Social effects on behaviorally-scored and pedometer-detected estrus in beef cattle.

The number of cows in estrus often influences estrus behavior; however, the effects of social order are not well documented. This study examined the effects of social order on the expression of behaviorally-scored and pedometer-detected estrus, combined with the effects of the number of cows in estrus. In a herd comprising 13 or 15 beef cattle, cows with orders 1st-7th were defined as dominant and the remaining cows as subordinate. Sole or simultaneous estrus was induced by prostaglandin F2α analog injection and/or intravaginal progesterone treatment. Ovulation timing was determined using ultrasonography at 6-hour intervals. Estrous signs and steps of the cows were recorded 49 h before ovulation using video monitoring and a pedometer, respectively. Among the 59 treated cows, 56 behaviorally-scored estruses (27 sole and 29 simultaneous) were detected. In the sole estrus, 61.5% of the dominant-rank cows had no zero-point period; however, 35.7% of the subordinate-rank cows had that period. The dominant-rank cows in estrus alone had a significantly shorter duration of scored estrus than those in simultaneous estrus (P < 0.05). Among the 50 pedometer-detected estruses (24 sole and 26 simultaneous), the subordinate-rank cows in sole estrus had a shorter interval from estrus onset to ovulation than the dominant-rank cows in simultaneous estrus (P < 0.05). The effects of social order varied in response to the number of cows in estrus, which might have influenced determining the optimal time for artificial insemination.

Association between genomic daughter pregnancy rate and expected milk production on the resumption of estrus behavior in Holstein cattle.

The objective of this observational study was to evaluate estrous expression at the first estrus occurring between 7 to 30 d in milk (DIM), as detected by an automated activity monitor (AAM), and its association with genomic daughter pregnancy rate (GDPR) and genomic expected milk production (GEM) in lactating dairy cows. A total of 4,119 lactations from 2,602 Holstein cows were included. Cows were enrolled as first lactation (n = 1,168), second lactation (n = 1,525) and third and greater lactation (n = 1,426). Hair samples were collected from the tail switch, and cows were genotyped using an SNP platform (Clarifide, Zoetis, São Paulo, SP, Brazil). Postpartum cows were examined daily by the farm personnel from calving until 10 DIM. Calving was classified as assisted (forced calf extraction) and unassisted (normal calving). Retained fetal membranes (RFM), hyperketonemia (KET), and left displaced abomasum (LDA) were also recorded. Mean GDPR (± SD) was -0.29 ± 1.4, and the intensity and duration of the first estrus event was 15.9 ± 13.1 x-factor (intensity unit measurement) and 11.1 ± 3.8 h, respectively. Cows that had greater GDPR had greater intensity and longer duration of estrus at the alert, independent of parity. Overall resumption of estrous expression, between 7 to 30 DIM, was 41.2% (1,695/4,119), where 58.8% (2,424/4,119) did not have an estrus event, 31.0% (1,274/4,119) of cows had one event of estrus, and 10.2% (421/4,119) of cows had 2 or more events of estrus early postpartum. Mean DIM (± SD) at first estrus event, detected by the AAM, was 19.4 ± 4.4 d. Days in milk at first event for cows with one event was 20.7 ± 1.6 d and 15.9 ± 3.1 d for cows with 2 or more events of estrus. First lactation cows were more likely to have an estrus event early postpartum when compared with second and third and greater lactation cows (45.2 ± 1.4% [530/1168] vs. 41.6 ± 1.3% [636/1525] vs. 37.2 ± 1.3% [529/1426], respectively). There was an interaction of parity and GDPR on the proportion of cows demonstrating an early postpartum estrus. There was no difference in the proportion of cows with an early postpartum estrus between those with assisted or unassisted calving, RFM, or LDA. However, cows that had KET were less likely to have an alert early postpartum when compared with cows that did not have KET. Mean genomic expected milk production (± SD) was 256.8 ± 600.1 kg. There was no interaction between GEM and parity on estrous expression (i.e., intensity and duration). There was no interaction between GEM and GDPR on the proportion of estrus early postpartum.

Chemical contraceptive impacts on cyclic progesterone and sexual behavior in zoo-housed Western lowland gorillas.

