Antral follicle count classification selects fertile heifers without influencing the carcass traits / A classificação da contagem folicular antral seleciona novilhas mais férteis sem influenciar as características da carcaça

This study aimed to evaluate the ovarian structure, estrus intensity, ultrasound carcass measurements, and pregnancy rate of Nelore breed heifers and cows in accordance with antral follicle counts (AFCs). We evaluated 503 heifers and 565 Nelore cows, with a mean age of 15.5±2.2 and 69.8±36.1 months, respectively, submitted to a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. On day zero, all bovine females were examined using ultrasound to determine the AFC. The mean AFC of the heifers and cows were 20±8.6 and 22.5±8.4, respectively. The rib-eye area (REA) and fat thickness (FT) of the heifers (n = 119 for REA and n = 219 for FT) were measured using ultrasound imaging. The average conception rates at the first FTAI and at the end of the breeding season were 35.8% and 57.5%, respectively, for heifers and 45.1% and 78.9%, respectively, for cows. We demonstrated that the probability of pregnancy at the first FTAI and at the end of the breeding season for both young heifers and cows increased as the AFC decreased (P>0.001 and P=0.0123, respectively). FT and REA showed no correlation with AFC in heifers. The intensity of estrus expression was negatively correlated with AFC (−0.46; P<0.0001). In conclusion, Nelore heifers and cows with low AFC had a high probability of pregnancy during the entire breeding season. Thus, AFC can be used as a tool to select heifers with increased fertility without affecting carcass traits (REA and FT).

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as estruturas ovarianas, intensidade do cio, medidas de carcaça por ultrassonografia e taxa de gestação de novilhas e vacas da raça Nelore com diferentes contagens de folículos antrais (CFA). Avaliamos 503 novilhas e 565 vacas Nelore, com idade média de 15,5 ± 2,2 e 69,8 ± 36,1 meses, respectivamente, submetidas a um protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). No dia zero, todas as fêmeas foram examinadas por ultrassom para determinar a CFA. A CFA média das novilhas foi de 20 ± 8,6 e a das vacas foi de 22,5 ± 8,4 folículos. A área de olho de lombo (AOL) e a espessura de gordura (EG) das novilhas (n = 119 para AOL e n = 219 para EG) foram medidas utilizando imagens ultrassonográficas. As taxas médias de concepção na primeira IATF e no final da estação de monta foram de 35,8% e 57,5% e 45,1% e 78,9% para as novilhas e vacas, respectivamente. Demonstramos que a probabilidade de gestação na primeira IATF e no final da estação de monta, tanto para novilhas jovens quanto para vacas, foi maior quando a CFA era menor (P>0,001 e P=0,0123, respectivamente). A espessura da gordura e a AOL não mostraram nenhuma correlação com a CFA. A intensidade da expressão do cio foi negativamente correlacionada com o CFA (-0,46; P < 0,0001). Em conclusão, novilhas jovens e vacas da raça Nelore com menor CFA apresentam maior probabilidade de prenhez durante toda a estação de monta. Nenhuma relação entre a CFA e as características de carcaça foram observadas em novilhas Nelore. A CFA pode ser usada como uma ferramenta de seleção de novilhas com maior fertilidade sem influenciar as características de carcaça (AOL e EG).

Influence of long-term thermal stress on the in vitro maturation on embryo development and Heat Shock Protein abundance in zebu cattle

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of long-term temperature stress during the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes on the in vitro embryo production (IVP) and the abundance of HSP70 and HSP90 in zebu cattle. Viable cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were incubated for 24 h at 37 °C, 38.5 °C, or 40 °C for the low-, physiological, and high-temperature stress treatments, respectively. Thereafter, they were subjected to in vitro fertilization and culture. Temperature did not affect the polar body extrusion. However, IVP was adversely affected when IVM took place at 37 °C and 40 °C. The highest abundance of HSP70 was observed in cumulus cells after maturation of COCs at 40 °C. In contrast, HSP70 was more abundant in oocytes at both 37 °C and 40 °C; however, at 40 °C, the difference to the control group (38.5 °C) was not significant. In contrast, the highest abundance of HSP90 was observed in oocytes and cumulus cells at 37 °C. It appears that HSP70 and HSP90 respond to cold and heat stress in different ways. In conclusion, moderately high (40 °C) and low (37 °C) thermal stress for 24 h during IVM is detrimental to the developmental competence of oocyte and is accompanied by changes in the abundances of HSP70 and HSP90, especially in cumulus cells.

