• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.38-48
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• 2019

Objective: In this study, the transcriptome profile of cow experiencing miscarriage during peri-implantation was investigated. Methods: Total transcriptomes were checked by RNA sequencing, and the analyzed by bioinformatics methods, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analysed with hierarchical clustering and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Results: The results suggested that serum progesterone levels were significantly decreased in cows that miscarried as compared to the pregnant cows at 18, 21, 33, 39, and 51 days after artificial insemination. The RNA sequencing results suggested that 32, 176, 5, 10, and 2 DEGs were identified in the pregnant cows and miscarried cows at 18, 21, 33, 39, and 51 d after artificial insemination. And 15, 101, 1, 2, and 2 DEGs were upregulated, and 17, 74, 4, and 8 DEGs were downregulated in the cows in the pregnant and miscarriage groups, respectively at 18, 21, 33, and 39, but no gene was downregulated at 51 d after artificial insemination. These DEGs were distributed to 13, 20, 3, 6, and 20 pathways, and some pathway essential for pregnancy, such as cell adhesion molecules, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion: This analysis has identified several genes and related pathways crucial for pregnancy and miscarriage in cows, as well as these genes supply molecular markers to predict the miscarriage in cows.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.173-180
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• 1994

Milk progesterone concentrations were measured in 111 dairy cows for confirming the estrus observation and for the early pregnancy diagnosis. Of the 56 cows inseminated, 52 cows(92.8%) were an ovulatory estrus, 2 cows(3.6%) were an unovulatory estrus, and 2 cows(3.6%) were the error of estrus observation, respectively. Milk progesterone concentrations at 21 and 24 days after artificial insemination were significantly higher in 23 pregnant cows compared with those in 5 non-pregnant cows(P<0.05). The accuracy rate for early pregnancy diagnosis in 27 cows achieved when the discriminatory concentration at 21 days after artificial insemination was placed at 2.0 ng/ml skim milk, was 91.3% for positive diagnosis and 100% for negative diagnosis, respectively. These results indicated that milk progesterone determination at 0, 6 and 21 days after artificial insemination can be utilized for confirming the estrus observation and for early pregnancy diagnosis. In conclusion, milk progesterone determination is useful diagnostic tool for monitoring the reproductive performance.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.118-127
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• 1999

The aim of this study was to establish the method of differential diagnosis between developing and regressing corpus luteum in cows. Plasma progesterone (P$_4$) concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay in slaughtered, cycling and pregnant cows. Ultrasonography was used to measure the corpus luteum size and histogram values for determining the correlationships between corpus luteum area or histogram values and plasma P$_4$ concentrations. The corpora lutea were monitored in vitro (water-bath scanning) by using ultrasonography with 7.5 MHz linear-array transducer in 196 slaughtered cows. The correlation coefficient between corpus luteum area and plasma P$_4$ concentrations was 0.46 (p<0.01), and between histogram values and plasma P$_4$ concentrations was -0.44 (p<0.01), respectively. The corpora lutea were monitored by ultrasonography with 5.0 MHz linear-array transrectal transducer in 188 cycling and 30 pregnant cows. The corpus luteum areas and plasma P4 concentrations were significantly different between regressing and other corpora lutea (p<0.01), and also histogram values were significantly different between regressing and developing corpola lutea (p＜0.01). The correlation coefficients between corpus luteum areas and plasma P$_4$ concentrations were 0.76 (p<0.01), 0.71 (p<0.01), 0.65 (p＜0.05) and 0.68 (p<0.05), and between histogram values and plasma P$_4$ concentrations were 0.74 (p<0.05), 0.71 (p＜0.01), -0.52 (p<0.05) and 0.65 (p＜0.05) in developing, functional, regressing and pregnant corpora lutea, respectively. These results indicate that corpus luteum areas and plasma P$_4$ concentrations were highly correlated in all stages of corpus luteum. The histogram values and plasma P$_4$ concentrations were positive correlated in developing, functional and pregnant corpora lutea, but negative correlated in regressing corpus luteum. Therefore, the measurement of corpus luteum area and histogram value by ultrasonography is reliable method for the assessment of luteal function, specially developing and regressing corpus luteum.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.239-246
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• 2021

