Use of cooled buffalo semen as a strategy to increase conception rates in fixed-time artificial insemination programs during unfavorable reproductive periods / [Uso de sêmen resfriado de búfalo como estratégia para aumentar as taxas de concepção em programas de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo, durante períodos reprodutivos desfavoráveis]

The objective of this study was to compare the reproductive efficiency of dairy buffaloes undergoing fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols based on progesterone/estrogen (P4/E2) and eCG during unfavorable breeding season using cooled (CS) and frozen semen (FS). A total of 446 buffaloes (> 40 days postpartum) were randomly distributed into four blocks (years): B1-2014 (n = 143), B2-2015 (n = 34), B3-2016 (n = 90), and B4-2017 (n = 179). Each block was subdivided into two (AI with CS and FS using the same ejaculate of each bull). Thus, the block subdivision was as follows: B1 (CS = 71 and FS = 72); B2 (CS = 18 and FS = 16); B3 (CS = 47 and FS = 43); and B4 (CS = 90 and FS = 89). The ejaculates of eight Murrah bulls collected using an artificial vagina were divided into two aliquots: one aliquot was diluted in Botu-Bov® commercial extender and cooled (BB-CS), and the other was diluted in the same extender and frozen (BB-FS). BB-CS aliquots were cooled at 5 °C/24 h using a refrigerator. BB-FS group aliquots were also cooled, and after equilibrating at 5 °C for 4 h, were placed in a 21-L Styrofoam box, 5 cm above the surface of liquid nitrogen. In the afternoon (A) on D0 (2:00 p.m.) the animals received EB 2.0 mg IM (Estrogin®) and an ear implant (CRESTAR® 3.0 mg P4). At D9 (A), the implant was removed, and the animals received eCG 400 IU IM (Folligon® 5000) + Cloprostenol PGF2α 0.530 mg IM (Sincrocio®). At D10 (A), the animals received EB 1.0 mg IM (Estrogin®), and at D12 (8:00 a.m.), AI was performed. At D42, pregnancy was diagnosed via ultrasonography. Total CRs were 48.2% CS and 34.6% FS for years 2014 to 2017, with a significant difference of 13.7% (P<0.05). In conclusion, cooled semen resulted in higher CR than frozen semen in dairy buffaloes under the P4/E2 and eCG FTAI during the unfavorable reproductive season.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficiência reprodutiva de búfalas leiteiras submetidas a protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) à base de progesterona/estrogênio (P4/E2) e eCG, durante a estação reprodutiva desfavorável, usando-se sêmen resfriado (SR) e congelado (SC) Um total de 446 búfalas (> 40 dias após o parto) foi distribuído aleatoriamente em quatro blocos (anos): B1-2014 (n = 143), B2-2015 (n = 34), B3-2016 (n = 90) e B4-2017 (n = 179). Cada bloco foi subdividido em dois (IA com SR e SC utilizando-se a mesma ejaculação de cada touro). Assim, a subdivisão do bloco foi a seguinte: B1 (SR = 71 e SC = 72); B2 (SR = 18 e SC = 16); B3 (SR = 47 e SC = 43); e B4 (SR = 90 e SC = 89). Os ejaculados de oito touros Murrah coletados com vagina artificial foram divididos em duas alíquotas: uma alíquota diluída em diluente comercial Botu-Bov® e resfriada (BB-SR), e a outra diluída no mesmo diluente e congelada (BB-SC). As alíquotas de BB-SR foram resfriados a 5°C/24h usando-se um refrigerador. As alíquotas do grupo BB-SC também foram resfriadas e, após equilíbrio a 5°C por 4h, foram colocadas em uma caixa de isopor de 21L, 5 cm acima da superfície do nitrogênio líquido. À tarde (A), no D0 (14h), os animais receberam BE 2,0 mg IM (Estrogin®) e um implante auricular (Crestar® 3,0 mg P4). No D9 (A), o implante foi retirado e os animais receberam eCG 400 UI IM (Folligon® 5000) + cloprostenol PGF2α 0,530 mg IM (Sincrocio®). No D10 (A), os animais receberam BE 1,0mg IM (Estrogin®), e, no D12 (8h da manhã), foram realizadas as IAs. No D42, a gestação foi diagnosticada por ultrassonografia. As taxas de concepção (TC) totais foram 48,2% SR e 34,6% SC para os anos de 2014 a 2017, com uma diferença significativa de 13,7% (P<0,05). Em conclusão, o sêmen resfriado resultou em maior TC do que o sêmen congelado em bubalinos leiteiros sob P4/E2 e eCG FTAI durante a estação reprodutiva desfavorável.(AU)

