A Circular Economy Approach to Integrate Divergent Ruminant Production Systems: Using Dairy Cow Feed Leftovers to Enhance the Out-of-Season Reproductive Performance in Goats.

Based on a circular economy approach, we evaluated the possible effect of targeted supplementation with leftover feed from dairy cows (i.e., intensive system) on the reproductive performance of crossbred/rangeland goats (i.e., extensive system) in arid Northern Mexico. During the deep-anestrous season (i.e., March-April, 25° North), multiparous goats (n = 38) with a similar body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were randomly assigned to two groups: (1) supplemented group (SG; n = 19; BCS: 1.76 ± 0.07; BW: 43.7 ± 1.8 kg), receiving 400 g goat d-1 of dairy-cow-feed leftovers prior to grazing; and (2) non-supplemented group (NS; n = 19; BCS: 1.76 ± 0.06; BW: 44.3 ± 2.5 kg). Both groups were directed to the rangeland for a period of ≈8 h. While the experimental period lasted 36 d, the experimental breeding considered 11 d (d0-d10). The anovulatory status of goats was ultrasonographically confirmed on days -20, -10, and -1 prior to male-female interaction. Previously, bucks were separated for 3 weeks from the experimental females and received exogenous testosterone every third day (i.e., 50 mg i.m.) prior to mating. With respect to the response variables, namely BW, BCS, blood glucose levels (BGLs), estrus induction (GIE, %), latency to estrus (LTE, h), estrus duration (ED, h), and luteal tissue volume (LTV, mm), no differences (p > 0.05) occurred between experimental groups. However, the response variables, namely goats ovulating (GO, %; 78.9 vs. 47.3), total number of corpuses luteum (TNCL, n; 27 vs. 13), ovulation rate (OR, n; 1.42 vs. 0.73), multiple ovulation (MO, %; 73.3 vs. 55.5), and pregnancy rate on d 36 (PRd36, %, 68.4 vs. 36.8), favored (p < 0.05) the SG over the NS goats. Our results demonstrate that connecting the circularity of two divergent ruminant production systems (i.e., cow-intensive and goat-extensive) by using dairy cows' feed leftovers as a targeted supplementation strategy in anestrous goats under a marginal-rangeland production system enhanced out-of-season reproductive outcomes (i.e., ovulation rate and pregnancy rate), thus benefiting marginal goat producers and their families.

Reproductive response of crossbred Bos taurus × Bos indicus cows to biostimulation by pre-pubertal and pubertal teasers.

Although the beneficial effect of biostimulation on reproduction has been reported, the influence of selectivity and social factors on the response to biostimulation has not received sufficient research attention in both Bos indicus and Bos indicus influenced cattle. Furthermore, 'green and cheap' strategies to improve cattle reproduction are currently in demand while Bos indicus influenced cattle with inferior reproductive performance, and farmers with economic limitations are common in tropical zones. Hence, to assess the reproductive response of crossbred taurus × indicus cows to biostimulation by pre-pubertal (PPM) or pubertal (PM) teasers males, two trials of 2 years each were conducted. Trial 1 n = 187 cows (Year 1:85 cows exposed to PPM and Year 2:102 cows exposed to PM). Trial 2 n = 196 cows (Year 1:101 cows exposed to PPM and Year 2:95 cows exposed to PM). The effect of exposing cows to PPM and PM on the intervals calving to first service (ICFS), calving to conception (ICC) and economic cost of days open (ECDO) was analysed using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and the effect of exposing cows to PPM and to PM on reproductive status at 90 days (RS90) and proportion of cows requiring hormonal protocols (PRH) was compared using χ2 analysis. Both ICFS and ICC were shorter (p < .0001) for PM-exposed females (96.12 ± 4.1 and 110.93 ± 2.9 days; respectively) compared with those PPM-exposed (134.41 ± 3.3 and 135.64 ± 2.4 days; respectively). With RS90, more (p < .0001) PM-exposed cows (50.7%) were pregnant compared with PPM-exposed cows (16.1%). The PRH was greater (p < .0001) in PPM-exposed cows (79.0%) compared with PM-exposed (27.9%). The ECDO was less (p < .0001) in PM-exposed cows (US$ 142.9 ± 3.8) compared with PPM-exposed (US$ 176.3 ± 2.9). In conclusion, cows exposed to PM had shorter ICFS and ICC compared with cows exposed to PPM. More cows exposed to PM were pregnant after 90 days, and PRH was less than cows exposed to PPM. Cows exposed to PM had a reduced ECDO than those exposed to PPM.

Group or individual housing does not reduce socio-sexual and reproductive responses in anestrous goats during the first contact with the photo-stimulated buck.

