The evaluation of corpus luteum blood flow using color-flow Doppler ultrasound for early pregnancy diagnosis in bovine embryo recipients.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate corpus luteum blood flow (CLBF) as an early indicator of pregnancy status in bovine embryo recipients. Fifty crossbred beef cows were submitted to embryo transfer on Day 7 after estrus. On Days 7, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 26, 33, and 40, a blood sample was taken, the CL examined using a color-flow Doppler ultrasound scanner, and video was recorded of each scanning session. Ultrasound data were grouped by the first day progesterone concentrations were <1 ng/mL (indicating early embryo loss, EEL) through Day 21 (EEL-17, n=3; EEL-19, n=9; EEL-21, n=3), absence of an embryo on Days 26, 33, or 40 (late embryo loss; LEL; n=12), or remained pregnant (P; n=23). The first decrease in CLBF of EEL-17, EEL-19, and EEL-21 cows compared to P cows occurred on Days 17, 19, and 21, respectively (P<0.05). There was no difference in CLBF between LEL and P cows on Days 17, 19, and 21. Six evaluators diagnosed pregnancy from randomized video clips on Days 17, 19, and 21. Evaluators made more (P<0.004) correct diagnoses on Day 19 than Day 17. Sensitivity (82.9+/-10.1%) was not affected by day. From Days 17 to 19, diagnostic specificity increased (P=0.046) from 43.2+/-3.0 to 54.3+/-3.0% but remained unchanged thereafter. Due to low specificity and sensitivity, evaluation of CLBF alone was insufficient for early pregnancy diagnosis.

Effect of a CIDR insert and flunixin meglumine, administered at the time of embryo transfer, on pregnancy rate and resynchronization of estrus in beef cattle.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of flunixin meglumine (FM), an inhibitor of PGF(2alpha) synthesis, and insertion of an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (CIDR), on pregnancy rates in beef cattle embryo transfer (ET) recipients, and to examine the effect of a CIDR after embryo transfer on the synchrony of the return to estrus in non-pregnant recipients. Cows (n=622) and heifers (n=90) at three locations were assigned randomly to one of four groups in a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments with FM administration (500 mg i.m.) 2-12 min prior to ET, and insertion of a CIDR (1.38 g progesterone) immediately following ET as main effects. Fresh or frozen embryos (Stage=4 or 5; Grade=1 or 2) were transferred on Days 6-9 of the estrous cycle and CIDR devices were removed 13 days after ET. Recipients at Location 2 only were observed for signs of return to estrus. Recipients that returned to estrus at Location 2 were either bred by AI or received an embryo 7 days after estrus. Following the initial ET, there was an FMxlocation interaction on pregnancy rate (P<0.01; Location 1, 89% versus 57%; Location 2, 69% versus 64%; Location 3, 64% versus 67% for FM versus no FM, respectively). Pregnancy rates of embryo recipients were not affected by CIDR administration (P>0.05; 65% with CIDR, 70% without CIDR), however, the timing of the return to estrus was more synchronous (P<0.01) for recipients given a CIDR. Pregnancy rate of recipients bred following a return to estrus did not differ between cows receiving or not receiving a CIDR for resynchronization (P>0.13). Effects of FM on pregnancy rate were location dependent and CIDR insertion at ET improved synchrony of the return to estrus.

Effect of P.G. 600 on the timing of ovulation in gilts treated with altrenogest.