Effect of Prostaglandin F2 at the beginning of the ovulation synchronization protocol in dairy Bos indicus, Bos taurus and Bos indicus x Bos taurus heifers / Efeito da Prostaglandina F2 no início do protocolo de sincronização da ovulação em novilhas leiteiras Bos indicus, Bos taurus e Bos indicus x Bos taurus

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with prosta-glandin F2α (PGF2α) at the beginning of the protocol for ovulation synchronization on follicular dy-namics in Bos indicus (Gyr; n=11), Bos taurus (Holstein Black and White, HBW; n=10), and crossbred animals (Gyr x HBW; n=12). On a random day of the estrous cycles (day 0, D0), the animals received 2.0 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) intramuscularly plus an intravaginal progesterone (P4) device, which was maintained for 8 days (day 8, D8). Half the heifers of each group received a dose of 25 mg PGF2αintramuscularly at the time of insertion of the intravaginal P4 device. When the intravaginal device was removed (D8), all animals received another dose of 25 mg PGF2α intramuscularly, followed by intramuscular injection of 1.0 mg EB 24 h later (day 9, D9). Ultrasonographic evaluations were per-formed at intervals of 24 hours from D0 to D8 and at intervals of 12 hours from removal of the P4 device to 96 hours thereafter. Samples were collected on days 0, 3, 6, 8, 10 and 22 for the measurement of P4. The mean maximum diameter of the dominant follicle (DF) was smaller (P=0.01) in Gyr heifers (10.0 ± 0.8 mm) than in Gyr x HBW (13.0 ± 0.6 mm) or HBW (12.5 ± 0.8 mm). Furthermore, treatment with PGF2α on D0 increased (P=0.02) the maximum diameter of DF (12.9 ± 0.5 vs. 10.9 ± 0.7 mm)...

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento com prostaglandina F2α (PGF2α)no início do protocolo de sincronização da ovulação, sobre a dinâmica folicular de novilhas Bos indicus (Gir; n=11), Bos taurus (Holandesa Preto e Branco - HPB; n=10) e cruzadas (Gir x HPB; n=12). Em dia aleatório do ciclo estral (dia 0 - D0), os animais receberam 2,0 mg de benzoato de es-tradiol (BE) via intramuscular, mais um dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona (P4) que foi man-tido por oito dias (dia 8 – D8). Metade das novilhas de cada grupo recebeu uma dose de 25 mg de PGF2α via intramuscular no momento da inserção do dispositivo intravaginal de P4. Na retirada do dispositivo intravaginal (D8), todos os animais receberam outra dose de 25 mg de PGF2α via intra-muscular e 24 h após (dia 9 - D9) receberam 1,0 mg de BE via intramuscular. Foram realizadas ava-liações ultrassonográficas com intervalos de 24 horas do D0 até o D8 e com intervalos de 12 horas da retirada do dispositivo de P4 até 96 horas. Para a dosagem de P4, foram colhidas amostras nos dias 0; 3; 6; 8; 10 e 22. A média do diâmetro máximo do folículo dominante (FD) foi menor (P=0,01) nas novilhas Gir (10,0 ± 0,8 mm) do que nas cruzadas Gir x HPB (13,0 ± 0,6 mm) ou HPB (12,5 ± 0,8 mm). Além disso, o tratamento com PGF2α no D0 aumentou (P=0,02) o diâmetro máximo do FD (12,9 ± 0,5 mm vs. 10,9 ± 0,7 mm) nos três grupamentos genéticos avaliados. A taxa de crescimento do FD foi menor (P=0,008) nas novilhas Gir (0,8 ± 0,1 mm/dia), do que nas novilhas cruzadas (1,3 ± 0,1 mm/dia) ou HPB (1,2 ± 0,1 mm/dia)...

