• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.337-341
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• 2007

This study determined the effect of postpartum intrauterine infusion of povidone-iodine solution on the subsequent reproductive performance in dairy cows. Six hundred and fifty-eight dairy cows that were around week 4 postpartum were randomly divided into two groups: (1) Cows in treated group received an intrauterine infusion of 100 to 150 ml 2% povidone-iodine solution (treated group, n=269), or (2) Cows that received no treatment were served as the controls (control group, n=389). The cows were bred at observed estrus more than 50 days after calving. Artificial insemination (AI) was done according to the a.m.-p.m. rule. The conception to AI was determined per rectum 60 days after AI by both ultrasonographical observation and manual palpation. The intervals from calving to first service and conception ($94.2{\pm}2.7$ and $144.1{\pm}4.1$ days vs. $88.0{\pm,}2.1$ and $143.5{\pm}4.6$ days, respectively), number of services per conception ($2.0{\pm}0.1$ vs. $2.1{\pm}0.1$), and cumulative pregnancy rates within 90 and 150 days postpartum (31.9 and 61.7% vs. 29.7 and 62.1%) did not differ between the control and treated groups (P>0.05), while conception rate at first service was lower (P<0.05) in the treated group (40.5%) than in the control group (49.4%). Additionally, we could not find any effect of intrauterine infusion of povidone-iodine solution according to cow parity or calving season on the reproductive performance. These results indicate that intrauterine infusion of povidone-iodine solution at week 4 postpartum does not affect the subsequent reproductive performance in dairy cows.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.27-31
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• 2019

It is well documented that intensive selection in dairy cattle for economic value such as increased milk yield led to a decline in reproductive performance. Recent studies using genome-wide association studies (GWASs) discovered candidate genes involved in the lower fertility including embryo development and conception rates. However, the information, which showed a lower reproductive performance, is limited to dairy cattle, especially Holstein, and the candidate genes were not examined in the Korean native cattle Hanwoo which has been intensively selected and bred for meat in the last few decades. We selected the candidate genes WBP1 and PARM1 reported to be associated with cow and/or heifer conception in dairy cattle and analyzed the genotype because those genes have non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). To determine the single base change, we used the high resolution melting (HRM) assay which is rapid and cost-effective for a small number of genes. We found that most heifers with higher conception (1: service per conception) have the AA genotype coding Threonine rather than Proline in the WBP1 gene. We did not detect an association for a SNP in PARM1 in our analysis. In conclusion, the genetic variation of WBP1 can be used as a selective marker gene to improve reproductive performance, and HRM assay can be used to identify common SNP genotypes rapidly and cost effectively.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.229-232
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• 1997

Effects of short-term treatment with somidobove (recombinantly produced bovine somatotropin, BST) on estrous cyclicity and fertility were studied in dairy buffaloes. Twenty buffaloes of Nili-Ravi breed calving during the same season were assigned to either control (n=8) or treated group (n=12). The buffaloes of treated group received single infection (prolonged release) of 320 mg of somidobove on day-60 postpartum. The mean values for interval to first postpartum estrus, first service conception rate, services per conception, service period and calving interval for the treated group were 96.4 days, 66.7%, 1.70, 164 days and 473 days, respectively. The corresponding values for the control group were 92.5 days, 62.5%, 1.87, 135 days and 439 days. Means of all variables did not differ between control and treated group (p > 0.05). Three buffaloes of the control and four buffaloes of the treated group did not conceive at first service. Out of these, two buffaloes of control and one buffalo of treated group exhibited normal estrous cycles. It is concluded from these data that short term BST-treatment has no adverse effect on reproductive functions of dairy buffaloes.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.179-182
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• 2009