We previously reported that ovulation rate, but not pregnancy rate or litter size at d 30 after mating, was enhanced by treatment with P.G. 600 (400 IU of PMSG and 200 IU of hCG, Intervet America, Inc., Millsboro, DE) in gilts fed the orally active progestin, altrenogest (Matrix, Intervet America, Inc.) to synchronize estrus. We hypothesized that in addition to increasing ovulation rate, P.G. 600 may have altered the timing of ovulation. Therefore, mating gilts 12 and 24 h after first detection of estrus, as is common in the swine industry, may not have been the optimal breeding regimen, and as a consequence, pregnancy rate and litter size were not altered. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of P.G. 600 on the timing of ovulation in gilts treated with altrenogest. Randomly cycling, crossbred gilts (5.5 mo old, 117 kg BW, and 14.7 mm of backfat) were fed a diet containing altrenogest (15 mg/d) for 18 d. Twenty-four hours after altrenogest withdrawal, gilts received i.m. injections of P.G. 600 (n = 25) or saline (n = 25). Gilts were checked for estrus at 8-h intervals. After first detection of estrus, transrectal ultrasonography was performed at 8-h intervals to determine the time of ovulation. Gilts were killed 9 to 11 d after the onset of estrus to determine ovulation rate. All gilts displayed estrus by 7 d after treatment with P.G. 600 or saline. Compared with saline, P.G. 600 increased (P = 0.07) ovulation rate (14.8 vs. 17.5, respectively; SE = 1.1). The intervals from injection to estrus (110.9 vs. 98.4; SE = 2.7 h; P < 0.01) and injection to ovulation (141.9 vs. 128.6; SE = 3.2 h; P < 0.01) were greater in gilts treated with saline than in gilts treated with P.G. 600. Duration of estrus (54.4 vs. 53.7; SE = 2.5 h), the estrus-to-ovulation interval (30.2 vs. 31.7; SE = 2.2 h), and the time of ovulation as a percentage of estrus duration (55.8 vs. 57.5; SE = 3.0%) did not differ for the P.G. 600 and saline-injected gilts, respectively. In summary, P.G. 600 advanced the onset of estrus and ovulation following termination of altrenogest treatment and increased ovulation rate; however, treatment of gilts with P.G. 600 had no effect on the timing of ovulation relative to the onset of estrus.

Expression of growth hormone receptor 1A mRNA is decreased in dairy cows but not in beef cows at parturition.

The promoter controlling expression of a major bovine growth hormone (GH) receptor (GHR) mRNA variant, GHR 1A, contains a common DNA element for transcription factors hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF-4alpha), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4gamma (HNF-4gamma), and chicken ovalbumin transcription factor II (COUP-TFII). Expression of GHR 1A mRNA is decreased in the liver of dairy cows at parturition. The objective of this study was to determine whether reduced expression of GHR 1A mRNA in dairy cows at parturition is associated with changed expression of HNF-4alpha, HNF-4gamma, or COUP-TFII mRNA. Liver biopsy samples were taken from multiparous Holstein cows 7 to 23 d before parturition, within 24 h after parturition (i.e., at parturition), and 8 to 18 d after parturition, and the relative amounts of GHR 1A, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), HNF-4alpha, HNF-4gamma, and COUP-TFII mRNA in these samples were measured by ribonuclease protection assays. As expected, expression of GHR 1A, total GHR, and IGF-I mRNA was decreased at parturition, compared with that detected prepartum or during the postpartum period. Expression of HNF-4alpha and COUP-TFII mRNA was unchanged, but that of HNF-4gamma mRNA was increased at parturition. The same study was also conducted in multiparous Angus cows 7 to 23 d before parturition, at parturition, and 8 to 18 d after parturition. Neither expression of GHR 1A, total GHR, or IGF-I mRNA, nor expression of HNF-4alpha, COUP-TFII, or HNF-4gamma mRNA was changed in the liver of beef cows at parturition. These results together suggest that, at the molecular level, decreased expression of GHR 1A mRNA in the liver of dairy cows at parturition may involve increased expression of HNF-4gamma mRNA and that, at the systemic level, decreased expression of GHR 1A mRNA is not a direct result of the end of pregnancy, parturition, or the initiation of lactation.