Herein, we examined the effect of the type of housing (individual vs group housing) of anestrus female goats on plasma cortisol concentrations and socio-sexual behaviors during first contact with photo-stimulated male goats and determined the impact on sexual and reproductive responses after 15 d of contact with photo-stimulated males. Therefore, after weaning, 10 females each were individually and group-housed, respectively. Ten bucks were rendered sexually active by exposure to artificially long days (16 h of light and 8 h of darkness per day) for 2.5 mo. During the naturally increasing photoperiod, 15-mo-old females were exposed and maintained with males. On day 0, during the first contact with males, individually- and group-housed females exhibited similar plasma cortisol concentrations (22.6 vs 27.4 ng/mL, respectively). Likewise, socio-sexual behaviors did not differ between examined groups on day 0. Moreover, the interval from first contact with males to the first estrus, short and normal ovulatory cycles, ovulation, fertility, and prolificacy rates were similar between differently housed females. Furthermore, mounting attempts did not differ between males in contact with either female group. In conclusion, individually- and group-housed anestrus females displayed elevated and similar plasma cortisol concentrations during first contact with photo-stimulated males and similar socio-sexual behaviors and reproductive responses when exposed to photo-stimulated males.

Previous sexual experience does not improve estrous behavior and ovulatory activity in seasonally anestrous goats in contact with photostimulated bucks

Sexually inexperienced ewes display lower estrous behavior during the first contact with rams. The objective of this study was to determine whether sexually inexperienced anestrous females display estrous behavior and ovulatory activity as the sexually experienced females, and with restricted sexual experience exposed to photo-stimulated bucks. Six bucks were rendered sexually active during the non-breeding season by exposure to artificially long days (16 h of light and 8 h of darkness per day) for 2.5 months. The first group, sexually experienced females (n = 10) had physical contact with two vasectomized bucks, and mating was allowed; the second group, with restricted sexual experience (n = 10) had contact with two vasectomized bucks through a wire-mesh fence and mating was prevented; the third group, sexually inexperienced females (n = 9) was totally isolated from bucks. At 14-month-old the females were exposed to photostimulated bucks for 15 days. The proportion of females that displayed estrous behavior, ovulations, short and normal ovulatory cycles, and pregnancy rates did not differ between sexually experienced, with restricted sexual experience, and sexually inexperienced (P > 0.05, in all variables). Similarly, the ovulation rate did not differ between the three groups of females (P > 0.05). However, the interval from introduction of the bucks to the first estrus was shorter in sexually inexperienced females (P < 0.05). Therefore, sexually inexperienced anestrous females displayed estrous behavior, ovulation, and pregnancy rate similar to those displayed by sexually experienced and with restricted sexual experience when exposed to photo-stimulated bucks through the male effect.

Previous sexual experience does not improve estrous behavior and ovulatory activity in seasonally anestrous goats in contact with photostimulated bucks

Sexually inexperienced ewes display lower estrous behavior during the first contact with rams. The objective of this study was to determine whether sexually inexperienced anestrous females display estrous behavior and ovulatory activity as the sexually experienced females, and with restricted sexual experience exposed to photo-stimulated bucks. Six bucks were rendered sexually active during the non-breeding season by exposure to artificially long days (16 h of light and 8 h of darkness per day) for 2.5 months. The first group, sexually experienced females (n = 10) had physical contact with two vasectomized bucks, and mating was allowed; the second group, with restricted sexual experience (n = 10) had contact with two vasectomized bucks through a wire-mesh fence and mating was prevented; the third group, sexually inexperienced females (n = 9) was totally isolated from bucks. At 14-month-old the females were exposed to photostimulated bucks for 15 days. The proportion of females that displayed estrous behavior, ovulations, short and normal ovulatory cycles, and pregnancy rates did not differ between sexually experienced, with restricted sexual experience, and sexually inexperienced (P > 0.05, in all variables). Similarly, the ovulation rate did not differ between the three groups of females (P > 0.05). However, the interval from introduction of the bucks to the first estrus was shorter in sexually inexperienced females (P < 0.05). Therefore, sexually inexperienced anestrous females displayed estrous behavior, ovulation, and pregnancy rate similar to those displayed by sexually experienced and with restricted sexual experience when exposed to photo-stimulated bucks through the male effect.(AU)

Undernutrition reduces the body weight and testicular size of bucks exposed to long days but not their ability to stimulate reproduction of seasonally anestrous goats.