The fertility of dairy cows has been declining worldwide. The number of services per conception has increased, and repeat breeder (RB) cows are considered important in the dairy industry. However, there has been little research on RB cows in Korea. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum biochemical profiles and RB Holstein cattle in Korea and compare the results with those of studies conducted abroad. In addition, we investigated hidden factors that are needed for RB cattle to become pregnant. Overall, 34 Korean Holstein Friesian cows were divided into three groups: pregnant with normal cycling (PNC), pregnant with repeat breeder (PRB), and non-pregnant with repeat breeder (NRB). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein, and serum parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, LD, CK, TP, ALB, GLOB, TBIL, BUN, CRE, GLU, TC, TG, NEFA, CA, MG, and IP) were analyzed. GGT levels were significantly different among groups (P=0.01). The concentration of GGT was the highest in the NRB and the lowest in the PNC. In contrast to the findings of other studies, there were no differences in GLU, TP, TC, and BUN levels. This study is the first to investigate serum biochemistry in RB cattle and provides results that differ from those of previous studies; these findings would help establish a novel approach to improve fertility of RB cattle.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.236-246
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• 2023

Background: This study helps to evaluate the Ovarian potential of Cameroonian Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) slaughtered in Etoudi - Yaoundé for implementing Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ARTs). The aim was to enhance the productivity of the cattle sub-sector in Cameroon while conserving local genetic resources. Methods: A total of 144 cows, including 94 cycled cows and 50 pregnant cows, were included in the study. Live weights were determined by measuring the thoracic perimeter of each cow using a Rondo measuring tape. Age was determined postmortem through examination of dentition and horns, while the uterus and ovaries were removed, weighed, and classified based on physiological status (pregnant or nonpregnant). Follicles were counted, and their diameters were measured and categorized into small (Ø < 3 mm), medium (Ø 3-8 mm), and large (Ø > 8 mm). Results: The results revealed an average follicular population of 32.02 ± 9.31 per cow, with 22.43 ± 8.45 small follicles, 8.42 ± 3.87 medium follicles, and 0.76 ± 0.34 large follicles. The weight of the right ovary was significantly higher than that of the left ovary (p < 0.05), and cows aged 6 to 9 years exhibited a higher number of follicles compared to other age groups. Cows with medium (BCS = 3) and large (BCS = 4-5) body reserves had the heaviest ovaries. Additionally, pregnant cows had heavier uteri compared to non-pregnant cows, and cows with a body condition score of 3 or higher had higher uterine weights than lean cows (BCS = 1-2). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that age, body condition score, and pregnancy status influence ovarian weight. Body Condition Score serves as a reliable indicator of cow nutritional status, and cows with BCS of 3-5 are excellent candidates for in vitro production of embryos.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.149-156
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• 1989

These experiment was carried out to improve the precision of early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle. Changes in progesterone concentration of milk were measured by Enzyme Immunoassay(EIA) in 73 cows up to 21 days after insemination. The average concentraton of progesterone in milk was 1.9ng/ml at eatrus ; it increased to 17.8ng/ml on day 14, and thereafter it declined to 4.3ng/ml on day 21 in nonpregnant cows. Whereas in pregnant animals, it was maintained and elevated further to 22.2ng/ml on day 21. The accuracy of the pregnancy diagnosis for animals classified as positive (pregnant ; over 10ng/ml and decreasing rate<1.5) and negative (non-pregnant ; under 7ng/ml and decreasing rate>1.5) were 95% and 100% respectively. The samples ranging between 7ng/ml and 10ng/ml were classified as positive (decreasing rate<1.5) and negative(>1.5), which accuracy was 54.5% and 100% respectively. However this range appears to be of the most interest for the veterinary practitioner since cows in proestrus or early interestrus tend to have milk progesterone levels within this value. Causes for the insufficient precision of false pregnancy diagnosis are discussed.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.249-253
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• 1990

Plasma progesterone concentrations were measured in 24 Korean native cows by a radioimmunoassay at 0, 6 and 20 days after insemination. As a result, 23 cows (95.8%) were judged to be in estrus with ovulation and one cow (4.2%) was judged to be in estrus without ovulation. Plasma progesterone concentrations at 20 days after insemination were $5.11{\pm}1.33$ (mean${\pm}$SD, range 3.20~7.86) ng/ml in pregnant cows and $0.35{\pm}0.10$ (range 0.30~0.50) ng/ml in nonpregnant cows. Of the 20 cows, 18 cows were confirmed the pregnant by rectal palpation at 60 days after insemination. The accuracy of the pregnancy diagnosis based on plasma progesterone concentration was 90 % for positive case and 100% for negative case.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.261-270
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• 1988