Effects of varying the holding temperature and interval from collection to freezing on post-thaw development of bovine embryos in vitro.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro development of frozen-thawed bovine embryos held at room temperature or refrigerated for 2, 6 or 12 h prior to freezing. After recovery, embryos were randomly assigned to be placed in holding media for 2 h (n=131), 6 h (n=136) or 12h (n=133) prior to freezing. Approximately one-half of the embryos were refrigerated (5 degrees C; n=203) while the remaining half were held at room temperature (22 degrees C; n = 197) until freezing. Embryos were frozen in 10% ethylene glycol and stored in liquid nitrogen. After thawing, embryos were cultured for 72 h in Ham's F-10 media supplemented with 4% fetal bovine serum. Embryos were evaluated for quality and stage of development prior to freezing and after culture. At the end of culture, it was determined if each embryo had developed beyond the stage recorded prior to freezing and if the embryo had hatched from the zona pellucida. The percentage of embryos that developed during culture was greater (P < 0.001) for Grade 1 (81%) than for either Grade 2 (65%) or Grade 3 (48%) embryos. Likewise, a greater proportion (P < 0.001) of Grade 1 embryos developed to hatched blastocysts (60%) than either Grade 2 (40%) or Grade 3 (24%) embryos. The holding temperature from collection to freezing did not influence embryo development, regardless of the interval from embryo collection to freezing. The proportion of embryos that developed to expanded blastocysts and hatched was greater (P < 0.005) for embryos held 2 h prior to freezing (64%) than for embryos held for 12 h (33%). Hatching rate of embryos held 6 h prior to freezing (54%) tended (P < 0.08) to be lower than the hatching percentage for embryos held for 2 h. Thus, post-thaw embryonic development was impaired the longer embryos were held prior to freezing and temperature during the interval from collection to freezing did not affect post-thaw development.

The effects of varying the interval from follicular wave emergence to progestin withdrawal on follicular dynamics and the synchrony of estrus in beef cattle.

The objective of this experiment was to examine the effects of varying the interval from follicular wave emergence to progestin (controlled internal drug-releasing insert, CIDR) withdrawal on follicular dynamics and the synchrony of estrus. A secondary objective was to assess the effects of causing the dominant follicle (DF) to develop in the presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL) on follicular dynamics and the synchrony of estrus and ovulation. The experiment was designed as a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with injection of GnRH or estradiol-17 beta and progesterone (E2 + P4) at treatment initiation, duration of CIDR treatment, and injection of PG (prostaglandin F2 alpha) or saline at the time of CIDR insertion as main effects. Estrous cycles (n = 49) in Angus cows were synchronized, and treatments commenced on d 6 to 8 of the estrous cycle. Cows were randomly assigned to receive a CIDR containing 1.9 g of P4 for 7 or 9 d. Approximately half the cows from each CIDR group received either GnRH (100 micrograms) or E2 + P4 (1 mg of E2 + 100 mg of P4) at CIDR insertion. Cows in GnRH or E2 + P4 groups were divided into those that received PG (37.5 mg) or saline at CIDR insertion. All cows received PG (25 mg) 1 d before CIDR removal. Daily ovarian events were monitored via ultrasound. The intervals from GnRH or E2 + P4 treatment to follicular wave emergence were 1.4 and 3.3 d, respectively (P < 0.05). The interval from follicular wave emergence to CIDR removal was longer (P < 0.05) for cows treated with GnRH (6.6 d) than those treated with E2 + P4 (4.7 d) and longer (P < 0.05) for those fitted with a CIDR for 9 d (6.5 d) than those with a CIDR in place for 7 d (4.8 d). Cows treated with PG or GnRH at CIDR insertion had a larger (P < 0.05) DF at CIDR removal than those treated with saline or E2 + P4. Treatment with a CIDR for 9 d also resulted in a larger (P < 0.07) DF at CIDR removal compared with cows fitted with a CIDR for 7 d. The interval from CIDR removal to estrus was shorter (P < 0.05) in cows treated with PG than those treated with saline. The synchrony of estrus and ovulation was not affected by any of the treatments (P > 0.05). Altering the interval from follicular wave emergence to progestin removal or creating different luteal environments in which the DF developed caused differences in the size of the DF at CIDR removal and the timing of the onset of estrus, but it did not affect the synchrony of estrus or ovulation.

Evaluating recipient and embryo factors that affect pregnancy rates of embryo transfer in beef cattle.