In semiarid conditions, feed is often scarce and variable with underfeeding being common; these factors can potentially induce fertility reductions in both sexes. Sexually active bucks are able to very efficiently fertilize out-of-season goats, but we do not know whether underfeeding would reduce the ability of bucks to fertilize goats during these periods. Two experiments were conducted to determine (i) testicular size and change of odor intensity of undernourished bucks exposed to long days and (ii) the ability of these bucks to stimulate reproductive activity in seasonally anestrous goats. In experiment 1, bucks (n = 7) were fed 1.5 times the normal maintenance requirements from September to May and formed the well-fed group. Another group of bucks (n = 7) were fed 0.5 times the maintenance requirements and formed the undernourished group. All bucks were subjected to artificially long days from 1 November to 15 January; this period was followed by a natural photoperiod until 30 May. Body weight, scrotal circumference and male odor intensity changes were determined every 2 weeks. In experiment 2, two groups of female goats (n = 26 each) were exposed to well-fed (n = 2) or undernourished bucks (n = 2) on 31 March. Ovulations and pregnancy rates were determined by transrectal ultrasonography. In experiment 1, a treatment by time interaction was detected for BW, scrotal circumference and odor intensity changes (P < 0.001). The BWs of well-fed bucks were greater than those of the undernourished bucks from October to May (P < 0.01), as were the scrotal circumferences from December to March (P < 0.05) and odor intensities from February to May (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, the proportions of females that ovulated at least once (100% v. 96%) or those that were diagnosed as pregnant (85% v. 77%; P > 0.05) did not differ significantly between the goats exposed to well-fed or undernourished bucks. The interval between the introduction of bucks and the onset of estrous behavior was shorter in goats exposed to well-fed bucks compared to the interval for those goats exposed to undernourished bucks (2.5 ± 0.2 v. 9.5 ± 0.6 days; P < 0.05). We conclude that undernourishment reduces the testicular size and odor intensity responses in bucks exposed to long days, but that undernourished bucks are still able to stimulate reproductive activity in seasonally anestrous goats, as is also the case for well-fed bucks.

Influence of male on estrus behavior, estradiol and progesterone release and puberty onset on prepubertal Saanen goats / Influência do reprodutor sobre o comportamento de estro, liberação de estrógeno, progesterona e início da puberdade em cabras Saanen pré-puberes

The present study investigated the male effect on the estrus behaviors, estradiol and progesterone release in prepubertal Saanen goats. Twenty-nine female Saanen goats at 135 ± 10 days old with body weight of 22.8 ± 3.3 Kg were randomly assigned to three treatments: exposure to sexually active male (male treatment), exposure to androgenized females (androgenized female treatment), and prepubertal goats isolated from active male and androgenized females (control treatment). Sexual behaviors associated with estrus were recorded daily, and blood samples were taken weekly to determine estradiol and progesterone concentrations over 24 weeks. The experimental goats subjected to male or androgenized female had significantly higher frequency of estrus (mount acceptance) (P ≤ 0,02), progesterone (P ≤ 0,01), and estradiol (P ≤ 0,01) release than the control goats. Furthermore, goats exposed to a male showed estrus behavior two weeks earlier and maintained this estrus behavior for three weeks more than goats of both female and control treatments. Estrus was observed in 70 % of goats in male and female treatments during the breeding season versus 44 % of the control goats. Finally, significantly more goats subjected to male treatment (60 % of goats) showed progesterone concentrations higher than 1 ng mL-1 (which indicates the presence of a functional corpus luteum) compared to the female and control treatment (40 and 22 % of goats, respectively). These results shows that male treatment significantly increased the number of females showing estrus behavior, estradiol and progesterone release, and the number of animals with a functional corpus luteum, anticipating puberty for experimental goats, suggesting that the male effect could be used to anticipate the onset of puberty in goats.(AU)

O presente estudo investigou o efeito do macho sobre o comportamento do estro, liberação de estradiol e progesterona em cabritas Sannen pré-púberes. Vinte e nove cabritas com 135 ± 10 dias de idade e peso corporal de 22,8 ± 3,3 kg foram submetidas à três tratamentos: macho; fêmeas androgenizadas; controle (mantidas isoladas do efeito macho ou de fêmeas androgenizadas) . Os comportamentos sexuais foram registrados diariamente e as amostras de sangue foram colhidas semanalmente ao longo de 24 semanas. Os tratamentos macho e fêmea androgenizada aumentaram significativamente a ocorrência comportamental do estro (P ≤ 0,02), a concentração de progesterona (P ≤ 0,01) e estradiol (P ≤ 0,01) em comparação ao tratamento controle. As cabritas expostas ao efeito macho anteciparam o comportamento de estro em duas semanas, e o mantiveram por mais três semanas quando comparado às cabritas dos tratamentos fêmea androgenizada e controle. Apenas 44% das cabritas controle foram observadas em estro, sendo que 70% das cabritas submetidas aos tratamentos macho e fêmea androgenizada foram observadas em estro. Além disso, 60% das cabritas expostas ao efeito macho, 40 % das cabritas expostas ao efeito fêmea androgenizada e 22% das cabritas controle apresentaram concentrações de progesterona superiores a 1 ng mL-1, o que indica a presença de corpo lúteo funcional. De fato, o efeito macho aumentou significativamente o número de fêmeas em estro, a concentração de estradiol e progesterona, o número de fêmeas com corpo lúteo funcional, sugerindo que o efeito macho pode ser usado para antecipar o início da puberdade em cabritas Saanen.(AU)