For regularly cycling primates in captivity, chemical contraceptives can be used to reduce the likelihood of unintentional offspring, but the effects on cyclic progesterone and sexual behavior have not been well studied in gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). As zoos are invested in maintaining naturalistic behaviors and physiology, this is an important aspect of gorilla physical and mental health. We examined how exposure to combination and progestin-only oral birth control pills altered cyclic progesterone and timing of sexual behaviors in four female gorillas at four institutions compared to cycling controls. Hormonal data were collected using fecal steroid metabolites as detected by enzyme immunoassay. Behavioral data were collected via one-zero sampling done by keeper staff. All methods of oral contraceptive eliminated the ovarian cycle, with fecal progestogens being maintained below baselines in cycling control individuals. There was also no evidence of any cyclic patterning in endogenous progesterone, suggesting that the methods tested do not allow for detection of a recovery of endogenous progesterone during a short no-pill period. We also found that the oral contraceptives altered the timing of behavioral displays when compared to cycling control individuals but was not directly related to any fluctuations in endogenous progesterone. This study reveals a need for additional research on contraceptive use in gorillas and reinforces that sexual behavior in gorillas is both hormonally and socially mediated.

Timed Artificial Insemination by Combining Estrous Behavior Observation With Deslorelin Treatment in Jennies.

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal time for ovulation induction and artificial insemination (AI) based on the relationship between estrous behavior and ovulation in jennies. Thirty-two jennies were teased by one jackass for 1 hour per day during 46 days and estrous behaviors were recorded, while the follicular development and ovulation was examined by ultrasound. Furthermore, another 31 jennies were teased by one jackass as the teasing group (group T), which were injected with Deslorelin at 2 and 4 days after the onset of estrus, and AI was performed at 8 hours after each injection. Moreover, Ultrasound was performed on the follicle development of 23 jennies as the ultrasonography group (group U). Injection with Deslorelin when the follicle diameter ≥ 30 mm, and AI was performed at 8 hours later. The results showed that mouth clapping was the specific estrous behavior of jennies and indicated the beginning of estrus. The mean time for jennies to develop dominant follicles (≥30 mm) after the onset of estrus was 3.5 ± 1.3 days, and the mean time between the onset of estrus and ovulation was 5.1 ± 1.5 days. Estrous behaviors ended 0.5 ± 1.2 days after ovulation. After AI, there were no significant differences in ovulation (96.8% vs. 91.3%) and conception rates (40.0% vs. 38.1%) between group T and U. The optimal breeding time of jennies can be determined by jackass teasing and hastening ovulation by Deslorelin injection.

Genomic merit for reproductive traits. I: Estrous characteristics and fertility in Holstein heifers.

Genetic selection of dairy cattle in the United States has included reproductive traits (daughter pregnancy rate, DPR; heifer conception rate, HCR), which is believed to have partly contributed to halting the decline in reproductive performance. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the association among genomic merit for DPR (GDPR) and HCR (GHCR) with estrous characteristics measured by an automated device. Holstein heifers (n = 1,005) were genotyped at 2 mo of age and were classified into quartiles (Q1 = lowest, Q4 = highest) according to the GDPR and GHCR values of the study population. At 10 to 11 mo of age, heifers were fitted with a collar that recorded activity and rumination and determined the occurrence of estrus according to changes in activity and rumination compared with the individual's baseline values. Estrous characteristics of spontaneous estruses (SPE) and PGF2α-synchronized estruses (PGSE) were recorded. Heifers had their estrous cycle synchronized with PGF2α and following detection of estrus received either artificial insemination or embryo transfer according to the herd's genetic selection program. Heifers in Q2 (17.7 ± 0.3 h) of GHCR tended to have longer SPE than heifers in Q4 (16.7 ± 0.3 h). The interaction between GDPR and GHCR was associated with the likelihood of activity peak (0 = no estrus, 100 = maximum activity) ≥80 at SPE because, among heifers in Q3 and Q4 of GHCR, those in Q1 of GDPR were less likely to have an activity peak ≥80. Heifers in Q1 and Q2 of GDPR had reduced hazard of estrus within 7 d of the first PGF2α treatment compared with heifers in Q4 of GDPR. Heifers in Q1 (16.1 ± 0.4 h) of GDPR had shorter PGSE than heifers in Q2 (17.6 ± 0.4 h) and Q4 (17.4 ± 0.4 h) and tended to have shorter PGSE than heifers in Q3 (17.4 ± 0.4 h). Rumination nadir on the day of PGSE was greater for heifers in Q1 (-30.1 ± 0.9 min/d) of GDPR compared with heifers in Q4 (-33.7 ± 0.9 min/d). Among heifers receiving only artificial insemination, those in Q1 of GHCR (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.65; 95% confidence interval = 0.48-0.88) became pregnant at a slower rate than heifers in Q4. Genomic merit for HCR was negatively associated with SPE but tended to be positively associated with hazard of pregnancy, whereas GDPR was positively associated with PGSE and hazard of estrus. Selection of dairy cattle for DPR and HCR may improve reproductive performance through different pathways, namely estrous characteristics and pregnancy establishment.