Effect of Prostaglandin F2 at the beginning of the ovulation synchronization protocol in dairy Bos indicus, Bos taurus and Bos indicus x Bos taurus heifers / Efeito da Prostaglandina F2 no início do protocolo de sincronização da ovulação em novilhas leiteiras Bos indicus, Bos taurus e Bos indicus x Bos taurus

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with prosta-glandin F2α (PGF2α) at the beginning of the protocol for ovulation synchronization on follicular dy-namics in Bos indicus (Gyr; n=11), Bos taurus (Holstein Black and White, HBW; n=10), and crossbred animals (Gyr x HBW; n=12). On a random day of the estrous cycles (day 0, D0), the animals received 2.0 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) intramuscularly plus an intravaginal progesterone (P4) device, which was maintained for 8 days (day 8, D8). Half the heifers of each group received a dose of 25 mg PGF2αintramuscularly at the time of insertion of the intravaginal P4 device. When the intravaginal device was removed (D8), all animals received another dose of 25 mg PGF2α intramuscularly, followed by intramuscular injection of 1.0 mg EB 24 h later (day 9, D9). Ultrasonographic evaluations were per-formed at intervals of 24 hours from D0 to D8 and at intervals of 12 hours from removal of the P4 device to 96 hours thereafter. Samples were collected on days 0, 3, 6, 8, 10 and 22 for the measurement of P4. The mean maximum diameter of the dominant follicle (DF) was smaller (P=0.01) in Gyr heifers (10.0 ± 0.8 mm) than in Gyr x HBW (13.0 ± 0.6 mm) or HBW (12.5 ± 0.8 mm). Furthermore, treatment with PGF2α on D0 increased (P=0.02) the maximum diameter of DF (12.9 ± 0.5 vs. 10.9 ± 0.7 mm)...(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento com prostaglandina F2α (PGF2α)no início do protocolo de sincronização da ovulação, sobre a dinâmica folicular de novilhas Bos indicus (Gir; n=11), Bos taurus (Holandesa Preto e Branco - HPB; n=10) e cruzadas (Gir x HPB; n=12). Em dia aleatório do ciclo estral (dia 0 - D0), os animais receberam 2,0 mg de benzoato de es-tradiol (BE) via intramuscular, mais um dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona (P4) que foi man-tido por oito dias (dia 8 D8). Metade das novilhas de cada grupo recebeu uma dose de 25 mg de PGF2α via intramuscular no momento da inserção do dispositivo intravaginal de P4. Na retirada do dispositivo intravaginal (D8), todos os animais receberam outra dose de 25 mg de PGF2α via intra-muscular e 24 h após (dia 9 - D9) receberam 1,0 mg de BE via intramuscular. Foram realizadas ava-liações ultrassonográficas com intervalos de 24 horas do D0 até o D8 e com intervalos de 12 horas da retirada do dispositivo de P4 até 96 horas. Para a dosagem de P4, foram colhidas amostras nos dias 0; 3; 6; 8; 10 e 22. A média do diâmetro máximo do folículo dominante (FD) foi menor (P=0,01) nas novilhas Gir (10,0 ± 0,8 mm) do que nas cruzadas Gir x HPB (13,0 ± 0,6 mm) ou HPB (12,5 ± 0,8 mm). Além disso, o tratamento com PGF2α no D0 aumentou (P=0,02) o diâmetro máximo do FD (12,9 ± 0,5 mm vs. 10,9 ± 0,7 mm) nos três grupamentos genéticos avaliados. A taxa de crescimento do FD foi menor (P=0,008) nas novilhas Gir (0,8 ± 0,1 mm/dia), do que nas novilhas cruzadas (1,3 ± 0,1 mm/dia) ou HPB (1,2 ± 0,1 mm/dia)...(AU)