The Opuntia effect and the Reactivation of Ovarian Function and Blood Metabolite Concentrations of Anestrous Goats Exposed to Active Males.

The effect of protein enriched Opuntia cladodes supplementation upon changes of serum total protein, urea, cholesterol, glucose as related to estrus induction (EI%), estrus latency (EL, h), and ovulation rate (OR, units) in adult anestrous goats exposed to the male effect was evaluated. In late April, anestrus goats (n = 45, 25° N) homogeneous regarding live weight (LE; 43.8 ± 1.6 kg) and body condition score (BCS; 2.3 ± 0.1 units) were randomly assigned to: (1). Protein-enriched Opuntia (PEO; n = 15; 29.8% CP, 2.2 Mcal ME kg-1), (2). Non-enriched Opuntia (NEO; n = 15; 6.4% CP, 2.1 Mcal ME kg-1), and (3). Control (CON; n = 15). NEO and PEO goats were individually supplemented with cladodes (160 g d-1; 0900-1000 h), thereafter all groups grazed in a marginal rangeland (1000-1800 h). Neither LW (p > 0.05) nor BCS (p > 0.05) differed among groups, yet an increased (p < 0.05) EI % (100, 57, 42 ± 0.16%), EL h (62, 60, 32 ± 4.2 h), and OR (1.33, 0.71, 0.43 ± 0.23 units) occurred in PEO and NEO vs. CONT, respectively. However, neither blood metabolites differed among groups nor a treatment x time interaction occurred. Peri-breeding protein enriched Opuntia cladodes supplementation of anestrous goats exposed to active males increased (p < 0.01) reproductive outcomes during the non-breeding season.

Induction of fertile estrus without the use of steroid hormones in seasonally anestrous Suffolk ewes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of treatments based on GnRH, GnRH-PGF2α, and/or intense exposure to novel rams to induce fertile estrus without the use of steroid hormones in seasonally anestrous Suffolk ewes. METHODS: In the first experiment, ewes were treated with one injection of GnRH, two injections of GnRH administered 7 days apart, or a sequence of GnRH-PGF2α-GnRH. In the second experiment anestrous ewes were exposed, for 36 days starting on the day of weaning, to groups of four rams of three different breeds that were alternated every day. Besides exposure to the males, the ewes were injected with saline solution (ME group, n=20), with GnRH (ME-GnRH group, n=20) or with a sequence of GnRH-PGF2α-GnRH (ME-GPG group, n=20). The rams used for male-effect were fitted with aprons to prevent mating, and ewes detected in estrus were bred to selected fertile rams. Ovarian activity was monitored by progesterone determinations in both experiments. RESULTS: In the first experiment sustained induction of ovarian activity was not achieved and no ewe was detected in estrus. In the second experiment induction of sustained ovarian activity was achieved in all groups. Most of the ewes were detected in estrus, 76.7 % of the ewes were mated during a 36-d breeding period and 71.7 % of all the ewes became pregnant during that period. No significant differences between groups were found for any of these variables. However, estrus detection efficiency was higher in the ME-GnRH group than in the ME group (p&lt;0.05). CONCLUSION: An intense male-effect, that included the continuous presence and frequent alternation of several rams of different breeds, was sufficient to induce ovarian activity and fertile estrus in Suffolk ewes during the period of deep anestrus without the use of hormones, although addition of GnRH improved the efficiency of estrus detection.

Extensive management conditions do not modify the frequency of short ovulatory cycles in progesterone-treated does exposed to sexually active males.