Estrous characteristics and reproductive outcomes of Holstein heifers treated with 2 prostaglandin formulations and detected in estrus by an automated estrous detection or mounting device.

Dinoprost tromethamine (DIN), a molecule similar to endogenous PGF2α, has a half-life of approximately 9 min. Cloprostenol sodium (CLO), a synthetic analog of PGF2α, has a half-life of approximately 3 h. We hypothesized that treatment of Holstein heifers with CLO would improve estrous detection rate, estrous characteristics, service rate, and overall reproductive performance compared with DIN. Currently in the United States, heifers are largely inseminated based on signs of estrus, which is detected visually or with the aid of mounting detection devices (MD). Automated estrous detection devices (AED) are becoming more accessible to producers, but it is not clear whether they present advantages in the reproductive management of heifers. Therefore, we hypothesized that the use of an AED would improve service and pregnancy rates compared with detection of estrus with the aid of a MD. Holstein heifers (n = 1,019) were enrolled in the experiment at 10 to 11 mo of age, when they were fitted with a Heatime HR LD System (SCR Ltd., Netanya, Israel). At 12 mo of age, we paired heifers according to estrous cycle phase and randomly assigned them to treatments in a 2 × 2 design: PGF2α formulation (CLO vs. DIN) and estrous detection treatment (AED vs. MD). Heifers in the AED treatment were detected in estrus only by the Heatime HR LD System, whereas heifers in the MD treatment were detected in estrus only by the Kamar Heatmount Detector (Kamar Products Inc., Zionsville, IN). Treatments with the same PGF2α formulations were repeated 14 d after the first treatment if heifers had not been detected in estrus. A sub-group of heifers had blood sampled on the day of PGF2α treatment and within 24 h of onset of estrus to determine progesterone and estradiol concentrations. Treatment with CLO reduced the progesterone concentration within 24 h of onset of estrus compared with DIN (0.04 ± 0.01 vs. 0.11 ± 0.01 ng/mL). Among heifers in mid diestrus on the day of PGF2α treatment, CLO reduced the interval to estrus compared with DIN (72.0 ± 2.2 vs. 82.4 ± 2.4 h). Prostaglandin F2α formulation and estrous detection treatment did not affect pregnancy to the first service. The interval between the first and second services tended to be reduced for the AED treatment compared with the MD treatment (24.4 ± 0.5 vs. 25.7 ± 0.6 d). Prostaglandin F2α formulation and estrous detection treatment did not affect the hazard of pregnancy. Although CLO treatment may shorten the interval to estrus in heifers at mid diestrus compared with DIN, PGF2α formulation did not affect reproductive performance. In the current experiment, no advantages in reproductive performance were observed when estrous detection was based on an AED compared with a MD.

Pretentious genomic selection signatures in CYP19A1 gene associated with silent estrous behavior in water buffalo in Pakistan

Background: Poor reproductive efficiency of river buffalos hampers the production capabilities of animals. Buffalos are mainly considered poor breeders owing to the constrained expression of estrus behavior. Failure to display heat signs is an indication of improper functionality of signaling peptides to trigger on a series of behavioral changes, which can be detectable by breeders for timely insemination of females. This might cause an animal to be a repeat breeder. Genomic variations underlying synthesis of signaling peptides can be a useful marker to select superior animals with better reproductive efficiency. In this context, the current study was designed to analyze the CYP19A1 gene in Nili-Ravi buffalo. Results: A total of 97 animals were selected and were divided into two groups on the basis of their heat score. PCR amplification and sequencing of the amplicons were performed using the specific sets of primer, and then, sequences were analyzed for novel variants. A total of 11 polymorphic sites were identified illustrating phenotypic variation in the heat score. Most of the loci were found homologous. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed for association with silent estrus. A three-dimensional protein model was also generated to locate the position of exonic SNPs. Conclusion: This study illustrated that polymorphic sites in the CYP19A1 gene provided potential markers for selection of buffalos with better estrus behavior.

