• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.330-339
• /
• 2002

Fifty one Nili-Ravi dairy buffaloes in their last two months of gestation were selected. After parturition, rectal examination of reproductive organs was carried out until the occurrence of the first oestrus (PEI). Milk samples were analyzed for milk progesterone levels (MPL). Ovulation (POI) was confirmed by rectal palpation and MPL. Feed and blood samples were collected fortnightly and analyzed. Body condition score (BCS) was recorded on a scale of 0 to 5. Crude protein (CP) intake varied among different seasons and correlated positively with serum urea levels, POI (p<0.01) and PEI (p<0.05). Excess CPI was lower in the group showing oestrus as compared to those remaining as anoestrus (p<0.05). The dietary ratio of crude protein - metabolizable energy (CP:ME) in the oestrus animals was narrow and constant, while the anoestrus animals had a widely fluctuating one. In normal breeding season (NBS) calvers, mean serum urea level (SUL) was lower than the low breeding season (LBS) calvers. SUL was positively correlated with PEI and POI (p<0.01). Up to six months postpartum, SUL were constantly higher in anoestrus than oestrus buffaloes. Mean metabolizable energy (ME) intake was lower in the NBS calvers than the LBS calvers (p<0.01). BCS and postpartum ovulation interval were correlated with ME intake (p<0.01). Prepartum ME intake was higher in oestrous as compared to anoestrous animals (p<0.05). Higher and lower ME intakes were associated with anoestrus, while a moderate energy intake was associated with a PEI of less than 75 days. Buffaloes with poor BCS belonged to the LBS calving group and most of the NBS calving buffaloes had good BCS. BCS was negatively correlated with PEI (p<0.01) and was higher in oestrous buffaloes than anestrus. It was concluded that excess intake of crude protein, associated with higher serum urea levels and low energy intake, associated with poor body condition, are the key factors for low reproductive efficiency. It may be corrected by adopting a proper feeding strategy.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.12 no.7
• /
• pp.1019-1024
• /
• 1999

Fifth one Nili-Ravi dairy buffaloes were studied in North-west Frontier Province of Pakistan. Rectal examination of reproductive organs was carried out on days 14 and 21 and then fortnightly. Milk samples were collected and analyzed for progesterone levels (MPL). Feed samples were collected fortnightly and analyzed. The buffaloes calving during the normal breeding season (NBS, August to January) (p<0.01) postpartum estrus interval of 55.95 days versus 91.15 days in those calving during the low breeding season (LBS, February to July). MPL in the LBS remained lower than the NBS (p<0.01). Shortest postpartum ovulation interval was noted during autumn(August to October), followed by winter (November to January), summer (May to July) and spring (February to April). The incidence of silent ovulations was during LBS than NBS (70.6% versus 29.4%). In autumn there was minimum intake of crude protein (CPI) and maximum intake of metabolizable energy (MEI, p<0.01). Calcium intake was higher in NBS than LBS calving buffaloes (p<0.01). Phosphorus, copper and magnesium intake was lower (p<0.05) and zinc intake was higher (p<0.01) in autumn, It was (p<0.05) and zinc intake was higher (p<0.01) in autumn, It was concluded that onset of breeding season was associated with increasing MEI and decreasing CPI and minerals intake.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.12-29
• /
• 2010

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effect on factors related lactation after administration of Palmul-tang in postpartum C57BL/6N mice. Materials and Methods: Experimental groups were divided into control group post-par group and pre-par group. Pre-par and post-par group were administered Palmul-tang(p.o) twice a week for 4 weeks or 3 weeks respectively. Control group was administered normal saline for 3 weeks. Then we observed morphological change, immunohistochemical density and milk protein gene expression of factors related lactation within mammary gland of postpartum mice. Results: In post-par and pre-par groups, adipose tissue within mammary gland significantly decreased, and ductal branch and alveoli prominently developed than that of control group at 1~3 weeks after administraion of Palmul-tang. In post-par and pre-par groups, density of immunoreactivity on oxytocin, prolactin, estrogen and progesterone receptors in mammary glandular tissue significantly increased than that of control group. mRNA expression of $\beta$-casein and placental lactogen (PL)-1 in post-par group was more increased than that of control and pre-par groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that Palmul-tang significantly improved factors related lactation at postpartum period.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.28 no.9
• /
• pp.1296-1302
• /
• 2015