Influence of long-term thermal stress on the in vitro maturation on embryo development and Heat Shock Protein abundance in zebu cattle

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of long-term temperature stress during the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes on the in vitro embryo production (IVP) and the abundance of HSP70 and HSP90 in zebu cattle. Viable cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were incubated for 24 h at 37 °C, 38.5 °C, or 40 °C for the low-, physiological, and high-temperature stress treatments, respectively. Thereafter, they were subjected to in vitro fertilization and culture. Temperature did not affect the polar body extrusion. However, IVP was adversely affected when IVM took place at 37 °C and 40 °C. The highest abundance of HSP70 was observed in cumulus cells after maturation of COCs at 40 °C. In contrast, HSP70 was more abundant in oocytes at both 37 °C and 40 °C; however, at 40 °C, the difference to the control group (38.5 °C) was not significant. In contrast, the highest abundance of HSP90 was observed in oocytes and cumulus cells at 37 °C. It appears that HSP70 and HSP90 respond to cold and heat stress in different ways. In conclusion, moderately high (40 °C) and low (37 °C) thermal stress for 24 h during IVM is detrimental to the developmental competence of oocyte and is accompanied by changes in the abundances of HSP70 and HSP90, especially in cumulus cells.(AU)

Supplementation of cows with linseed: effects on antral follicle count, oocyte quality, and nutritional and plasma metabolite parameters / Suplementação de fêmeas girolando com linhaça: efeitos sobre contagem de folículos antrais, qualidade oocitária, parâmetros nutricionais e metabólitos plasmáticos

Linseed is distinguished by its composition of fatty acids, which are rich in unsaturated acids, and by the slow release of oil in the rumen, consequently providing a greater amount of lipids of interest for intestinal absorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of linseed supplementation on the antral follicle count (AFC) and oocyte quality of Girolando cows, as well as their digestive parameters and plasma metabolite. Twelve Girolando cows were used in the study and were randomly distributed in two experimental groups: control (CTL, n = 6) and linseed (LINS, n = 6). During the 126 days of supplementation, seven transvaginal ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU) sessions were performed at intervals of 21 days. AFC was performed in each OPU session. The cows fed with linseed showed no significant difference in the dry matter coefficient of digestibility (63.11 and 62.88), crude protein (62.7 and 55.26), neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 75.36 and 77.15), or acid detergent fiber (ADF; 72.45 and 74.77) for LINS and CTL, respectively. On the contrary, a higher level of ethereal extract was observed for LINS (69.31 vs. 40.7). There was no effect (p > 0.05) of lipid supplementation on plasma metabolite between groups and OPU sessions. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the mean number of antral follicles (CTL: 31.14 ± 1.97; LINS: 25.52 ± 2.68), cumulus oocyte complexes recovered (CTL: 6.45 ± 1.66; LINS: 5.28 ± 1.18), or oocyte quality (CTL: 60.48% ± 8.46; LINS: 64.54% ± 7.77). The supplementation of 800g of linseed in the diet of Girolando cows did not alter the apparent digestibility of nutrients, AFC, or quality of oocytes obtained by OPU.