Factors that interfere with oocyte quality for in vitro production of cattle embryos: effects of different developmental & reproductive stages

The success of IVP is ultimately dependent on the number and quality of the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) harvested during the OPU procedure. Several factors appear to be critical to oocyte quality including follicle size, environment factors such as heatstress, genetic background, age and lactation status of donor animals, all having a remarkable influence on the results of IVP. The aim of this review is to highlight some critical areas that can help veterinary practitioners to enhance OPU efficiency and successfully implement IVP into their routine practice. Focus will be given to recent findings in the literature and underlying physiological aspects that may be interfering with the quality of oocytes addressed to IVP in cattle at younger ages (calves and prepubertal heifers), pregnant vs nonpregnant status, and possible interactions with lactation and days postpartum during OPU.

Factors that interfere with oocyte quality for in vitro production of cattle embryos: effects of different developmental & reproductive stages

The success of IVP is ultimately dependent on the number and quality of the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) harvested during the OPU procedure. Several factors appear to be critical to oocyte quality including follicle size, environment factors such as heatstress, genetic background, age and lactation status of donor animals, all having a remarkable influence on the results of IVP. The aim of this review is to highlight some critical areas that can help veterinary practitioners to enhance OPU efficiency and successfully implement IVP into their routine practice. Focus will be given to recent findings in the literature and underlying physiological aspects that may be interfering with the quality of oocytes addressed to IVP in cattle at younger ages (calves and prepubertal heifers), pregnant vs nonpregnant status, and possible interactions with lactation and days postpartum during OPU.(AU)

Relationship between follicle population, AMH concentration and fertility in cattle

The size of ovarian follicular population evaluated by direct antral follicular count or endocrine markers can help determine the success of reproductive biotechnologies in cattle. However, although highly repeatable within animal, the antral follicular population (AFP) appears to be greatly variable across individuals. Therefore, laboratory methods that reliably predict AFP could have a significant value to select donor-cows for use in reprodutive biotechnology and for genomic selection of animals with greater reproductive potential. Accordingly, the circulating levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) have been found to be associated with AFP and, thereby, identified as an important endocrinemarker of superovulation response and in vitro embryo production in cattle. Moreover, a number of recent publications and ongoing studies are trying to determine whether circulating levels of AMH are correlated with fertility. This review summarizes recent information concerning AFP and its association with AMH, and the possibility of utilizing AMH as a marker for reproductive technologies and ultimately to enhance cattle fertility.(AU)

Relationship between follicle population, AMH concentration and fertility in cattle

The size of ovarian follicular population evaluated by direct antral follicular count or endocrine markers can help determine the success of reproductive biotechnologies in cattle. However, although highly repeatable within animal, the antral follicular population (AFP) appears to be greatly variable across individuals. Therefore, laboratory methods that reliably predict AFP could have a significant value to select donor-cows for use in reprodutive biotechnology and for genomic selection of animals with greater reproductive potential. Accordingly, the circulating levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) have been found to be associated with AFP and, thereby, identified as an important endocrinemarker of superovulation response and in vitro embryo production in cattle. Moreover, a number of recent publications and ongoing studies are trying to determine whether circulating levels of AMH are correlated with fertility. This review summarizes recent information concerning AFP and its association with AMH, and the possibility of utilizing AMH as a marker for reproductive technologies and ultimately to enhance cattle fertility.