This study was conducted to examine the effects of supplementing brown seaweed by-products (BSB) in the diet of ruminants on ruminal fermentation characteristics, growth performance, endocrine response, and milk production in Holstein cows. In Experiment 1, the effects of different levels (0%, 2%, and 4% of basal diet as Control, 2% BSB, 4% BSB, respectively) of BSB were evaluated at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h in vitro batch culture rumen fermentation. The pH tended to be higher for the higher level of BSB supplementation, with the pH at 12 h being significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the control. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen was lower at 3, 9, 12, and 24 h incubation (p<0.05) compared with the control, and tended to be low at other incubation times. Volatile fatty acid concentration appeared to be minimally changed while lower values were observed with 4% BSB treatment at 24 h (p<0.05). In Experiment 2, effects of levels (0%, 2%, and 4%) of BSB on growth performance, endocrine responses and milk production were studied with Holstein dairy cows during transition. Dry matter intake, daily gain and feed efficiency were not affected by BSB supplementation. The concentration of plasma estrogen for the control, 2% BSB and 4% BSB after three months of pregnancy were 55.7, 94.1, and 72.3 pg/mL, respectively (p = 0.08). Although the differences of progesterone levels between BSB treatments and the control were minimal, the concentration in 4% BSB treatment increased to 157.7% compared with the initial level of the study. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels were also higher after both three months and eight months of pregnancy than the initial level at the beginning of the study. In addition, BSB treatments during one month after delivery did not affect daily milk yield and composition. In conclusion, the present results indicate that supplementation of BSB did not compromise ruminal fermentation, and animal performance at lower levels and hence may have potential to be used as a safe feed ingredient in dairy cows.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.279-287
• /
• 2005

This study was carried out to investigate resumption of ovarian cyclicity and effect of BCS on estrous response by treatment of $PGF_2a+PGF_2a+CIDR$ program on day 40 postpartum in lactating dairy cow. First $PGF_2a$ was given on day 40 postpartum, second $PGF_2a$ was given 14 days apart to cows not-responded to 1st $PGF_2a$ and then CIDR was inserted for 7 days after 5 days in cows not-responded to 2nd $PGF_2a$. The $42.9\%$ of the cows showed more than 1 ng/mL milk progesterone concentration within 10 to 30 days postpartum. About $19\%$ of the cows exhibited more than 1 ng/mL milk pro-gesterone concentration between 31 to 50 days postpartum. However $38.1\%$ of the cows have not shown more than 1 ng/mL milk progesterone up to 50 days postpartum. Estrous response to the treatment of 1 st $PGF_2a$ and 2nd $PGF_2a$ was $47.5\%$ and $52.4\%$, respectively. Combination of 1 st $PGF_2a$ and 2nd $PGF_2a$ was $75\%$ and combination of 1st $PGF_2a$+2nd $PGF_2a$+CIDR was $87.5\%$. Estrous response to the treatment of $PGF_2a+PGF_2a$ program was $61.5\%$ in cows with less than 2.50 BCS and $81.5\%$ in cows with 2.75${\~}$3.50 BCS. Estrous response to the treatment of CIDR was $40\%$ in cows with less than 2.50 BCS and $80\%$ in cows with 2.75${\~}$3.50 BCS. Estrous response to the treatment of PPC on day 40 postpartum was $76.9\%$ in cows with less than 2.50 BCS and $96.3\%$ in cows with 2.75${\~}$3.50 BCS.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.13 no.10
• /
• pp.1359-1366
• /
• 2000