The objectives of this experiment were to determine the effects of corpus luteum characteristics, progesterone concentration, donor-recipient synchrony, embryo quality, type, and developmental stage on pregnancy rates after embryo transfer. We synchronized 763 potential recipients for estrus using one of two synchronization protocols: two doses of PGF2alpha (25 mg i.m.) given 11 d apart (Location 1); and, a single norgestomet implant for 7 d with one dose of PGF2alpha (25 mg i.m.) 24 h before implant removal (Location 2). At embryo transfer, ovaries were examined by rectal palpation and ultrasonography. Of the 526 recipients presented for embryo transfer, 122 received a fresh embryo and 326 received a frozen embryo. Pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.05) with fresh embryos (83%) than frozen-thawed embryos (69%). Pregnancy rates were not affected by embryo grade, embryo stage, donor-recipient synchrony, or the palpated integrity of the CL. Corpus luteum diameter and luteal tissue volume increased as days post-estrus for the recipients increased. However, pregnancy rates did not differ among recipients receiving embryos 6.5 to 8.5 days after estrus (P > 0.1). There was a significant, positive simple correlation between CL diameter or luteal tissue volume and plasma progesterone concentration (r = 0.15, P < 0.01 and r = 0.18, P < 0.01, respectively). There were no significant differences in mean CL diameter, luteal volume or plasma progesterone concentration among recipients that did or did not become pregnant after embryo transfer. We conclude that suitability of a potential embryo transfer recipient is determined by observed estrus and a palpable corpus luteum, regardless of size or quality.

Effects of disclosure of traumatic events on illness behavior among psychiatric prison inmates.

To assess the health effects of writing about traumatic events in a clinical population, 98 psychiatric prison inmates were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions in which they were asked to write about their deepest thoughts and feelings surrounding upsetting experiences (trauma writing condition), write about trivial topics (trivial writing control), or go about their daily routine without writing (no-writing control). Both writing groups wrote for 20 min per day for 3 consecutive days. Participants in the trauma condition reported experiencing more physical symptoms subsequent to the intervention relative to those in the other conditions. Despite this, controlling for prewriting infirmary visits, sex offenders in the trauma writing condition decreased their postwriting infirmary visits. These results are congruent with predictions based on stigmatization and inhibition.

Reproductive responses of beef heifers after concurrent administration of vaccines, anthelmintic and progestogen.

A study was conducted to determine whether concurrent administration of vaccines for reproductive diseases and an anthelmintic, given immediately prior to estrus synchronization with a progestogen, would affect subsequent estrous response and fertility in beef heifers. Two hundred ninety-five yearling crossbred beef heifers on 3 ranches in Oregon and Kansas were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments. Control heifers were vaccinated and dewormed 30 d prior to the anticipated breeding. Treated heifers received the same vaccination and deworming products 9 d prior to breeding. All heifers in both groups were treated with norgestomet (Syncro-Mate-B) for 9 d to synchronize estrus. The administered vaccine consisted of modified live virus for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, parainfluenza and bovine viral diarrhea, with 5-way bacterin for leptospirosis and bacterin for vibriosis. Heifers were also administered ivermectin or fenbendazole for deworming. Heifers exhibiting synchronized estrus were artificially inseminated and subsequently exposed to fertile bulls. Pregnancy status was determined at a later date by palpation per rectum. Vaccination and deworming at the time of treatment with progestogen compared with immunizing and deworming 30 d prior to breeding did not impair the expression of behavioral estrus. The percentage of treated heifers conceiving to AI or natural service did not differ from that of the respective control heifers. These data suggest that vaccination, deworming and synchronization of estrus with norgestomet can be performed simultaneously without any detrimental effects upon occurrence of behavioral estrus or fertility.

Application of knowledge about corpus luteum function in control of estrus and ovulation in cattle.

Understanding corpus luteum (CL) function has led to development of methods of estrus synchronization in cattle that either extend the estrous cycle by administration of exogenous progestins or shorten the cycle by induction of luteolysis. Both methods have limitations, which have been reduced or overcome through sequential or combined treatment with progestin and luteolytic drugs. Future improvements in estrus synchronization methodology are most likely to come from achieving more synchrony between the development of a highly fertile ovulatory follicle and control of luteal function.