Updates on embryo production strategies

The embryo production technologies are used to enhance genetic progress through female and male lineages. Advances in the control of ovarian follicular wave emergence, superstimulation and ovulation with self-appointed treatments have facilitated donor and recipient management. However, these procedures can be influenced by several factors related to the animals and their management. Therefore, researchers continue to investigate the ideal reproductive environments and treatments to maintain the viability of the techniques and field applicability.(AU)

Genomic selection of in vitro produced and somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos for rapid genetic improvement in cattle production

This paper provides basic concepts of genomic selection (GS) methods in beef and dairy cattle production in combination with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as ovum-pick up and in vitroproduction (OPU-IVP). We first introduce genomic tools and discuss main methods of GS as practiced to-date. The general benefit from GS is that it enables selecting animals accurately early in life using genomic predictions particularly those phenotypes that are very difficult or expensive to measure. While it is known that GS increases genetic gain and profit in conventional cattle breeding, GS is much more desirable when combined with OPU-IVP in cattle production. The expected benefits of GS-OPU-IVP far exceed the benefits achieved by either GS or OPU-IVP alone mainly due to tremendous reduction in generation interval. The genetic improvement will increase even further, if genetic merit of donor cows and bulls used in OPU-IVP for key economic traits are maximal. The paper also highlights some challenges particularly with regard to embryo biopsies and quantity and quality of embryo DNA for whole genome genotyping and ways to overcome difficulties. We briefly discuss the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique in the context of applying GS on fibroblast cell lines from fetuses obtained from OPU-IVP techniques and provide our perspectives on how it might pave way for even more rapid cattle improvement. Main conclusion is that employing genomic selection in ARTs such as OPU-IVP of embryos coupled with embryo sexing and SCNT will lead to rapid dissemination of high genetic merit animals on a scale never been seen before. Finally, the paper outlines current research activities on combined genomic selection and advanced reproductive technologies in the GIFT project consortium (www.gift.ku.dk). (AU)

Updates on embryo production strategies

The embryo production technologies are used to enhance genetic progress through female and male lineages. Advances in the control of ovarian follicular wave emergence, superstimulation and ovulation with self-appointed treatments have facilitated donor and recipient management. However, these procedures can be influenced by several factors related to the animals and their management. Therefore, researchers continue to investigate the ideal reproductive environments and treatments to maintain the viability of the techniques and field applicability.

Genomic selection of in vitro produced and somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos for rapid genetic improvement in cattle production

This paper provides basic concepts of genomic selection (GS) methods in beef and dairy cattle production in combination with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as ovum-pick up and in vitroproduction (OPU-IVP). We first introduce genomic tools and discuss main methods of GS as practiced to-date. The general benefit from GS is that it enables selecting animals accurately early in life using genomic predictions particularly those phenotypes that are very difficult or expensive to measure. While it is known that GS increases genetic gain and profit in conventional cattle breeding, GS is much more desirable when combined with OPU-IVP in cattle production. The expected benefits of GS-OPU-IVP far exceed the benefits achieved by either GS or OPU-IVP alone mainly due to tremendous reduction in generation interval. The genetic improvement will increase even further, if genetic merit of donor cows and bulls used in OPU-IVP for key economic traits are maximal. The paper also highlights some challenges particularly with regard to embryo biopsies and quantity and quality of embryo DNA for whole genome genotyping and ways to overcome difficulties. We briefly discuss the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique in the context of applying GS on fibroblast cell lines from fetuses obtained from OPU-IVP techniques and provide our perspectives on how it might pave way for even more rapid cattle improvement. Main conclusion is that employing genomic selection in ARTs such as OPU-IVP of embryos coupled with embryo sexing and SCNT will lead to rapid dissemination of high genetic merit animals on a scale never been seen before. Finally, the paper outlines current research activities on combined genomic selection and advanced reproductive technologies in the GIFT project consortium (www.gift.ku.dk).