A 100-Year Review: Historical development of female reproductive physiology in dairy cattle.

The objective of this historical review in female reproductive physiology is to encapsulate major advancements since the founding of the American Dairy Science Association in 1906. The emphasis is on landmark publications in the Journal of Dairy Science since its first volume in 1917. A historical perspective and inferences are made in forecasting evolution of female reproduction and links between physiology of reproduction and the mammary gland. Subsequent sections are focused into main physiological categories and the temporal advancements within these physiological windows. Time points of understanding vary considerably within categories due to various advancements in technology, biological techniques, experimental design, data collection, statistical analyses, and computational forecasting. The physiological windows examined are hypothalamic and pituitary control of the ovary related to estrous behavior and cycle; differential control of the corpus luteum and uterus as influenced by cycling and pregnancy statuses; peripartum and postpartum programing of reproduction; and scientific foundation for the next century. The importance of interdisciplinary programs and integration of reproduction, nutrition/metabolism, genetics, health, and management are emphasized. The modern dairy cow of 2017 exemplifies excellence in both reproductive and lactational performance and is the foundation biological model for the next century.

Comparison of visual and computerized estrous detection and evaluation of influencing factors.

The aim of this study was to compare the automatic estrous detection system (AED) Heatime® with visual estrous detection (VED). The study was conducted on 139 Holstein Friesian cows in one dairy herd in Northern Germany. The cows were fitted with activity collars from d 21 postpartum until d 40 of gestation and a 30-min visual estrous observation was conducted three times a day. In addition, as a separate part of the VED, estrous detection by exclusive consideration of standing estrus (SE) was investigated. Ovulation detected by regular trans-rectal ultrasonography and serum progesterone analyses served as gold standard to calculate estrous detection rate (EDR) and reliability rate (RR) for each of the three estrous detection systems (AED, VED and SE). Change in body condition antepartum and postpartum, lameness, milk yield and milk fat- milk protein- ratio (FPR) on the expression and detection of estrus were investigated. Estrus was more precisely detected by the AED (EDR: 85.1%) than by VED (EDR: 52.2%) and SE (EDR: 22.3%) (P<0.05). The RR when using the three methods did not differ (P>0.05). Changes in body condition, lameness, milk yield or the FPR were not associated with the estrous detection rate by the AED. The estrous detection rate by VED in lame animals (EDR: 24.2%) was, however, less than in cows without any lameness (EDR: 52.7%; P<0.05). In conclusion, the AED Heatime® system can be effectively used for estrous detection and can be used to more precisely detect estrus than with VED.

Effect of reproductive methods and GnRH administration on long-term protocol in Santa Ines ewes.

This study aimed to determine whether reproductive performance of ewes submitted to laparoscopic timed artificial insemination (TAI) would be similar to ante meridiem (AM)/post meridiem (PM) rule and assisted natural mating (NM), and whether GnRH may enhance the pregnancy rate in TAI. In experiment I, 191 non-lactating ewes were synchronized, then TAI was performed either 48 h after progesterone (P4) removal (TAI-48 h) or 12 h after estrus detection (AM/PM); moreover, some ewes were submitted to NM (NM) as control treatment. In experiment II, 247 non-lactating ewes were allocated in five treatments, a control (no-GnRH on protocol) and four treatments arranged in a factorial design 2 × 2. The factors were time and dose of GnRH: ewes that received either 10 µg (TAI-10 µg-36 h) or 25 µg of GnRH (TAI-25 µg-36 h) 36 h after P4 removal and ewes that received either 10 µg (TAI-10 µg-48 h) or 25 µg of GnRH (TAI-25 µg-48 h) at time of insemination, 48 h after P4 removal. In experiment I, pregnancy rate in TAI-48 h was lower (P = 0.03) than AM/PM and NM. Moreover, the probability of pregnancy in TAI-48 h was higher (P = 0.06) in ewes detected in estrus early. In experiment II, the use of GnRH in TAI protocols increased (P < 0.01) pregnancy rate at synchronization, and TAI-25 µ-48 h and TAI-10 µg-36 h treatments increased (P = 0.02) pregnancy rate compered to TAI-10 µg-48 h. We conclude that TAI decreased pregnancy rate compered to NM and AM/PM, which may be improved by GnRH use in TAI to synchronize ovulation.