Prostaglandin F(2alpha) and naloxone therapy in the anestrous postpartum beef cow.

Three experiments were conducted, using multiparous crossbred beef cows, to test the ability of exogenous prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF) and/or naloxone to reduce the duration of the postpartum interval to estrus and to improve subsequent reproductive performance. In each experiment, postpartum cows were assigned to treatments by calving date. In Experiment 1, cows (n=44) were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: 1) control, 2) PGF on Day 25 post partum, 3) 400 mg naloxone (3 doses) at 12-h intervals on Day 30 post partum, and 4) PGF on Day 25 followed by 3 400-mg doses naloxone at 12-h intervals on Day 30 post partum. In Experiment 2, cows (n=126) were assigned either to 1) control or 2) PGF on Day 30 post partum In Experiment 3, cows (n=67) were again assigned to 1 of 4 treatments 1) control, 2) PGF on Day 30 post partum, 3) PGF on Day 40 post partum, and 4) PGF on Day 30 and 40 post partum. Serum progesterone was used to determine the postpartum interval to estrus in Experiments 1 and 3. In all 3 experiments, serum progesterone was used to determine the proportion of cows that had reestablished estrous cycles at the start of breeding. Pregnancy rate and calving interval were analyzed for all trials. Naloxone had no effect (P > 0.20) on any reproductive variable measured. The postpartum interval to estrus was similar (P > 0.30) for PGF-treated and control cows in Experiments 1 and 3. The proportion of cows cycling at the start of breeding and the calving interval were not affected (P > 0.20) by PGF treatment in any of the experiments. Only the administration of PGF on Day 40 post partum in Experiment 3 improved (P=0.04) the subsequent pregnancy rate. Analysis of data pooled across experiments showed that the pregnancy rate was higher (P=0.03) for cows treated with PGF than for control cows (91.4 and 72.9%, respectively). It was concluded that administration of PGF during the early postpartum period improves subsequent reproductive function in beef cows.

Effect of melengestrol acetate (MGA) or progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) on follicular development, concentrations of estradiol-17 beta and progesterone, and luteinizing hormone release during an artificially lengthened bovine estrous cycle.

Two trials were conducted to determine whether 7-d progestogen treatment beginning on d 17 of the estrous cycle altered 1) ovarian follicular development, 2) serum concentration of estradiol-17 beta (E2) and progesterone (P4), and 3) patterns of release of luteinizing hormone (LH). In both trials, Angus, Angus x Holstein, or Holstein cows 2 to 6 yr of age were randomly assigned to receive either melengestrol acetate (MGA, .5 mg.animal-1.d-1; n = 23), a progesterone-releaseing intravaginal device (PRID, n = 26) or to serve as untreated Controls (n = 14). Ultrasonography and blood sampling were performed daily throughout the experiment beginning on d 3 (Trial 1) or d 9 (Trial 2) of the estrous cycle. In Trial 2, blood samples were collected every 15-min for 6 h on d 17 (all cows) and d 20 and 23 (MGA and PRID cows) for determination of LH. Estrous cycle length was 3 to 5 d greater (P < .05) for MGA- and PRID-treated cows characterized by two (MGA-2 and PRID-2) or three (MGA-3 and PRID-3) dominant follicles than for control cows exhibiting two (Control-2) or three (Control-3) dominant follicles. A greater proportion (P < .05) of MGA- than of PRID-treated cows ovulated the follicle that was dominant at the beginning of treatment on d 17 (10 of 23 vs 1 of 26). Serum P4 concentrations declined 3 d earlier in Control-2 and MGA-2 cows than in Control-3, MGA-3 or PRID-3 cows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of once- versus twice-weekly transvaginal follicular aspiration on bovine oocyte recovery and embryo development.

