Analysis of physical traits, clinical parameters, and energy metabolism of in vivo- and in vitro-derived Flemish newborn calves during the first day of life.

Studies investigating physiological deviations from normality in newborn calves derived from in vitro fertilization procedures remain important for the understanding of factors that reduce calf survival after birth. The aim of this study was to investigate parameters affecting health and welfare of newborn Flemish calves derived from in vitro embryo production (IVP) in the first hours of life in comparison to in vivo-derived calves. Physical traits of newborn calves and fetal membranes (FM) were recorded soon after birth. Newborn venous blood samples were collected at several time points within the first 24 h of life for analyses of energy substrates, electrolytes, blood gases, acid-base balance, blood chemistry, and haematology. A liver biopsy was taken within the first hour after birth for analysis of gene expression of key enzymes of the fructolytic and glycolytic pathways. Newborn IVP calves were heavier and larger at birth, which was associated with heavier FM. At several time points during the first 24 h of life, IVP-derived calves had altered rectal temperature, blood gases, electrolyte concentrations, blood parameters for liver, kidney and muscle function, and acid-base balance, plasma lipid metabolism, and hemogram parameters. The relative mRNA abundances for triokinase and lactate dehydrogenase-B were greater in IVP calves. In summary, IVP-derived newborn calves were at higher risk of clinical problems after birth, which was markedly greater in heavier and larger calves. Such animals take longer to adapt to extrauterine life and should receive a special attention during the immediate neonatal period.

In vitro and in vivo embryo production efficiency in Flemish and Holstein donor females.

The aim of this study was to compare embryo production efficiency in Flemish and Holstein donor females using ovum pick-up and in vitro fertilization (OPU-IVF) or in vivo production (superovulation; SOV) procedures. The study was conducted using a split-plot design, with eight Flemish and eight Holstein non-lactating cycling females. Females were subjected to ten weekly OPU/IVF sessions and/or two SOV/embryo collections sessions at a 63-day interval, for a total of 160 OPU-IVF and 32 SOV sessions. Mean numbers of follicles and corpora lutea, and cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) recovery rates were similar between breeds after the OPU and SOV sessions. However, Flemish donors yielded better quality grade II COCs (301, 41.9%) than Holstein females (609, and 202, 33.1%). Also, cleavage and blastocyst rates, and the total number and the mean number of viable embryos obtained after OPU-IVF were higher in Flemish (49.6% and 11.8%, and 63 and 11.8 per donor, respectively) than in Holstein (32.8% and 7.2%, and 34 and 7.2 per donor, respectively) females. Flemish females were also more efficient in yielding viable embryos after SOV (111, 7.3 per donor) than Holstein (48, 3.3 per donor) females. Overall, Flemish donor females had better responses to OPU-IVF or SOV procedures than Holstein counterparts. Irrespective of the breeds, SOV procedures were more efficient than OPU-IVF in yielding more viable embryos, under the conditions of this study. Both reproductive procedures were useful tools for the genetic conservation of the Flemish cattle breed in Southern Brazil.

Effects of fusion-activation interval and embryo aggregation on in vitro and in vivo development of bovine cloned embryos.

Nuclear reprogramming in somatic cell cloning is one of the key factors for proper development, with variations in the protocol appearing to improve cloning efficiency. This study aimed to determine the effects of two fusion-activation intervals and the aggregation of bovine cloned embryos on subsequent in vitro and in vivo development. Zygotes produced by handmade cloning were exposed to two fusion-activation intervals (2 h or 4 h), and then cultured in microwells either individually (1 × 100%) or after aggregation of two structures (2 × 100%). Zona-intact oocytes and zona-free oocytes and hemi-oocytes were used as parthenote controls under the same fusion-activation intervals. Day-7 cloned blastocysts were transferred to synchronous recipients. Cleavage (Day 2), blastocyst (Day 7) and pregnancy (Day 30) rates were compared by the χ2 test (P < .05). Extending fusion-activation interval from 2 to 4 h reduced cleavage (91.0 vs. 74.4%) but not blastocyst (34.8 vs. 42.0%) rates. On a microwell basis, cloned embryo aggregation (2 × 100%) increased cleavage (91.5% vs. 74.4%) and blastocyst (46.0% vs. 31.3%) rates compared to controls (1 × 100%), but did not improve the overall embryo production efficiency on Day 7 (23.0% vs. 31.3%), on a per reconstructed embryo basis, respectively. Treatments had no effects on in vitro developmental kinetics, embryo quality, and in vivo development. In summary, the fusion-activation interval and/or the aggregation of cloned bovine embryos did not affect cloning efficiency based on the in vitro development to the blastocyst stage and on pregnancy outcome.