Most goats exposed to males in confined conditions have short ovulatory cycles. The frequency of these cycles can be reduced with a progesterone treatment prior to the introduction of males. The objective of this study was to determine whether extensive management conditions modify the frequency of short ovulatory cycles in progesterone-treated does exposed to photostimulated males. One group of does remained in extensive management conditions and grazed daily from 10:00 to 18:00 h; two other groups were confined separately in shaded pens, and fed alfalfa hay. In March, females from the grazing group (n = 45; grazing-P4 group) and those from one confined group (n = 45; confined-P4 group) were treated with 25 mg of progesterone by intra-muscular injections 48 h before joining with photostimulated males (n = 3 per group). The other confined group did not receive the progesterone treatment and was exposed to two photostimulated males (n = 25; confined-control group). Does were exposed to males for 45 consecutive days. Determination of whether ovulations occurre were made by quantifying plasma progesterone concentrations after introduction of males. The proportion of does that had ovulations at least once was not different between groups (≥98%; P > 0.05). The proportion of does that had short ovulatory cycles differed between groups (P < 0.001), and this proportion was greater in the confined-control group (76%) than in confined-P4 (27%) and grazing-P4 groups (25%; P < 0.001). It is concluded that extensive management conditions do not modify the frequency of short ovulatory cycles in progesterone-treated does exposed to the photostimulated males.

The use of female estrogenized goats as sexual stimulator of crossbred dairy males subsequently exposed to acyclic goats during two phases of the anestrous season.

This research evaluated the possible influence of exposure of male goats to estrogenized female goats ("female effect") upon males' sexual behavior [appetitive (ASB) & consummatory (CSB)], as well as the induction of reproductive activity of crossbred dairy female goats exposed to such treated males ("male effect") during the early and deep anestrous periods. Crossbred dairy adult male goats (n = 12; 24-48 mo. old) and 80 anovulatory crossbred dairy adult female goats (34-50 mo. old) were used during two experimental periods: March to April and April to May. First, males were separated into four groups (n = 3 each), roughly homogeneous regarding body weight and body condition score and randomly assigned to four experimental groups. The first two groups included males + estrogenized females, then such males were exposed to anestrous females either during March (group 1: three males; 20 females; EFEM-MAR), or during April (group 2: three males; 20 females; EFEM-APR). The second two groups were respective control groups: Males + non-treated-anestrous females, and then such males exposed to acyclic females either during March (group 3: three males; 20 females; CONT-MAR) or April (group 4: three males; 20 females; CONT-APR). Once the male-to-female contact was established, both odor (ODT) and behavior (BEHT) tests (2 d × 2 h) were performed during both anestrous periods. On day 10 after introduction of the males, in both anestrous periods, one ultrasonography scanning ("US") was performed to quantify the presence, number and size of corpus luteum (US-CL) to determine the effectiveness of the "male effect" and indicators of ovarian activity. Then, on day 45 after introduction of the males, a second US was performed to evaluate pregnancy rate (US-PREG). The EFEM-males, regardless of the phase of the anestrous cycle, had an increased (P < 0.05) odor intensity with respect to the control groups. In addition, while an increased (P < 0.05) ASB occurred in the EFEM-males, no CSB differences (P > 0.05) arose when treatments were compared, neither in March-April nor in April-May. The EFEM-males exposed to acyclic goats in March-April (i.e. early anestrous period), promoted not only the largest estrus and ovulatory responses (P < 0.05), but also the largest pregnancy rate (P < 0.05) in these previously anestrus goats, suggesting that in April-May (i.e. profound anestrous), the presence of active males was not enough to completely suppress cyclic reproductive arrest. This study generates interesting out-of-season reproductive outcomes in a goat population with a large proportion of highly seasonal dairy breeds (i.e. Alpine, Saanen and Toggenburg), augmenting the possibility to expand milk production and the economic income of goat producers across the year. Besides, this practice may serve as an interesting reproductive tool to increase the sustainability of marginal goat production systems under semiarid conditions.

Subtropical goats ovulate in response to the male effect after a prolonged treatment of artificial long days to stimulate their milk yield.

The objectives of this study were to determine (i) if in subtropical goats that gave birth during mid-December, the exposition to an artificial long-day photoperiod consisting in only 14 hr of light per day can increase the milk yield and (ii) to test whether these females can respond to the male effect at the end of the prolonged photoperiodic treatment. In experiment 1, 17 lactating goats were maintained under natural short days (control group), while another 22 goats were maintained under artificial long days (treated group) consisting in 14 hr light and 10 hr darkness starting at day 10 of lactation. The continuous exposition to an artificial long-day photoperiod produced an increase in the milk yield level during the first 110 days of lactation (time × treatment interaction; p = .01), while none of the milk components were modified due to the photoperiodic treatment (p > .05). In experiment 2, all control and treated anovulatory goats were submitted to the male effect using photostimulated males. All females showed oestrous behaviour within the first 10 days that were in contact with males (100% in both groups; p > .05). Thus, the latency to onset of oestrus did not differ between females from control (58.2 ± 3.0 hr) and treated (62 ± 4.6 hr) groups. Male exposition provoked ovulation independently if females were previously under long days or natural photoperiod (96 vs 100%, respectively; p = .79). It was concluded that exposure to 14 hr of light per day in subtropical goats that gave birth in late autumn stimulates milk yield without preventing the ovulation in response to the male effect at the end of the prolonged photoperiodic treatment.