The relationship between activity clusters detected by an automatic activity monitor and endocrine changes during the periestrous period in lactating dairy cows.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between observed estrous-related behavior, activity clusters (AC; detected by automatic activity monitor), endocrine profiles, and ovulation time. Twenty-one cows in estrus (after 2 cloprostenol treatments, 11 d apart) and 12 nonsynchronized cows, to establish Heatime (SCR Engineers Ltd., Netanya, Israel) herd baseline activity, were enrolled. Cows had Heatime monitors applied 3 wk before the trial to establish their own baseline activity level. Cows in standing estrus had ultrasonography and phlebotomy carried out every 4 h to determine dominant follicle size, endocrine profiles, and ovulation time. After ovulation, these procedures were repeated once on d 3 to 6. Heatime alerted estrus in 90% of cows, and incorrectly alerted 17% of AC. The mean±SEM duration for standing estrus was 9±1 and 13±1 h for estrous-related behavior. Estrous-related behavior began after the start of the proestrous estradiol-17ß (E2) increase (59±6.5 h). Cows with longer durations of raised proestrous E2 had longer intervals from its onset to the start of standing estrus and AC. The AC duration increased with longer durations of estrous-related behavior. Higher peak E2 occurred with longer standing estrus and estrous-related behavior. As E2 concentration decreased after the peak, 90% of cows still had estrous-related behavior. Duration of estrous-related behavior increased with higher average E2 concentration during the last 8 h before the start of the LH surge. During this surge 90% of cows had all of their standing estrus. As yields increased, so did the magnitude of the preovulatory FSH surges. Higher surges occurred with shorter standing estrus and estrous-related behavior. Cows with shorter LH surges had longer standing estrus. Peak LH preceded the AC peak (6.6±0.8 h). Duration of overlap between the AC start and the LH surge end ranged between 0 and 14 h; 1 cow had none. No association was found between the AC characteristics with the E2, LH, or FSH profiles. In conclusion, the relationship between the timing of the E2 increase and estrous activity may be mediated by other factors (GnRH surge). Estrous-related behavior, but not endocrine profiles, was related to AC duration. Timing of standing estrus during the LH surge ensures that mating allows sperm maturation before ovulation. Based on the interval from the start of an AC to ovulation (27±1 h), the optimum time to artificial insemination is, on average, between 9 and 15 h after the AC start.

Effect of the season on some aspects of the estrous cycle in Martina Franca donkey.

The Martina Franca (MF) donkey breed, with 48 jackasses and 515 jennies, is considered an endangered breed according to the data from the Monitoring Institute for Rare Breeds and Seeds in Europe. The knowledge of the estrous cycle characteristics has a great impact for assisted reproduction, especially in endangered species. In this study, the estrous cycle characteristics were investigated in 12 MF jennies throughout the year. Estrous cycle, estrous and diestrous lengths, follicular growth and ovulation, and estradiol-17ß (E2) and progesterone (P4) plasma concentrations were monitored in MF jennies and compared in different seasons. In all jennies (100%) estrous cycle was detected during the whole year, with no differences in the estrous cycle length among seasons. However, a significant increase of estrous length in spring and summer compared with autumn and winter was found. Diestrus was shorter in summer than in the other seasons. Estrous behavior was always shown and characterized by rhythmic eversion of the vulvar labia (winking) with exhibition of the clitoris, urination, male receptivity and clapping, with sialorrhoea, neck and head extension, and back ears. Estrus was characterized by the ovulation of a larger follicle in spring and summer than in autumn and winter. The pattern of E2 and P4 plasma concentrations during the estrous cycle were similar to that reported for the mare, but without differences among the four seasons, so that a negligible effect of environmental conditions on ovarian E2 and P4 secretion was hypothesized, despite the larger diameter of the ovulating follicle in spring and summer.