Heterogeneity determination of bovine leukemia virus genome in Santa Catarina state, Brazil / Determinação da heterogeneidade do genoma do vírus da leucose enzoótica bovina no estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a member of Retroviridae family, genus Deltaretrovirus, and the main viral agent responsible for economic loses in dairy herds. Some studies have been carried out about BLV genotypes, and at least seven genotypes were found out in samples of different regions of the world. The objective of this study was to identify BLV samples from seropositive dairy cattle in Santa Catarina state, Brazil, using molecular techniques. Blood samples were collected (454) from dairy cattle from 31 different farms, and serology using agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) was performed. After that, 191 seropositive samples were submitted to DNA extraction, and in 77 samples the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplification of a 440 bp fragment of the env gene was performed. Nineteen DNA samples were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis by digestion of the PCR fragment by five restriction endonucleases - BamHI, HaeIII, Tru9I, TaqI, and MwoI. It was found 42% seropositive animals (191/454) and 68% positives of the farms (21/31). The PCR showed 80.5% (62/77) of animals positive. The RFLP analysis identified five different genotypes dispersed by Santa Catarina state, with the highest prevalence for genotype X (47.4%). Overall, our results identified the viral genotypes present in dairy cattle and the prevalence of new variants in representative farms from Santa Catarina state.(AU)

O bovine leukemia virus (BLV) é um membro da família Retroviridae, gênero Deltaretrovirus, e o principal agente viral causador de perdas econômicas em rebanhos leiteiros. Diversos estudos têm sido feitos sobre os genótipos de BLV, e foram encontrados pelo menos sete em amostras de diferentes partes do mundo. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a caracterização molecular de amostras de BLV de bovinos leiteiros soropositivos no estado de Santa Catarina. Foram coletadas 454 amostras de sangue de bovinos de 31 propriedades, e fez-se inicialmente a sorologia por meio do teste de imunodifusão em gel de ágar. Após a sorologia, 191 amostras soropositivas foram então submetidas à extração de DNA, e em 77 amostras se realizou a reação da polimerase em cadeia (PCR), para a amplificação de um fragmento de 440 pb do gene env. Dezenove amostras foram submetidas à análise do polimorfismo dos fragmentos de restrição por digestão do fragmento da PCR por cinco enzimas de restrição: BamHI, HaeIII, Tru9I, TaqI e MwoI. Os resultados obtidos na sorologia apontaram 42% de animais soropositivos (191/454) e 68% de propriedades positivas (21/31). Na PCR, 80,52% (62/77) dos animais apresentaram-se positivos. A análise do polimorfismo dos fragmentos de restrição identificou cinco genótipos circulantes no estado, e a maior prevalência foi observada no genótipo X (47,4%). Este estudo permite-nos conhecer alguns dos genótipos virais presentes em bovinos leiteiros do estado de Santa Catarina, bem como identificar a existência de novas variantes e sua prevalência atual, e os resultados são úteis para futuros estudos epidemiológicos.(AU)

Impact of cumulative gain in expertise on the efficiency of handmade cloning in cattle.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the cumulative gain in expertise in carrying out handmade cloning (HMC) procedures on embryo yield and pregnancy outcome in cattle. Results from in vitro and in vivo embryo development after HMC during three periods of 7 months, separated by 3-month intervals, were compiled and designated as P1, P2 and P3. Blastocyst yield, morphological quality and stage of development, and pregnancy per embryo transfer (ET) on Day 30 of gestation were compared. Zona-intact oocytes were activated chemically in each experiment replicate, and development of parthenogenetic blastocysts was used as a control measurement of oocyte quality and in vitro culture conditions. A total of 21,231 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were in vitro-matured, with 5,432, 10,721 and 5078 COCs used in 16, 18 and 10 replicates for P1, P2 and P3, respectively. Cloned blastocyst yields on Day 7 increased from 15.5% (124/798) in P1 to 21.6% (309/1428) and 36.6% (280/764) in P2 and P3, respectively. No differences were observed in blastocyst development of parthenogenetic embryos, which average 30.0, 37.6, and 36.4% in P1, P2, and P3, respectively. A 10-fold higher probability of obtaining cloned blastocysts at more advanced stages of development and of higher morphological grade was seen during P3 compared with P1. Pregnancy per ET on Day 30 also increased with gain in expertise, being 6.7% (2/30), 20.8% (10/48) and 40.0% (24/60) for P1, P2 and P3, respectively. The relative efficiency for the establishment of pregnancies (per total COC) increased from 0.04% (1:2716) in P1 to 0.22% (1:460) in P2, reaching 0.47% (1:212) in P3. Results demonstrated a gradual improvement in in vitro and in vivo embryo development over time after establishment of HMC procedures in the laboratory, highlighting the importance of gaining experience and technical skills on the overall cloning efficiency.