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicular aspiration combined with in vitro maturation/in vitro fertilization (IVM/IVF) and culture was used to obtain bovine preimplantation stage embryos. Evaluated were the effects of aspiration frequency on oocyte recovery and embryo development following IVM/IVF. In Experiment 1, transvaginal follicular aspiration was performed once (n=5) or twice (n=5) weekly in multiparous Angus cows with the aid of a transvaginal sector transducer (5-MHz). In Experiment 2, aspiration was performed on Angus cows once weekly (n=6), twice weekly (n=4), or twice weekly after treatment with FSH (15 mg; n=4). Follicles (>2 mm) were punctured using a 55-cm needle (17g), and oocytes were aspirated through the needle and silastic tubing (2 m) by vacuum suction (75 mmHg). The oocytes were examined for morphology and were in vitro matured and fertilized. Following IVF, all ova were co-cultured in vitro for 7 d on Buffalo Rat liver cells. Oocyte recovery rates per aspïration session in Experiment 1 were not different between groups aspirated once or twice weekly (6.8+/-2.0 vs 6.3+/-1.1 oocytes/session; x+/-SEM) or in Experiment 2 between groups aspirated once, twice, or twice plus FSH treatment (7.7+/-1.8 vs 9.5+/-1.1 vs 6.2+/-1.1; P>0.10). In vitro development to the blastocyst stage was not different between the once, twice or twice-weekly aspiration plus FSH treatments or control oocytes obtained from cows at slaughter (23.1 vs 26.1 vs 18.0 vs 27.9%; P>0.10). Oocytes from the twice-weekly and twice-weekly plus FSH aspiration groups generated a higher percentage of Grade-1 quality embryos than the once-weekly group (P<0.05). In commercial bovine oocyte aspiration, more transferable embryos can be generated from twice-weekly aspirations than from once-weekly aspiration.

Cell interactions in initiation of mammary epithelial proliferation by oestradiol and progesterone in prepubertal heifers.

The acute temporal effects of exogenous oestradiol (0.1 mg/kg per day), progesterone (0.25 mg/kg per day) or both together on the proliferative response of epithelial cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes and endothelial cells in the mammary tissue of prepubertal cross-bred heifers were determined. Mammary biopsies were taken immediately before, then 24, 48 and 96 h after the initiation of daily administration of hormones to three heifers per treatment group. Incorporation of [3H]thymidine into explants prepared from biopsies was evaluated after a 1-h incubation by measuring trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-insoluble radioactivity in explant homogenates as well as by quantitative histoautoradiography. Incorporation expressed as d.p.m./mg tissue or d.p.m./microgram DNA was increased (P < or = 0.05) approximately 11-fold by 96 h in oestradiol-treated heifers. Progesterone-treated animals were unresponsive and heifers treated with both hormones were intermediate in response compared with oestradiol-treated heifers. Autoradiographic data for ductal or terminal duct epithelial cells showed similar dramatic increases in labelling by 24 h with further increased (P < 0.01) labelling by 96 h (5.1% vs 0.1%) in heifers given oestradiol. As with incorporation, tissue from progesterone-treated heifers showed no time or treatment response compared with pretreatment biopsies and tissue from heifers given both showed intermediate responses, i.e. significantly increased labelling by 96 h compared with pretreatment (P < or = 0.05) but less labelling (P < 0.05) than oestradiol-treated heifers. A proliferative response of epithelial cells in oestradiol-treated heifers occurred prior to the response of fibroblasts adjacent to epithelial cells (< or = 50 microns).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Jugular plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha in prepubertal beef heifers treated with progestogen then challenged with oxytocin.