Are Perceived Prevalences of Infection also Biased and How? Lessons from Large Epidemics of Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Tropical Regions.

BACKGROUND: Although people are likely to underestimate the frequencies of risks to health from common diseases and overestimate those from rare diseases, we still do not know much about reasons for this systematic bias, which is also referred to as "primary bias" in the literature. In this study, we take advantage of a series of large epidemics of mosquito-borne diseases to examine the accuracy of judgments of risk frequencies. In this aim, we assessed the perceived v. observed prevalence of infection by Zika, chikungunya or dengue fever during these outbreaks, as well as their variations among different subpopulations and epidemiological settings. METHODS: We used data drawn from 4 telephone surveys, conducted between 2006 and 2016, among representative samples of the adult population in tropical regions (Reunion, Martinique, and French Guiana). The participants were asked to estimate the prevalence of these infections by using a natural frequency scale. RESULTS: The surveys showed that 1) most people greatly overestimated the prevalence of infection by arbovirus, 2) these risk overestimations fell considerably as the actual prevalence of these diseases increased, 3) the better-educated and male participants consistently yielded less inaccurate risk estimates across epidemics, and 4) these biases in the perception of prevalence of these infectious diseases are relatively well predicted by the probability weighting function developed in the field of behavioral decision making. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the primary bias, which has been found in laboratory experiments to characterize a variety of probabilistic judgments, equally affects perception of prevalence of acute infectious diseases in epidemic settings. They also indicate that numeracy may play a considerable role in people's ability to transform epidemiological observations from their social environment to more accurate risk estimates.

Reproductive outcomes of anestrous goats supplemented with spineless Opuntia megacantha Salm-Dyck protein-enriched cladodes and exposed to the male effect.

The possible influence of the "male effect" upon reproductive outcomes of adult anestrous goats under marginal rangeland conditions and supplemented with protein-enriched Opuntia megacantha Salm-Dyck was evaluated. Reproductive variables included: estrus percentage (EST, %), estrus latency (ESL, hours), ovulation percentage (OP, %), ovulation rate (OR, units), average largest follicle at ovulation (LFO, mm), largest corpus luteum (LCL, mm), embryo number (EBN, units), and embryo implantation percentage (EIP, %). During early May, anestrous mix-breed adult goats (Criollo x Alpine-Saanen-Nubian; n = 38, 26° N) were randomly distributed to (1) Control (CC; n = 12), (2), Non-enriched Opuntia (NEO; n = 14), and (3) Protein-enriched Opuntia (PEO; n = 12). Neither LW (P > 0.05) nor BCS (P > 0.05) or any of the evaluated ovarian variables differed (P > 0.05) among treatments; EST = 89.66%, ESL = 53.66 h, OP = 70.33%, OR = 1.07 units, LFO = 4.5 mm, LCL = 9.6 mm, EBN = 0.94 embryos, and EIP = 48.66%. Irrespective of nutritional supplementation regime, all goats denoted an increased response to the male effect just in the middle of the anestrous season and managed under marginal grazing conditions during the dry season (May to June; 26° N). The use of the male effect successfully invoked neurophysiological pathways to re-activate ovarian follicular and luteal pathways during the natural anestrous season in the female goat. Yet, such successful physiological scenario was not equally exerted to promote an increased embryo implantation rate; this issue claims further consideration. Therefore, it is essential to align not only the peri-conceptional but also the peri-implantation stages to the best suited environmental conditions in the rangeland, in order to increase both reproductive and economic efficiency while promoting sustainability in those rangeland-based marginal goat production systems.

Sexually active bucks counterbalance the seasonal negative feedback of estradiol on LH in ovariectomized goats.