This study was performed to investigate the effect of gestation on the histological and histochemical changes of the uterine cervix of the native Korean cattle. A total of 110 cows obtained from the Chonhuk abattoir were divided into six groups. The 1st group was of 9 non-pregnant cows and 101 singleton pregnant cows were grouped into 5 groups from pregnant I to pregnant V according to gestation periods by means of crown rump length measures. For light microscopy the tissues were fixed in 10% neutral formalin and processed routinely for paraffin sections The $6{\mu}m$ sections were taken and stained with H-E, Alcian blue pH 1.0, Alcian blue pH 2.5, Alcian blue pH 2.5/PAS, PAS reaction, toluidin blue, and trichrome. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The cervical lengths and widths were increased in relation to advancing gestation. 2. The cervical folds of the pregnant groups were increased and complicated with many branches, and the cervical muscosal epithelia were increased in according to advancing gestation. 3. As advancing gestation, the tunics muscularis of cervix was increased following moderate distribution of fibroblast and vascularity, meanwhile decreased mast cells were found. 4. The cervical mucosubstance was composed of mixed mucopolysaccharides; the acid mucus was increased from the early pregnant state but the neutral mucus was found after pregnant IV, and the mucus was stained deeply in each staining in the fold cavity in according to gestation state.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.177-182
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• 1997

To make index on therapy or releasing from dairy holstein cows of reproductive disorder, the levels of serological sex hormones and total ALP, GOT, GPT, and serum protein were measured. The results obtained through the experiments are summarized as follows ; 1. The levels of FSH and estradiol in reproductive disorder group were significantly higher and lower than those in pregnant group and control group, respectively. (p<0.05) 2. The level of prolactin was showed mild difference in three groups and that of progesterone was reasonably higher in pregnant group with significance (p<0.05). 3. The activity of GPT was significantly higher and that of GOT was showed higher In reproductive disorder group, respectively ( p<0.05) 4. The level of total ALP was higher in reproductive disorder group, however no difference was showed between pregnant and control group. 5. The level of serum protein was followed as control, pregnant, and reproductive disorder with insignificance.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.397-401
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• 2010

This study was to evaluate the usefulness of a programmed reproductive management including Presynch-Ovsynch-Resynch protocol in lactating dairy cows. Nine hundred and thirty four cows calved during February to May 2008 were used for this study. Cows received im injections of 25 mg $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ at $45{\pm}3$ and $59{\pm}3$ days in milk (DIM). Fourteen days later, Ovsynch was initiated with an im injection of $100\;{\mu}g$ GnRH ($73{\pm}3$ DIM), 25 mg $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ 7 days later ($80{\pm}3$ DIM), $100\;{\mu}g$ GnRH 56 h later and timed artificial insemination (TAI) 16 h after the GnRH injection. Cows showed estrus during the Presynch-Ovsynch, were inseminated artificially according to am-pm rule. Pregnancy was determined on 32 days after AI using ultrasonography. Cows diagnosed pregnant were re-examined for pregnancy by rectal palpation at 60 days after AI. Non-pregnant cows were resynchronized by receiving $100\;{\mu}g$ GnRH, 25 mg $PGF_{2{\alpha}}$ 7 days later, $100\;{\mu}g$ GnRH 56 h later and TAI 16 h after. Cows with estrus since the first AI before the completion of Resynch protocol were also inseminated artificially according to am-pm rule. Pregnancy was determined by the same manner as following the first AI. Fifty five percents of the cows treated showed estrus and received AI before completion of the Presynch-Ovsynch protocol, while 45% received TAI, regardless of estrus exhibition following the completion of the protocol. The pregnancy rate following the first AI was higher in cows that showed estrus and received AI (43.3 and 38.5%) during the Presynch-Ovsynch than cows with TAI (34.6 and 29.6%) on 32 and 60 days after AI (P < 0.01). Sixty six percents of cows diagnosed non-pregnant following the first AI showed estrus before the completion of Resynch protocol and received AI, while 34% received TAI, regardless of estrus exhibition following the completion of the protocol. The pregnancy rate following the second AI was higher in cows that showed estrus before the completion of Resynch protocol and received AI (40.2 and 36.8%) than cows with TAI (21.2 and 18.2%) on 32 and 60 days after AI (P < 0.01). The cumulative pregnancy rates following the first and second AIs were 60.8 and 53.9% on 32 and 60 days after AI, respectively. These data suggest that inclusion of Presynch-Ovsynch-Resynch protocol and estrus detection into the programmed reproductive management might be an alternative option to control dairy cattle breeding.