Prepubertal Angus crossbred heifers (n = 24) between 8 and 10 mo of age were used to determine if progestogen treatment would enhance jugular concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) after oxytocin (OT) injections. Heifers were stratified by age and weight and allotted to randomized treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Heifers were treated with either a norgestomet (NOR) implant (6 mg) for 9 d or no implant (0 mg; BLK). On d 8 of NOR treatment, jugular veins were catheterized and, on d 9, blood samples were collected every 15 min for 165 min. The first four samples were used to determine basal PGFM concentrations (an indirect measure of uterine PGF2 alpha release). After collection of the fourth sample, either OT (100 IU) or saline (0 IU; SAL) was injected via the jugular catheter. After the 165-min sample was collected, NOR implants were removed. Beginning 48 h after implant removal, a second 165- min blood sampling period was initiated. Average progesterone concentrations were less than 1 ng/ml during both bleeding periods. Within treatment, PGFM concentrations were similar between the first and second sampling periods; therefore, data within treatment were combined. Basal PGFM concentrations were higher (P < .01) in NOR-treated than in BLK heifers. Oxytocin did not increase PGFM concentrations in BLK-OT heifers; however, a marked increase in PGFM was detected in the NOR-OT heifers in response to oxytocin. Average PGFM concentration was greatest (P < .0001) in NOR-OT heifers, and PGFM profiles differed (P < .0001) between NOR-OT and each of the other treatment groups. Results from this study indicate that NOR increases basal PGFM and may "condition" the uterus to respond to OT in prepubertal heifers.

Concentration of plasma cholesterol in beef cows and calves, milk production and calf gain.

Milk yield of 59 beef cows that calved in late September through November was measured monthly in early and late lactation and biweekly during midlactation. Milk yield was estimated by milking with a machine after over-night separation of cows from calves. Concentration of plasma cholesterol of cows and calves was measured when calves averaged 44, 93, 136, and 178 d of age (SD = 17 d). Cholesterol of calves also was measured 2 wk after weaning, when they averaged 220 +/- 2.3 d of age. Cholesterol of calves was highest at second and third samplings and dropped after weaning. The estimated intake of milkfat by calves, and to a lesser extent their intake of milk, was related positively to their plasma cholesterol as they approached weaning age. The relationship was not strong enough, however, for differences among calves in concentration of plasma cholesterol to identify accurately differences in milk yield of their dams. Within breed group, age of cow, and stage of lactation, the regression coefficients of milk yield on plasma cholesterol of cows were close to zero. The concentrations of plasma cholesterol in both cows and calves were highly repeatable, with the exception of samples that were collected when calves averaged 44 d of age. Although plasma cholesterol of calves was related positively to milk yield and milkfat yield in late lactation, the former trait was not an accurate indicator of the two latter traits.

The use of ultrasound in monitoring reproductive physiology of beef cattle.

Real-time, B-mode ultrasonography provides the opportunity to improve the methods of evaluation of ovarian function and diagnoses of pregnancy in beef cattle. Determination of the sex of a fetus early in pregnancy (d 55 to 85) and verification of embryo viability by monitoring fetal heartbeat are unique methods involving ultrasound scanning. These techniques and a method for evaluating the technique of artificial insemination can be used to improve reproductive management of cattle. The way in which ultrasound technology may have its greatest impact is as a tool for improving on the method of palpation per rectum for monitoring ovarian function and pregnancy in beef cows and heifers. Determination of fetal sex and monitoring embryo mortality are less likely to be applied regularly in herd management, but these procedures will be valuable in conducting research in reproductive physiology of beef cattle.

Relationship between milk expected progeny differences of polled Hereford sires and actual milk production of their crossbred daughters.

One hundred sixteen spring-calving Polled Hereford x Angus cows were milked using milking machines after receiving 20 IU of oxytocin. Sires of the cows had been divergently selected on yearling weight (YW) and total maternal (MAT) EPD to form four groups: high YW, high MAT EPD; high YW, low MAT EPD; low YW, high MAT EPD; and low YW, low MAT EPD. Average milk production after 12-h calf separation was 3.7 +/- 1.3 kg. Actual milk production of cows was regressed on their sires' milk EPD, where the milk EPD estimates the additive maternal genetic contribution of a sire to the weaning weight of his daughters' calves. The regression of actual 12-h milk production on sire milk EPD was .038 +/- .014 kg/kg, and the correlation was .26 (P less than .006), close to its expected value, based on the accuracy of the prediction, heritability of the trait, and the relationship between sire and daughter. Extension of results of a single milking to an entire lactation is difficult, but over the range of sire milk EPD sampled (-10 to 16 kg), the range in daughters' milk production predicted from the regression analysis was 27% of the mean actual milk production, corresponding to an increase of about 1% more milk per kilogram of milk EPD.