Sex-sorted sperm for artificial in semination and embryo transfer programs in cattle

The selection of offspring from the desired sex can be one of the determining factors to increase the genetic progress and farmer ́s profitability in either beef or dairy cattle. In fact, the use of sex-sorted sperm has been applied worldwide combined with artificial insemination (AI) upon estrus detection in heifers. Additionally, several researches have been performed aiming to investigate the use of sex-sorted sperm during timed AI (TAI) programs and for insemination of superstimulated donors for in vivo embryo programs. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) of cyclic heifers inseminated in estrus with sex-sorted sperm has been reported to be approximately 75 to 80% of the P/AI of heifers inseminated with non-sorted sperm. Insemination of superstimulated cows with sex-sorted sperm has been reported to reduce the production of viable embryos. Recently, however, it has been demonstrated that P/AI and embryo production per flushing resulting from AI with sex-sorted sperm may be improved when the time of AI is postponed in relation to the time of AI with non-sorted sperm. The P/AI of non stimulated females and fertilization rates and number of embryos recovered from superstimulated females were increased when AI occurred between 16 and 24 h after the onset of estrus (i.e. 6 to 14 h before ovulation). Nonetheless, despite the improvements achieved in the last decade, there is still a significant individual variability in fertility among bulls that have their sperm se x-sorted. It is critical that the pre-determination of the sire fertility is a paramount when sex-sorted sperm is utilized in commercial AI and ET programs. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the main concepts related to the use of sex-sorted sperm in TAI and ET programs, addressing some strategies to increase the efficiency of the technique.

Sex-sorted sperm for artificial in semination and embryo transfer programs in cattle

The selection of offspring from the desired sex can be one of the determining factors to increase the genetic progress and farmer ́s profitability in either beef or dairy cattle. In fact, the use of sex-sorted sperm has been applied worldwide combined with artificial insemination (AI) upon estrus detection in heifers. Additionally, several researches have been performed aiming to investigate the use of sex-sorted sperm during timed AI (TAI) programs and for insemination of superstimulated donors for in vivo embryo programs. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) of cyclic heifers inseminated in estrus with sex-sorted sperm has been reported to be approximately 75 to 80% of the P/AI of heifers inseminated with non-sorted sperm. Insemination of superstimulated cows with sex-sorted sperm has been reported to reduce the production of viable embryos. Recently, however, it has been demonstrated that P/AI and embryo production per flushing resulting from AI with sex-sorted sperm may be improved when the time of AI is postponed in relation to the time of AI with non-sorted sperm. The P/AI of non stimulated females and fertilization rates and number of embryos recovered from superstimulated females were increased when AI occurred between 16 and 24 h after the onset of estrus (i.e. 6 to 14 h before ovulation). Nonetheless, despite the improvements achieved in the last decade, there is still a significant individual variability in fertility among bulls that have their sperm se x-sorted. It is critical that the pre-determination of the sire fertility is a paramount when sex-sorted sperm is utilized in commercial AI and ET programs. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the main concepts related to the use of sex-sorted sperm in TAI and ET programs, addressing some strategies to increase the efficiency of the technique. (AU)

Increasing pregnancies following synchronization of bovine recipients

The success of a commercial embryo transfer program depends on the production of high numbers of viable embryos from donor cows that result in high numbers of calves born when the embryos are transferred to suitable recipien ts. In recent years, a great deal of effort has been devoted to the development of treatment protocols that permit the efficient use of recipients and result in high pregnancy per recipient synchronized, especially in recipients managed on pasture. One of the most successful alternatives to increase the number of recipients utilized in embryo transfer programs is the use of protocols that allow for embryo transfer without the need for estrus detection, usually called fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET). Pregnancies to FTET have been reported to be similar to those after detection of estrus, but the overall proportion of recipients pregnant over those synchronized are higher because these treatments have increased the proportion of recipients that receive embryos. Treatments that increase pr ogesterone concentrations and pregnancies per embryo transfer have also been investigated in recent years. Most of these treatments have resulted in increased pregnancy per embryo transfer in recipients with Bos indicus influence, while benefit were not so obvious in Bos taurus recipients managed under more optimal conditions. While factors such as the reproductive histor y of the recipients and the stage and quality of embryos may affect pregnancy per embryo transfer, other factors such as estrus detection and the time interval from thawing to transfer do not seem to affect the proportion of recipients pregnant with embryos frozen in ethylene glycol and transferred at a fixed-time.