An experiment was carried out to study plasma levels of hormones and metabolites of crossbred Holstein cattle during late pregnancy (28 days pre partum), early lactation (30 days post partum), mid-lactation (120 days post partum) and late lactation (210 days post partum). Two breed types of Holstein $Friesian{\times}Red$ Sindhi (50:50 = 50%HF) and Holstein $Friesian{\times}Red$ Sindhi (87.5:12.5 = 87.5%HF) were divided into four groups of four animals each. Two groups of each breed were fed with either rice straw treated with 5% urea or pangola hay (Digitaria decumbens) as the source of roughage throughout the experiments. There were a substantial increases in the mean levels of total triiodothyronine ($T_3$), insulin and glucagon at the onset of lactation, and maintained in a high levels during lactation advance for all groups of experiments. The mean levels of prolactin and thyroxine ($T_4$) were not significantly different among groups of animals, but the plasma cortisol concentration was slightly higher in both groups of 50%HF in comparison with those of 87.5%HF animals. The mean levels of plasma growth hormone (GH) of both groups of 87.5%HF animals feeding on either hay or urea treated rice straw markedly rose in the early period of lactation and markedly reduced in mid- and late lactation. These changes were accompanied with changes of milk yield. In contrast to 50%HF animals, plasma GH levels were considerably higher in the late pregnant period than in the early period of lactation and it remained constant as its value at the early lactation throughout the experimental period. The high levels of both plasma progesterone and estradiol concentration significantly declined after parturition and remained low through lactating period. The plasma glucose level in the 50%HF animals feeding on either hay or urea treated rice straw was higher than the 87.5%HF animals in all periods of experiments. Changes in plasma FFA levels of both types of crossbred animals were depended on the endocrine status during late pregnancy and lactation. The levels of plasma FFA of 50%HF animals were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of 87.5%HF animals during late pregnancy. Both plasma ${\beta}$-hydroxybutyrate and lactate concentrations were not affected by feeding on either hay or urea treated rice straw during late pregnancy and lactation. These data demonstrate that there were no differences in the physiological performances in the same crossbred animals fed either hay or urea treated rice straw. The 87.5%HF animal has the genetic potential for a high milk yield and homeorhetic adaptation for mammary function differed from 50%HF animals during periods of lactation. Altering lactation persistency in 87.5%HF is regulated mainly by chronically acting growth hormones through the period of lactation.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.35-49
• /
• 1986

Recipients are an integral part of embryo transfer and they are expensive to maintain as a good recipient. Recipient management is one of the most important components in a successful embryo transfer program. Management includes selection and subsequent care of the animals. A good recipient is basically on "open" cows or heffers whose reproductive tract is capable of receiving one or two embryos and incubating it to term. Potential recipients should be always be healthy and cycling normally ranging from 18 to 23 days. A thorough veterinary examination is recommended for candidate of recipients and cattle for questionable health should be eliminated from the recipient herd. Age and size of recipients are particularly important considerations when heifers are used, because of most embryos available for transfer are from large dams and sires. Body condition can influence a recipient's production, reproduction and health. Obese and underconditioned cattle should be avoided for use. Transfer of fresh embryos especially requires precise synchronization of donors and recipients. For estrus synchronization, PGF$_2$$\alpha$ is injected twice 10 to 12 days apart and short4erm progestagen treatment is applied to potential recipient cattle by coil into vagina (PRID) or ear implant (Synchro-Mate-B). The highest pregnancy results are achieved in recipients at exact synchrony with donors or 12 to 24 hr earlier than donors. Estrus detection is a major factor in breeding efficiency. High accuracy can be achieved by use of heat mount detection alds or by obserbing cattle for 30-minute peroids 3 times daily. Assay progesterone in milk can be used to discrIminate between pregnant and nonprenant recipients. Rectal palpation on day 35 to 70 after is an accurate and safe method of pregnancy diagnosis. Embryonic mortality in recipients may be associated with factors such as high environmental temperature and nutritional or lactational stress in early lactation period. Achievement of short calving interval requires concentrated management activity during the first 90 days following calving. Acceptable candidate for a recipient should be routinely vaccinated for infectious diseases. Proper nutritional programs according to NRC requirements and body condition scoring system for recipient cattles are vital to the ultimate success of an embryo transfer program.r program.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.49-55
• /
• 2021

We aimed to identify the biological factors during the voluntary waiting period (VWP) that are associated with subsequent reproductive performance in dairy cows. Two hundred and one pregnant dairy cows had their body condition score (BCS) evaluated and blood samples taken 4 weeks before calving, at calving, and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after calving, to measure serum metabolite and progesterone concentrations. In addition, any peri- and postpartum disorders within 4 weeks of calving, and the mean milk yields 4 and 8 weeks postpartum, were recorded. The cows were allocated to two groups according to whether they had become pregnant or not by 120 days after calving: a pregnant group (n = 50) and a non-pregnant group (n = 151). Analyses of serum metabolite concentrations showed that the aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyltransferase activities 2 weeks (p < 0.05) and the non-esterified fatty acid concentration 6 weeks (p < 0.01) postpartum were higher in the non-pregnant than in the pregnant group. However, the albumin concentrations between 2 and 8 weeks and the total cholesterol and magnesium concentrations between 4 and 8 weeks postpartum were lower in the non-pregnant group (p < 0.05). The BCS (p < 0.05) and percentages of cows that had resumed cyclicity (p < 0.001) by 6 and 8 weeks postpartum were higher in the pregnant than in the non-pregnant group, whereas the incidence of peri- and postpartum disorders was higher in the non-pregnant group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, high serum enzyme activities, which imply liver damage, imbalances in energy metabolites and magnesium, and a higher incidence of peri- and postpartum disorders, are associated with poorer reproductive performance, whereas high BCS and early resumption of cyclicity during the VWP are associated with superior reproductive performance in dairy cows.