Influence of dietary energy on follicular development, serum gonadotropins, and first postpartum ovulation in suckled beef cows.

Twenty-eight Hereford x Angus cows (4 yr of age) were used to determine the effects of pre- and postpartum dietary energy on performance and reproductive function in suckled beef cows. The experiment was designed as a 2 x 2 factorial with cows receiving either 70 (L) or 150% (H) of NRC recommended level of dietary energy before and(or) after parturition, resulting in four treatment combinations (L-L, L-H, H-L, H-H). Prepartum diets were fed for approximately 110 d, and postpartum diets were fed until either 10 d after the second postpartum ovulation or 150 d postpartum for those cows that failed to ovulate. Cows receiving low compared with high levels of energy before calving lost more (P less than .01) weight, body condition, subcutaneous fat, and longissimus muscle area before parturition and had calves with lighter (P less than .01) birth weights. Cows receiving low compared with high levels of energy postpartum lost more (P less than .01) weight, body condition, and longissimus muscle area after parturition. Low levels of energy before and after parturition decreased (P less than .01) milk production and calf weight at 70 d of age. Rates of cervical and uterine involution were unaffected by dietary energy treatments. Cows receiving high levels of energy prepartum had increased (P less than .01) mean concentrations and pulse frequency of LH in serum after parturition, and cows receiving high levels of energy postpartum had increased (P less than .05) pulse frequency of LH. Low levels of energy postpartum decreased (P less than .01) appearance rate of small (5.0 to 7.9 mm) and large (greater than or equal to 10 mm) follicles, and low levels of energy prepartum decreased (P less than .02) appearance rate of large follicles based on transrectal ultrasonography. Cows receiving high levels of energy prepartum had shorter (P less than .02) intervals from parturition to ovulation, and a higher (P less than .01) percentage of the cows that received high levels of energy postpartum ovulated by 150 d postpartum. In summary, prepartum level of dietary energy influenced birth weight and weight gain of calves, milk production, concentrations and pulse frequency of LH in serum, appearance rate of large follicles, and the interval to first ovulation. Postpartum level of dietary energy influenced milk production, weight gain of calves, pulse frequency of LH, appearance rate of small and large follicles, and the percentage of cows that ovulated after parturition.

Body measurements of newborn calves and relationship of calf shape to sire breeding values for birth weight and calving ease.

Body measurements on Angus- (n = 374) and Polled Hereford-sired (n = 438) calves were used to quantify calf shape via multivariate factor analysis, and measurements on Polled Hereford-sired calves were further used to investigate relationships between calf shape and sire expected progeny differences (EPD) for birth weight and first-calf calving ease. Calf birth weight, head circumference, shoulder width, hip width, heart girth, cannon bone circumference and length, and body length were recorded at 24 h postpartum. Sire birth weight EPD was positively associated (P less than .05) with all calf measures but only with head and cannon circumference after adjustment for phenotypic birth weight and gestation length. Thus, at constant birth weight, calves from higher birth weight EPD bulls tended to have larger cannon and head circumferences. Calving ease EPD was negatively related (P less than .05) to all calf measures except shoulder width. After adjustment for birth weight, only cannon circumference was associated with calving ease EPD, and this effect was removed by additional adjustment for birth weight EPD. Thus, at constant birth weight, bulls with higher EPD for calving ease sired calves with smaller cannon circumference, but at constant birth weight EPD, body measures were not associated with calving ease EPD. Factor analysis defined underlying skeletal width and frame components of shape (independent of birth weight) for both sire breeds. Calf shape differed among sires and was in part explained by birth weight EPD. No additional variation in shape was explained by calving ease EPD. Calf shape seemed to add no information for prediction of dystocia to that provided by birth weight EPD.