Developmental Outcome and Related Abnormalities in Goats: Comparison Between Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer- and In Vivo-Derived Concepti During Pregnancy Through Term.

Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is characterized by low efficiency and the occurrence of developmental abnormalities, which are rather poorly studied phenomena in goats. This study aimed at comparing overall SCNT efficiency in goats by using in vitro-matured (IVM) or in vivo-matured oocytes and fibroblast donor cells (mock transfected, transgenic, or wild type), also characterizing symptoms of the Abnormal Offspring Syndrome (AOS) in development, comparing results with pregnancies produced by artificial insemination (AI) and in vivo-derived (IVD) embryos. The SCNT group had lower pregnancy rate (18.3%, 11/60), total number of concepti (20.0%, 12/60), term births (3.3%, 2/60), and live births (1.7%, 1/60) than both the IVD (77.8%, 7/9; 155.5%, 14/9; 122.2%, 11/9; 88.8%, 8/9) and the AI (71.4%, 10/14; 121.4%, 17/14; 100%, 14/14; 78.5%, 11/14) groups, respectively (p < 0.05). No SCNT pregnancies reached term using IVM oocytes, but in vivo-matured oocytes resulted in two term transgenic cloned kids. The proportion fetal membrane (FM) weight/birth weight reflected an increase in FM size and cotyledonary enlargement in clones, for disproportionally bigger newborns in relation to cotyledonary numbers. Overall, goat cloning showed losses and abnormality patterns similar to the AOS in cloned cattle and sheep, which have not been previously well recognized in goats.

Developmental potential of bovine hand-made clone embryos reconstructed by aggregation or fusion with distinct cytoplasmic volumes.

Animal cloning has been associated with developmental abnormalities, with the level of heteroplasmy caused by the procedure being one of its potential limiting factors. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the fusion of hemicytoplasts or aggregation of hemiembryos, varying the final cytoplasmic volume, on development and cell density of embryos produced by hand-made cloning (HMC), parthenogenesis or by in vitro fertilization (IVF). One or two enucleated hemicytoplasts were paired and fused with one skin somatic cell. Activated clone and zona-free parthenote embryos and hemiembryos were in vitro cultured in the well-of-the-well (WOW) system, being allocated to one of six experimental groups, on a per WOW basis: single clone or parthenote hemiembryos (1 x 50%); aggregation of two (2 x 50%), three (3 x 50%), or four (4 x 50%) clone or parthenote hemiembryos; single clone or parthenote embryos (1 x 100%); or aggregation of two clone or parthenote embryos (2 x 100%). Control zona-intact parthenote or IVF embryos were in vitro cultured in four-well dishes. Results indicated that the increase in the number of aggregated structures within each WOW was followed by a linear increase in cleavage, blastocyst rate, and cell density. The increase in cytoplasmic volume, either by fusion or by aggregation, had a positive effect on embryo development, supporting the establishment of pregnancies and the birth of a viable clone calf after transfer to recipients. However, embryo aggregation did not improve development on a hemicytoplast basis, except for the aggregation of two clone embryos.

Produção in vitro de embriões bovinos em meio SOF e com SVE ou BSA / Bovine in vitro embryo production in modified SOF medium with ECS or BSA

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as taxas de desenvolvimento de embriões bovinos produzidos in vitro em meio SOF suplementado com soro de vaca em estro (SVE) ou albumina sérica bovina (BSA). Os oócitos foram obtidos a partir de ovários de vacas de abatedouro e maturados in vitro (MIV) durante 24 horas em TCM199 acrescidos de 10% de SVE, estradiol (1 mg/mL), FSH (0,5 mg/mL) e hCG (0,03 UI/mL). A fecundação in vitro (FIV) foi realizada durante 18 a 20 horas em meio Fert-TALP acrescido de heparina (5,56 mg/mL), hipotaurina (1,1 mg/mL) e epinefrina (0,18 mg/mL). Tanto a MIV quanto a FIV foram realizadas em estufa de cultivo a 39ºC, 100% de umidade relativa e 5% de CO2 em ar. Para o cultivo embrionário, os zigotos foram cultivados em SOF modificado, suplementado com 10% de SVE ou 0,4% de BSA, em atmosfera com 5% de CO2, 7% de O2 e 88% de N2. Os embriões foram mantidos durante 9 dias em estufa a 39ºC com 100% de umidade relativa do ar. O emprego de BSA ou SVE como fonte protéica não promoveram diferença significativa sobre as taxas de clivagem (59,0% ou 55,6%, respectivamente) e de formação de blastocisto (40,3% ou 49,0% respectivamente). Entretanto, o SVE proporcionou maior velocidade na formação dos blastocistos (p<0,01).