs in the future.