A linhaça destaca-se pela composição de ácidos graxos insaturados e por apresentar lenta liberação do óleo no rúmen e consequentemente fornecendo maior quantidade de lipídios de interesse para absorção intestinal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação com linhaça sobre a contagem de folículos antrais e a qualidade oocitária de vacas Girolando, bem como parâmetros digestivos e metabólitos plasmáticos. Foram utilizadas doze fêmeas bovinas da raça Girolando distribuídas aleatoriamente em 2 grupos experimentais: controle (CTL n = 6) e linhaça (LINS, n = 6). Durante os 126 dias de suplementação foram realizadas 7 sessões de aspiração folicular guiada por ultrassonografia (OPU) com intervalo de 21 dias entre si. A cada sessão de OPU a CFA era realizada. Os animais alimentados com linhaça não apresentaram diferença no coeficiente de digestibilidade de matéria seca (63,11 vs. 62,88), proteína bruta (62,7 vs. 55,26), fibra em detergente neutro (75,36 vs. 77,15), fibra em detergente ácido (72,45 vs. 74,77) para LINS e CTL respectivamente. Por outro lado, os níveis de extrato etéreo foram superiores para LINS (69,31 vs. 40,7). Não houve efeito (P > 0,05) da suplementação lipídica sobre os metabólitos plasmáticos entre os grupos e as sessões de OPU. Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) no número médio de folículos antrais (31,14±1,97 vs. 25,52±2,68), COCs recuperados (6,45±1,66 vs. 5,28±1,18) e na qualidade dos oócitos (60,48%±8,46 vs. 64,54%±7,77) para LINS e CTL respectivamente. A suplementação de 800 g de linhaça na dieta de vacas Girolando não alterou a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes, bem como o número e a qualidade dos oócitos obtidos por OPU.

Supplementation of cows with linseed: effects on antral follicle count, oocyte quality, and nutritional and plasma metabolite parameters / Suplementação de fêmeas girolando com linhaça: efeitos sobre contagem de folículos antrais, qualidade oocitária, parâmetros nutricionais e metabólitos plasmáticos

Linseed is distinguished by its composition of fatty acids, which are rich in unsaturated acids, and by the slow release of oil in the rumen, consequently providing a greater amount of lipids of interest for intestinal absorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of linseed supplementation on the antral follicle count (AFC) and oocyte quality of Girolando cows, as well as their digestive parameters and plasma metabolite. Twelve Girolando cows were used in the study and were randomly distributed in two experimental groups: control (CTL, n = 6) and linseed (LINS, n = 6). During the 126 days of supplementation, seven transvaginal ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU) sessions were performed at intervals of 21 days. AFC was performed in each OPU session. The cows fed with linseed showed no significant difference in the dry matter coefficient of digestibility (63.11 and 62.88), crude protein (62.7 and 55.26), neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 75.36 and 77.15), or acid detergent fiber (ADF; 72.45 and 74.77) for LINS and CTL, respectively. On the contrary, a higher level of ethereal extract was observed for LINS (69.31 vs. 40.7). There was no effect (p > 0.05) of lipid supplementation on plasma metabolite between groups and OPU sessions. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the mean number of antral follicles (CTL: 31.14 ± 1.97; LINS: 25.52 ± 2.68), cumulus oocyte complexes recovered (CTL: 6.45 ± 1.66; LINS: 5.28 ± 1.18), or oocyte quality (CTL: 60.48% ± 8.46; LINS: 64.54% ± 7.77). The supplementation of 800g of linseed in the diet of Girolando cows did not alter the apparent digestibility of nutrients, AFC, or quality of oocytes obtained by OPU.(AU)

A linhaça destaca-se pela composição de ácidos graxos insaturados e por apresentar lenta liberação do óleo no rúmen e consequentemente fornecendo maior quantidade de lipídios de interesse para absorção intestinal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação com linhaça sobre a contagem de folículos antrais e a qualidade oocitária de vacas Girolando, bem como parâmetros digestivos e metabólitos plasmáticos. Foram utilizadas doze fêmeas bovinas da raça Girolando distribuídas aleatoriamente em 2 grupos experimentais: controle (CTL n = 6) e linhaça (LINS, n = 6). Durante os 126 dias de suplementação foram realizadas 7 sessões de aspiração folicular guiada por ultrassonografia (OPU) com intervalo de 21 dias entre si. A cada sessão de OPU a CFA era realizada. Os animais alimentados com linhaça não apresentaram diferença no coeficiente de digestibilidade de matéria seca (63,11 vs. 62,88), proteína bruta (62,7 vs. 55,26), fibra em detergente neutro (75,36 vs. 77,15), fibra em detergente ácido (72,45 vs. 74,77) para LINS e CTL respectivamente. Por outro lado, os níveis de extrato etéreo foram superiores para LINS (69,31 vs. 40,7). Não houve efeito (P > 0,05) da suplementação lipídica sobre os metabólitos plasmáticos entre os grupos e as sessões de OPU. Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) no número médio de folículos antrais (31,14±1,97 vs. 25,52±2,68), COCs recuperados (6,45±1,66 vs. 5,28±1,18) e na qualidade dos oócitos (60,48%±8,46 vs. 64,54%±7,77) para LINS e CTL respectivamente. A suplementação de 800 g de linhaça na dieta de vacas Girolando não alterou a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes, bem como o número e a qualidade dos oócitos obtidos por OPU.(AU)