This study was carried out between November 2007 and October 2008 in the experimental farm of Chunnam National University to investigate the effect of feeding of whole crop barley silage on the reproductive performance of Hanwoo heifers and cows. Two diets, rice straw or whole crop barley silage separately from concentrate were fed 11 Hanwoo heifers and 26 Hanwoo cows. In control group (=CON), heifers (n=6) and cows (n=13) were fed 7 kg (/head) rice straw and 4 kg (/head) commercial diet. In whole crop barley silage group (=WBG), heifers (n=5) and cows (n=13) were fed 8 kg (/head) whole crop barley silage and 1 kg (/head) commercial diet. 1. Conception rates for first service in CON or WBG heifers were 66.7% (4/6) and 60.0% (3/5), respectively, and the services per conception cows were $1.5{\pm}0.2$ for CON and $1.4{\pm}0.2$ for WBG group. 2. Days to post-partum insemination were $106.6{\pm}26.3$ days for CON and $85.6{\pm}12.6$ days for WBG group, and days to post-partum conception in CON or WBG were $128.4{\pm}27.1$ and $96.8{\pm}16.8$ days, respectively. 3. Post-partum conception rates for first service in CON or WBG were 76.9% (10/13) and 84.6% (11/13), respectively, and caving interval was $418{\pm}50.7$ days for CON and $392.8{\pm}20.7$ days for WBG group.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.241-245
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• 2006

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of intra-uterine infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on reproductive performance in lactating dairy cows. Conception rate at first service was higher (56.0%) in dairy cows treated with LPS compared to non-treated cows (20.0 %). Cumulative conception rate by overall services (more than 2 services) after LPS treatment was also higher (64.0%) in dairy cows treated with LPS compared to non-treated cows (40.0%). Services per conception was significantly higher in control ($2.0{\pm}0.1$) compared with LPS ($1.2{\pm}0.4$) treated group (p<0.05).

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.369-375
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• 2003

The ultrasonography was performed in 77,924 subestrous dairy cows from 680 dairy farms at 57 districts. The cows were examined for confirmation of resumption of ovaries and uterus after 30 days postpartum, for early pregnancy diagnosis after 30 days post-insemination, confirmation of pregnancy at 8 month post-insemination, and for diagnosis of reproductive dysfunctions, respectively. The results of reproductive examination by ultrasonography in 77,924 dairy cows were ovarian disorders 35,452 (46.8%), uterine disorders 10,721 (13.8%), pregnancy and pregnant failure 24,044 (30.8%), adhesion of reproductive tracts 167 (0.2%), freematins 13 (0.01%) and others 6,527 (8.4%) cows, respectively. The 13,732 (49.6%) cows out of 27,694 cows were treated for silent heat or error of estrus detection, 3,473 (12.5%) cows for follicular cysts, 815 (3.0%) cows for luteal cysts, 606 (2.2%) cows for inactive ovaries, 4 (0.01%) cows for granulosa cell tumors, and 6,455 (23.3%) cows for endometritis, respectively. The indices of reproductive efficiencies before (2001-08-10) and after (2003-07-20) periodical examination of reproductive status were as follows; the mean intercalving interval were shortened from 471 days to 383 days, the mean interval calving to conception were shortened from 187 days to 99 days, the mean interval calving to first service were shortened from 105 days to 67 days, the mean cows showing heat by 60 days postpartum were increased from 33% to 89%, the mean conception rate to first service were increased from 43% to 68%, and the mean service per conception were shortened from 2.6 times to 1.8 times, respectively. These results suggest that periodical examination of reproductive status would be useful for the improvement of the reproductive performance in dairy cows.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.81-85
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• 2012

This study investigated the effect of birth weight on the fertility of Holstein heifers. Growth parameter (body weight) was measured at birth. Calves were analyzed as three subgroups: low (L), average (A) and high (H) birth weight (BW) calves. LBW calves were born 10 kg lighter than HBW calves. Fertility data collected included age at first breeding (AFB), number of services per conception, pregnancy rate to first artificial insemination (AI), and age at first calving (AFC). Primiparous calves in HBW are smaller compared to multiparous cows (18.3% versus 48%). Although not significantly different, LBW offspring appeared to breed faster over the service period compared with the ABW offspring that bred three weeks later on the average. The mean pregnancy rate to first AI for LBW heifers was higher (60%) than ABW (48%) and HBW (45%). HBW cows required more services per conception (2.1) than the LBW (1.7) and ABW (1.9). There were significant differences (p<0.05) in age at first calving among the different calving birth weights. Smaller birth size did not have any subsequent adverse effects on fertility. HBW offspring were more likely or tend to have worse fertility parameters.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.219-221
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• 1995