We showed previously that the permanent presence of bucks rendered sexually active by photoperiodic treatments, thereafter called photostimulated bucks, prevents the occurrence of seasonal anovulation; also, the introduction of these sexually active bucks induces ovulations during seasonal anestrus. Here, we studied the response of ovariectomized goats bearing 12-mm subcutaneous implants filled or not with estradiol to sexually active males to determine (1) whether the permanent presence of such bucks prevents the decrease of LH despite the presence of a negative feedback by estradiol mimicking that of seasonal anestrus (experiment 1) and (2) whether the introduction of photostimulated bucks increases the plasma LH concentrations in spite of this negative feedback (experiment 2). In experiment 1, one group of goats remained in contact with sexually active bucks, whereas the other group remained in contact with control bucks. Plasma LH concentrations were high and did not differ with time or between groups of females from November to February (P > 0.05), when both types of bucks were sexually active. Afterward, in goats in contact with control and sexually inactive bucks, LH concentrations decreased from March (P ≤ 0.01) and remained low until May, whereas LH levels remained high from March to May in goats in contact with the photostimulated bucks (P > 0.05). In experiment 2, 2 groups of females bearing empty subcutaneous implants, and 2 groups of goats bearing subcutaneous implants filled with estradiol, were exposed to control or photostimulated bucks. Plasma LH concentrations did not increase in goats bearing empty implants, when exposed to control or photostimulated bucks (from 2.01 ± 0.26 to 1.98 ± 0.31 ng/mL, and from 2.45 ± 0.29 to 2.42 ± 0.21 ng/mL respectively; P > 0.05). In contrast, plasma LH concentrations increased from 0.97 ± 0.41 to 2.80 ± 0.62 ng/mL in goats exposed to the photostimulated bucks and bearing estradiol implants (P < 0.05). Thus, the permanent presence of sexually active bucks prevented the decrease of plasma LH concentration in OVX + E2 goats during the seasonal anestrus, and the introduction of the photostimulated bucks increased the plasma LH concentrations in OVX + E2 goats during the seasonal anestrus. Therefore, we conclude that in both cases, the photostimulated bucks are able to reduce or counterbalance the seasonal negative feedback of estradiol on LH secretion.

Sexually inexperienced anestrous goats are able to exhibit sexual behaviours exposed to sexually active bucks

The aim of this study was to determine whether sexually inexperienced females could display proceptivity and receptivity behaviours as the experienced, in the first exposure to males. Three groups of females (n=9 each) were used: i) sexually inexperienced, ii) with complete sexual experience, and iii) with limited sexual experience. Three male goats were subjected to photoperiodic treatment for 2.5 months of long days to stimulate their sexual activity during the natural sexual rest (March-April). During anestrous season, females were exposed to photo-stimulated males. Sexual behaviours were recorded during the first three days post-introduction of the males into female groups, in two daily periods of 20 min each. Sexually inexperienced females and those with complete sexual experience showed higher tail wagging than those with limited sexual experience (P<0.001). Sexually inexperienced females displayed higher female-female sniffing and emission of urine than those groups with complete and limited sexual experience (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). Females with limited sexual experience displayed higher female-female mounts than those groups inexperienced and with complete sexual experience (P<0.05). In addition, females with complete sexual experience displayed higher female-male sniffing than those groups inexperienced and with limited sexual experience (P<0.001). Receptivity behaviour did not differ between female groups (P>0.05). We concluded that sexually inexperienced anestrous females display proceptivity and receptivity behaviours as those sexually experienced exposed to photo-stimulated males.(AU)

Sexually inexperienced anestrous goats are able to exhibit sexual behaviours exposed to sexually active bucks

The aim of this study was to determine whether sexually inexperienced females could display proceptivity and receptivity behaviours as the experienced, in the first exposure to males. Three groups of females (n=9 each) were used: i) sexually inexperienced, ii) with complete sexual experience, and iii) with limited sexual experience. Three male goats were subjected to photoperiodic treatment for 2.5 months of long days to stimulate their sexual activity during the natural sexual rest (March-April). During anestrous season, females were exposed to photo-stimulated males. Sexual behaviours were recorded during the first three days post-introduction of the males into female groups, in two daily periods of 20 min each. Sexually inexperienced females and those with complete sexual experience showed higher tail wagging than those with limited sexual experience (P0.05). We concluded that sexually inexperienced anestrous females display proceptivity and receptivity behaviours as those sexually experienced exposed to photo-stimulated males.

Reproductive performance of postpartum ewes treated with insulin or progesterone hormones in association with ram effect.