• Molecular Medicine Reports
• /
• v.19 no.5
• /
• pp.3903-3911
• /
• 2019

Female sex steroid hormones, including estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), serve significant physiological roles in pregnancy. In particular, E2 and P4 influence placenta formation, maintain pregnancy and stimulate milk production. These hormones are produced by ovaries, adrenal glands and the placenta, of which the latter is a major endocrine organ during pregnancy. However, the mechanism of hormone production during pregnancy remains unclear. In the present study, the regulation of steroid hormones and steroidogenic enzymes was examined in human placenta according to gestational age. In human placental tissues, expression levels of steroidogenic enzymes were determined with reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The mRNA and protein expression of CYP17A1, HSD17B3 and CYP19A1, which are associated with the synthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and E2, was elevated at different gestational ages in human placenta. In addition, to evaluate the correlation between serum and placental-produced hormones, steroid hormone levels, including pregnenolone (PG), DHEA, P4, testosterone (T) and E2, were examined in serum and placenta. Serum and placenta expression of DHEA and E2 increased with gestational age, whereas T and P4 were differently regulated in placenta and serum. To confirm the mechanism of steroidogenesis in vitro, placental BeWo cells were treated with E2 and P4, which are the most important hormones during pregnancy. The mRNA and protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes was significantly altered by E2 in vitro. These results demonstrated that concentration of steroid hormones was differently regulated by steroidogenic enzymes in the placenta depending on the type of the hormones, which may be critical to maintain pregnancy.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.168-173
• /
• 2015

This study estimated the degree of uterine inflammation and resumption of ovarian cyclicity in postpartum dairy cows. In addition, the prevalence of health problems during calving and the postpartum period was investigated. A total of 224 Holstein dairy cows from four dairy farms in Chungcheong Province were used for the study. Uterine discharge was scored on a 0 to 5 rank scale (metricheck score) using a metricheck instrument from 1 to 8 weeks postpartum and uterine cytology (neutrophil level) was examined at 4, 6 and 8 weeks postpartum to evaluate uterine inflammation. Resumption of ovarian cyclicity was evaluated based on progesterone analysis (${\geq}1ng/mL$) at 4, 6 and 8 weeks postpartum. Postpartum disorders were diagnosed by veterinarians in the research team. The metricheck score decreased linearly (p < 0.0001) from weeks 1 ($3.4{\pm}0.1$) to 4 ($2.0{\pm}0.1$) postpartum, and then remained at that level through week 8 postpartum ($1.6{\pm}0.1$, p > 0.05). The neutrophil levels determined by uterine cytology assays also decreased (p < 0.0001) from week 4 ($22.3{\pm}1.8%$) to 6 ($12.1{\pm}1.4%$) postpartum, and then remained at that level through week 8 postpartum ($9.2{\pm}1.4%$, p > 0.05). The proportion of cows exhibiting the ovarian cyclicity increased linearly (p < 0.0001) from weeks 2 (12.1%) to 8 (74.3%) postpartum. The prevalence of dystocia and retained placenta were 20.5% and 30.4%, respectively. The prevalence of ketosis, milk fever, abomasal displacement, septicemic metritis, endometritis, subclinical endometritis, pyometra, and ovarian cysts were 18.8%, 3.6%, 4.0%, 36.2%, 29.5%, 17.0%, 4.5%, and 14.7%, respectively. The prevalence of digestive problems and mastitis were 5.4% and 9.6%, respectively. The prevalence of culling and death were 4.0% and 3.6%, respectively. The prevalence of dystocia, retained placenta, septicemic metritis, endometritis, ovarian cysts, digestive problems, mastitis, and culling differed among farms (p < 0.05 to 0.01). In conclusion, proper examinations for uterine inflammation and ovarian cyclicity during 4 to 8 weeks postpartum are useful clinical tools to maintain herd reproductive health. Dystocia, retained placenta, septicemic metritis, and endometritis were predominant disorders in dairy cows of the survey area.