Data on productive and reporductive performance of native cows maintained at Savar Dairy Farm, Central Cattle Breeding Station (CCBS), Savar, Dhaka, were collected from the periods of 1980-1988. The mean calving to first breeding during the second parity was longer (p < 0.01) than the fourth and fifth parities (152 vs 105 and 96 days respectively). There was no difference on the parameters like first breeding to conception, service period, gestation length, number of services per conception and total milk yield over the parities. The mean calving interval during the second parity was longer (p < 0.05) than the fourth and fifth parities. The mean lactation length during the first parity was longer (p < 0.01) than those of second, third, fourth and fifth lactations (317 vs 237, 266, 250 and 247 days respectively). The mean per day milk yield during the first lactation was lower (p < 0.01) than those of second, third, fourth and fifth lactations (1.88 vs 2.55, 2.75, 2.54 and 2.57 kg respectively). The mean dry period was longer in first lactation (p < 0.05) compared to third and fifth lactations (209 vs 141 and 129 days respectively).

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.308-312
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• 1997

Incidence of retained placenta in dairy cows was investigated in 120 parturitions. Prior to calving, cows were allotted into four groups; 1) control, 2) the infection of Vitamin E (500 IU), 3) the injection of selenium (40 mg), and 4) the infection of Vitamin E (500 IU) and selenium (40 mg). Selenium (Se) and Vitamin E were injected intramusculary 20 d prior to the estimated calving date. No effects of Se or Vitamin E administration alone was observed for number of service per conception, conception rate, and estrus rate (p > 0.05). But the Vitamin E administration with Se significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the incidence of retained placenta and the days required for calving the first service. Incidence of retained placenta was not significantly (p > 0.05) influenced by parity, but it was significantly (p < 0.01) influenced by season, especially, increased during July and August. Concentration of Se in plasma was not significantly (p > 0.05) changed during peripartum period whether the treatment. The results of this study on retained placenta suggest that this disorder will be reduced by the administration of Se and Vitamin E prior to calving in dairy cows.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.523-531
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• 2008

Buffalo are a major source of milk production, contributing 12.1% in the World and 38.0% in Asia. The buffaloes are kept under peri-urban farming systems to produce milk for urban populations. Breeding is delayed in these herds to get more economic benefit because farmers believe that the pregnancy decreases milk production. The lactation milk value has been studied in this paper as an economic indicator. Complete milk yield records of 3,304 buffaloes was collected from a group of state farms. Economic traits including lactation yield, lactation length, calving interval (CI), dry period and milk yield per day of calving interval (MYPDCI) were derived from the data. The animals were grouped according to parity number (1-3), service period (G1 to G4, conceiving during <150, 150-200, 200-300 and >300 days post calving) and yield levels (HMY>2,500; MMY 2,001-2,500; and LMY 1,500-2,000 liters/ lactation). To study the effect of pregnancy on milk composition a research trial was conducted at a medium size private dairy farm, using forty lactating buffaloes of three yield levels and four service period groups, as described already. Milk was sampled on alternate weeks and analyzed for fat and protein contents (%). For quantifying the value of milk produced during a lactation period, the value corrected milk (VCM) was determined and converted to lactation milk value (LMV). Group means were compared for varicous parameters. Highest milk yield ($2,836.50{\pm}15.68$ liters/lactation) was recorded in the HMY animals of G4 group while lowest milk yield of $1,657.04{\pm}8.34$ liters/lactation was found in LMY of G1. Lactation was significantly increased with the extending of service period. The shortest dry period was recorded in HMY, parity 1, G1 animals and the longest in parity 2, MMY, G4.The CI was shortest in HMY, parity 1, and G1 animals and longest in LMY, parity 3, G4 buffaloes. The HMY, parity 2, G1 buffaloes showed the highest MYPDCI and the lowest value was recorded ($6.53{\pm}0.17$ vs. $2.76{\pm}0.04$ liter/day) for LMY, parity 1, G4 buffaloes. The VCM decreased with the delayed conception. This decreasing trend was higher in respect of the total yield but decrease in the VCM was smaller due to the increasing levels of fat and protein in the milk. The gap between the various production classes was reduced based on the VCM as compared with the yield per day of CI. LMV showed a consistent decline with extending service period in all three production groups. The study suggests that CI increased with delayed conception, showing a consistent trend in the low, moderate and high yielding buffaloes. There was a coherent declining pattern of milk yield with delaying conception, associated with prolonged CI. An animal conceiving at a later stage of lactation showed a decline in financial returns of 24 to 27% compared with those conceiving earlier.