The reproductive performance of postpartum Santa Inês (SI) and Morada Nova (MN) ewes treated with insulin or progesterone hormones in association with ram effect was evaluated. Ewes from SI (n = 69) and MN (n = 69) breeds were randomly allocated to three groups of each breed (T1-ram effect only; T2-ram effect + insulin; T3-ram effect + progesterone). Progesterone concentrations (ηg/ml; mean ± SD) before and after introduction of rams (n = 6) were 0.51 ± 0.22 and 3.78 ± 0.68 (T1), 0.65 ± 0.21 and 3.77 ± 0.78 (T2) and 0.52 ± 0.21 and 3.84 ± 0.84 (T3) in SI ewes and 0.74 ± 0.19 and 3.71 ± 0.56 (T1), 0.70 ± 0.21 and 3.79 ± 0.75 (T2) and 0.81 ± 0.14 and 3.87 ± 0.80 (T3) in MN ewes, respectively. Thus, lower progesterone concentrations were found before the introduction of rams (p < .05). After the introduction of rams, preovulatory peaks of LH (ηg/ml) occurred at 28 (T1), 44 (T2) and 48 (T3) hr in SI ewes and at 64 (T1), 40 (T2) and 44 (T3) hr in MN ewes. The mean number of ovulations was similar between groups (p > .05), was 1.3 ± 0.51 (T1), 1.5 ± 0.54 (T2) and 1.6 ± 0.51 (T3) in SI ewes and 1.3 ± 0.51 (T1), 1.6 ± 0.51 (T2) and 1.6 ± 0.51 (T3) in MN ewes. In conclusion, the ram effect alone is effective at inducing and synchronizing oestrus in sheep under postpartum anoestrus, irrespective of hormone treatments.

Fifteen minutes of daily contact with sexually active male induces ovulation but delays its timing in seasonally anestrous goats.

The present experiment was conducted to determine (1) whether the sexually active bucks are able to stimulate the ovulatory activity of seasonal anestrous goats when the daily contact is reduced to 15 min/day during 15 days and (2) the exact ovulatory activity in anestrous goats exposed to bucks for 2 hours or less per day during 15 days. One group of goats (n = 15) was isolated from bucks. The other six groups (n = 15 each) were exposed to sexually active bucks (n = 1 each) for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, or 24 hours during 15 days. Goats with plasma concentrations of progesterone greater than 0.5 ng/mL were considered to have ovulated. More than 93% of females exposed to bucks ovulated throughout the experiment regardless of the duration of contact with males, whereas none of them ovulated in the isolated group (P < 0.0001). The proportions of females that ovulated at least once did not differ among groups as well as the proportions of goats that displayed normal or short ovulatory cycles. The interval between the introduction of males and the first ovulation did not differ among groups of goats in contact with bucks for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours. However, in these groups, this ovulation occurred about 2 days later than in females in contact with males during 4 or 24 hours (6.3 vs. 4.4 days; P < 0.05). We conclude that 15 minutes of daily contact with sexually active buck is sufficient to stimulate the ovulatory activity in seasonally anestrous goats, but the first ovulation is delayed in goats exposed to males for 2 h/day or less during 15 days in comparison with those in contact with males for 4 or 24 h/day.

Appetitive and Consummatory Sexual Behaviors of Rams Treated with Exogenous Testosterone and Exposed to Anestrus Dorper Ewes: Efficacy of the Male Effect.

We determine whether Dorper rams treated with testosterone in the sexual resting season trigger both appetitive and consummatory sexual behaviors and sexual and reproductive outcomes in anestrous ewes at 26° North during March-April. Dorper rams (n = 12, 2.5 years) were randomly divided prior to mating in two groups: GT (treated group; n = 6), treated with testosterone propionate (25 mg i.m. every 3 days × 3 weeks) and GC (control group; n = 6), treated with saline. Thereafter, adult anovulatory Dorper ewes (n = 61) were exposed to the GT-rams while the other group (n = 60) was exposed to the GC-rams. Ram's appetitive sexual behavior was similar (50 %) in both groups, yet the GT-rams exerted 100 % of the consummatory sexual behavior. Sexual and reproductive outcomes of the anestrus females exposed to both male groups considered two phases: 0-15 and 16-25 days from exposure to males. Involved variables were: ewes in estrus, ewes ovulating, duration of estrus, pregnant ewes, and lambed ewes. All the average variables favored those ewes exposed to GT-males: ewes in estrus: 85 versus 40 %; ewes ovulating: 80 versus 53 %; duration of estrus: 37 versus 25 h; pregnant ewes: 60 versus 31 %, and lambed ewes: 57 versus 31 %. Results confirm that adult Dorper rams treated with exogenous testosterone had improved consummatory sexual behavior and induced increased ovulation and pregnancy rates when exposed to anestrus ewes. This feasible and inexpensive testosterone-based protocol through the male effect also enhanced both sexual and reproductive outcomes in previously anestrous Dorper ewes during the natural out-of-season. Results are important to speed up reproductive performance of sheep during the natural anestrous season at this latitude, while also they embrace interesting outcomes from a comparative sexual behavior stand point.