Increasing pregnancies following synchronization of bovine recipients

The success of a commercial embryo transfer program depends on the production of high numbers of viable embryos from donor cows that result in high numbers of calves born when the embryos are transferred to suitable recipien ts. In recent years, a great deal of effort has been devoted to the development of treatment protocols that permit the efficient use of recipients and result in high pregnancy per recipient synchronized, especially in recipients managed on pasture. One of the most successful alternatives to increase the number of recipients utilized in embryo transfer programs is the use of protocols that allow for embryo transfer without the need for estrus detection, usually called fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET). Pregnancies to FTET have been reported to be similar to those after detection of estrus, but the overall proportion of recipients pregnant over those synchronized are higher because these treatments have increased the proportion of recipients that receive embryos. Treatments that increase pr ogesterone concentrations and pregnancies per embryo transfer have also been investigated in recent years. Most of these treatments have resulted in increased pregnancy per embryo transfer in recipients with Bos indicus influence, while benefit were not so obvious in Bos taurus recipients managed under more optimal conditions. While factors such as the reproductive histor y of the recipients and the stage and quality of embryos may affect pregnancy per embryo transfer, other factors such as estrus detection and the time interval from thawing to transfer do not seem to affect the proportion of recipients pregnant with embryos frozen in ethylene glycol and transferred at a fixed-time.(AU)

History, evolution and perspect ives of timed artificial in semination programs in Brazil

Currently, timed artificial insemination (TAI) can be applied routinely in the reproductive programs on farms. TAI protocols are designed to promote control of both luteal and follicular function, permitting the TAI with satisfactory pregnancy per AI (P/AI). A variety of protocols for TAI have been designed according to specific characteristics and requirements of different breeds, animal categories and types of management. The most common of these therapies use GnRH or estradiol plus progesterone/progestin (P4)-releasing devices and prostaglandin F2 α . Moreover, TAI programs should be considered as an important tool of reproductive management to enhance the reproductive performance of cattle. Thus, the correct incorporation of these programs within the farm routine enhances reproductive efficiency of liv estock to increase overall productivity of the farm unit.

Angiogenic and steroidogenic responses of the corpus luteum after superovulatory and stimulatory treatments using eCG and FSH

The corpus luteum (CL) is a pivotal organ for the success of reproductive function and a main target of assisted reproduction techniques. Moreover, increases in progesterone production and CL volume have been repeatedly reported after the use of exoge nous gonadotropins administered to improve the quality of the dominant follicle (stimulatory treatment) or to increase the number of ovulated follicles (superovulatory treatment). This review aims to discuss the CL-related molecular, cellular and ti ssue mechanisms associated with the improvement of reproductive performance achieved under superovulatory and stimulatory treatments in cattle. Here, we report that FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) but not eCG (equine chorionic gonadotropin) induce vascularization at the molecular level despite the increase in CL volume in response to both gonadotropins. Increases in plasma progesterone concentrations per CL in response to a stimulatory but not superovulatory treatment with eCG as well as cellular and molecular alterations that support luteal function are also reviewed. Whereas practitioners make use of hormonal protocols aiming to increase pregnancy rates, we focus our efforts on uncovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are triggered by such successful strategies, hoping our findings will contribute to the achievement of the next successful step.