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a predictor of antral follicle population in heifers

Antral follicular population (AFP) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration are strongly associated. Thus, analyzing AMH concentration is a reliable method to predict animals with high AFP, an important feature to select donor cows for embryos and oocytes. However, not much is known about this parameter in heifers, particularly in crossbred animals. The aim of this study was to assess AFP in heifers and cows and its relation to serum AMH levels. Bos taurus indicus cows (36–60-months-old; n = 30) and heifers (12–14-months-old; n = 17) of the same breed were evaluated. A single procedure of follicular counting was performed by ultrasound for each animal. Random sampling was performed to analyze serum AMH concentration. Cows showed higher AFP than heifers; nonetheless, plasma AMH concentration did not differ between the categories. A high correlation of AFP with plasma AMH concentration was observed in Girolando heifers. Thus, it is suggested that AMH concentration could be a reliable and less invasive method for selecting heifers with high AFP.(AU)

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a predictor of antral follicle population in heifers

Antral follicular population (AFP) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration are strongly associated. Thus, analyzing AMH concentration is a reliable method to predict animals with high AFP, an important feature to select donor cows for embryos and oocytes. However, not much is known about this parameter in heifers, particularly in crossbred animals. The aim of this study was to assess AFP in heifers and cows and its relation to serum AMH levels. Bos taurus indicus cows (36–60-months-old; n = 30) and heifers (12–14-months-old; n = 17) of the same breed were evaluated. A single procedure of follicular counting was performed by ultrasound for each animal. Random sampling was performed to analyze serum AMH concentration. Cows showed higher AFP than heifers; nonetheless, plasma AMH concentration did not differ between the categories. A high correlation of AFP with plasma AMH concentration was observed in Girolando heifers. Thus, it is suggested that AMH concentration could be a reliable and less invasive method for selecting heifers with high AFP.

Antral follicles population in heifers and cows of Nelore and Girolando breeds / População de folículos antrais em vacas e novilhas da raça Nelore e Girolando

The aim of this study was to evaluate ovarian antral follicle populations (OAFP) of Nelore and Girolando breed heifers (1218 months old) and cows (2460 months old). Animals were assigned to four groups: (1) Nelore cows (n = 18), (2) Girolando cows (n = 20), (3) Nelore heifers (n = 7), and (4) Girolando heifers (n = 7). Cows were treated to synchronize follicular wave emergence by implantation of an intravaginal device containing 1.9 g of progesterone, as well as intramuscular administration of 2 mg of estradiol benzoate and 25 mg of dinoprost. This synchronization treatment was administered at a random day of the estrous cycle of each cow, designated D0. Intravaginal devices were removed on D7, and on D11, OAFP counts were performed by transvaginal ovarian ultrasound. For each cow, all follicles ?3 mm in diameter were counted in both ovaries and counts were performed three times at 35-day intervals. Counts were also obtained from heifers, but these animals were not treated for synchronization of follicular wave emergence. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukeys test and Pearsons correlation test were used to compare mean OAFPs between counts as well as mean OAFPs between breed and age groups. No differences were observed in mean OAFPs between Nelore and Girolando cows (30.9 vs. 26.7, respectively; P > 0.05) or heifers (16.2 vs. 18.1, respectively; P > 0.05). However...(AU)

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a população folicular antral ovariana (PFAO) de novilhas (12 a 18 meses) e vacas (24 a 60 meses) das raças Nelore e Girolando. Os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos: 1) vacas Nelore (n = 18); 2) vacas Girolando (n=20); 3) Novilhas Nelore (n=7) e; 4) Novilhas Girolando (n=7). Nos grupos das vacas, os animais receberam um dispositivo intravaginal com 1.9 g de progesterona, 2 mg de benzoato de estradiol IM e 25 mg de dinoprost IM, em um dia aleatório do ciclo estral (D0). No D7 o dispositivo de progesterona foi retirado. Os animais foram submetidos à ultrassonografia ovariana via transvaginal para contagem da PFAO no D11. Foram contados todos os folículos ? 3 mm de diâmetro em ambos os ovários. O procedimento de contagem da PFAO foi repetido três vezes, com intervalos de 35 dias entre as repetições. Para os grupos de novilhas foram adotados os mesmos procedimentos descritos acima, porém estes animais não receberam o tratamento de sincronização da emergência da onda folicular. Para avaliação da PFAO entre as contagens e da média das contagens entre as raças e os grupos, foi realizada análise de variância (ANOVA) seguida de Teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade e correlação de Pearson, através do programa SAS, utilizando o Proc GLIMMIX. Não foi observada diferença significativa (p>0.05) entre as médias das contagens da PFAO de vacas Nelore e...(AU)

Antral follicles population in heifers and cows of Nelore and Girolando breeds / População de folículos antrais em vacas e novilhas da raça Nelore e Girolando

The aim of this study was to evaluate ovarian antral follicle populations (OAFP) of Nelore and Girolando breed heifers (1218 months old) and cows (2460 months old). Animals were assigned to four groups: (1) Nelore cows (n = 18), (2) Girolando cows (n = 20), (3) Nelore heifers (n = 7), and (4) Girolando heifers (n = 7). Cows were treated to synchronize follicular wave emergence by implantation of an intravaginal device containing 1.9 g of progesterone, as well as intramuscular administration of 2 mg of estradiol benzoate and 25 mg of dinoprost. This synchronization treatment was administered at a random day of the estrous cycle of each cow, designated D0. Intravaginal devices were removed on D7, and on D11, OAFP counts were performed by transvaginal ovarian ultrasound. For each cow, all follicles ?3 mm in diameter were counted in both ovaries and counts were performed three times at 35-day intervals. Counts were also obtained from heifers, but these animals were not treated for synchronization of follicular wave emergence. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukeys test and Pearsons correlation test were used to compare mean OAFPs between counts as well as mean OAFPs between breed and age groups. No differences were observed in mean OAFPs between Nelore and Girolando cows (30.9 vs. 26.7, respectively; P > 0.05) or heifers (16.2 vs. 18.1, respectively; P > 0.05). However...

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a população folicular antral ovariana (PFAO) de novilhas (12 a 18 meses) e vacas (24 a 60 meses) das raças Nelore e Girolando. Os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos: 1) vacas Nelore (n = 18); 2) vacas Girolando (n=20); 3) Novilhas Nelore (n=7) e; 4) Novilhas Girolando (n=7). Nos grupos das vacas, os animais receberam um dispositivo intravaginal com 1.9 g de progesterona, 2 mg de benzoato de estradiol IM e 25 mg de dinoprost IM, em um dia aleatório do ciclo estral (D0). No D7 o dispositivo de progesterona foi retirado. Os animais foram submetidos à ultrassonografia ovariana via transvaginal para contagem da PFAO no D11. Foram contados todos os folículos ? 3 mm de diâmetro em ambos os ovários. O procedimento de contagem da PFAO foi repetido três vezes, com intervalos de 35 dias entre as repetições. Para os grupos de novilhas foram adotados os mesmos procedimentos descritos acima, porém estes animais não receberam o tratamento de sincronização da emergência da onda folicular. Para avaliação da PFAO entre as contagens e da média das contagens entre as raças e os grupos, foi realizada análise de variância (ANOVA) seguida de Teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade e correlação de Pearson, através do programa SAS, utilizando o Proc GLIMMIX. Não foi observada diferença significativa (p>0.05) entre as médias das contagens da PFAO de vacas Nelore e...