Angiogenic and steroidogenic responses of the corpus luteum after superovulatory and stimulatory treatments using eCG and FSH

The corpus luteum (CL) is a pivotal organ for the success of reproductive function and a main target of assisted reproduction techniques. Moreover, increases in progesterone production and CL volume have been repeatedly reported after the use of exoge nous gonadotropins administered to improve the quality of the dominant follicle (stimulatory treatment) or to increase the number of ovulated follicles (superovulatory treatment). This review aims to discuss the CL-related molecular, cellular and ti ssue mechanisms associated with the improvement of reproductive performance achieved under superovulatory and stimulatory treatments in cattle. Here, we report that FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) but not eCG (equine chorionic gonadotropin) induce vascularization at the molecular level despite the increase in CL volume in response to both gonadotropins. Increases in plasma progesterone concentrations per CL in response to a stimulatory but not superovulatory treatment with eCG as well as cellular and molecular alterations that support luteal function are also reviewed. Whereas practitioners make use of hormonal protocols aiming to increase pregnancy rates, we focus our efforts on uncovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are triggered by such successful strategies, hoping our findings will contribute to the achievement of the next successful step.(AU)

History, evolution and perspect ives of timed artificial in semination programs in Brazil

Currently, timed artificial insemination (TAI) can be applied routinely in the reproductive programs on farms. TAI protocols are designed to promote control of both luteal and follicular function, permitting the TAI with satisfactory pregnancy per AI (P/AI). A variety of protocols for TAI have been designed according to specific characteristics and requirements of different breeds, animal categories and types of management. The most common of these therapies use GnRH or estradiol plus progesterone/progestin (P4)-releasing devices and prostaglandin F2 α . Moreover, TAI programs should be considered as an important tool of reproductive management to enhance the reproductive performance of cattle. Thus, the correct incorporation of these programs within the farm routine enhances reproductive efficiency of liv estock to increase overall productivity of the farm unit.(AU)

Follicular dynamics and pregnancy rates in Bos taurus x Bos indicus embryo transfer recipients treated to increase plas ma progesterone concentrations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of GnRH, LH, hCG or exogenous progesterone administration on plasma progesterone concentrations and pregnancy rates following embryo transfer in Bos taurus x Bos indicus cross-bred heifers. In Experiment 1, animals with body condition scores  3.5 (1 to 5 scale) were synchronized with two injections of a prostaglandin F2  analog 13 days apart. He ifers detected in estrus (day 0; n = 37) were randomly assigned on day 7 to receive one of five treatments: Control (2 ml saline im; n = 6), GnRH (10  g Buserelin im; n = 8), hCG (1500 IU Chorulon im; n = 8), LH (25 mg pLH im; n = 7) or a CIDR-B device for 13 days (n = 8). Ovarian ultrasonography was performed daily from day 6 until the subsequent estrus. Heifers in the GnRH, hCG and LH groups were evaluated every 12 h between days 7 and 9 to confirm ovulation of the first-wave dominant follicle. Blood samples were collected daily for determination of P4 levels. Estrus detection was performed daily with the aid of androgenized cows. Ovulation rate for the first wave dominant follicle was 100% for heifers treated with GnRH, hCG and LH. Between days 13 and 17, the mean diameter of original CLs, diameter of accessory CLs and P4 concentrations were greater in heifers treated with hCG than in heifers in all other groups (P < 0.05). Duration of the luteal phase (number of days with a P4 concentration  1.0 ng/ml) was similar in hCG (14.3 ± 0.6), LH (13.4 ± 0.6), GnRH (13.4 ± 0.4), CIDR-B (14.5 ± 0.2) and Control (12.8 ± 0.5) groups. In Experiment 2, animals were kept on a grazing regimen at commercial farms in Brazil and were synchronized with one injection of a prostaglandin F2  analog. The same hormonal treatments as in Experiment 1 were given on day 7 after estrus at the time of transfer of frozen/thawed embryos to Bos taurus x Bos indicus recipients (n = 485). Pregnancy rates were higher in GnRH- (53.5%; 53/99) and hCG- (51.0%; 49/96) treated heifers (P < 0.05) than in control heifers (28.6%; 28/98), but were similar to heifers treated with CIDR devices (41.1%; 39/95) and LH (45.4%; 44/97). It was concluded that the improvement in conception rates in hCG treated Bos taurus x Bos indicus cross-bred heifers receiving frozen/thawed embryos were due to both P4-dependent and P4-independent mechanisms.