C.J. Wilcox

A study of prostaglandin F2α as the luteolysin in swine: II characterization and comparison of prostaglandin F, estrogens and progestin concentrations in utero-ovarian vein plasma of nonpregnant and pregnant gilts

Polyvinyl catheters were inserted into the right and left utero-ovarian veins (UOV) and saphenous vein (SV) and artery (SA) of six non-pregnant (O) and five pregnant (P) gilts on day 11 after onset estrus. Beginning on day 12, UOV blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals from 0800 to 1100 hr and 2000 to 2300 hr, and single samples were taken at 1200 and 2400 hrs. Peripheral blood (SA or SV) was sampled at 0800, 1200, 2000 and 2400 hr until gilts returned to estrus (X = 20.6 days) or day 24 of pregnancy. UOV plasma PGF concentrations (ng/ml; n = 1929) were measured by RIA. Status (P vs O) by day interactions were detected (P less than .01) but variances among treatments were heterogenous (P less than .01). Curvilinear day trends were detected for PGF in 0 gilts (P less than .01) but not P gilts. PGF peaks, defined as concentrations greater than two SD above the mean concentration for each gilt, occurred with greater frequency (chi2 = 16.4; P less than .01) in O than P gilts; and mean peak levels (X +/- SE) were 5.04 +/- .27 and 3.84 +/- .13 ng/ml, respectively. Progesterone concentrations were maintained in pregnant pigs and were indicative of luteal maintenance. Systematic differences in day trends of utero-ovarian venous plasma estradiol were detected between O and P pigs. These differences may be of paramount physiological importance and are discussed.

A study of prostaglandin F2α as the luteolysin in swine: III effects of estradiol valerate on prostaglandin F, progestins, estrone and estradiol concentrations in the utero-ovarian vein of nonpregnant gilts

Polyvinyl catheters were placed into the right and left utero-ovarian veins and saphenous vein and artery of three control (C) and four estradiol valerate (EV) treated gilts on Day 9 after onset of estrus. The EV treated gilts received 5mg EV/day on Days 11 through 15 after onset of estrus. On Days 12 through 17 utero-ovarian vein blood samples were collected at 15 min intervals from 0700 to 1000 hr and 1900 to 2200 hr and single samples were taken at 1100 and 2300 hr. Peripheral blood samples (saphenous vein or artery) were taken at 0700, 1100, 1900 and 2300 hr from Day 12 until the control gilts returned to estrus or until Day 25 for EV treated gilts and used to measure plasma steroid hormone concentrations. Utero-ovarian vein prostaglandin F (gf) concentrations (ng/ml, n-1,177) were measured by RIA. Status (control vs EV treated gilts) by day interactions were detected (P=.10). Curvilinear day trends were detected for plasma PGF concentrations in control (P less than .01) but not EV treated gilts. PGF concentrations (X +/- S.D.) for control and EV treated gilts were 1.20 +/- 2.08 and .26 +/- .84 ng/ml, respectively. PGF peaks (concentrations greater than X + 2 S.D.) occurred with greater frequency in control gilts (X2 =4.87; P less than .05). The interestrus interval (X +/- S.E.) for control and treated gilts was 19.0 +/- .6 and 146.5 +/- 74.8 days, respectively. Data indicate tht t estradiol valerate may exert its luteotrophic effect by preventing PGF release from the uterus.

Hormonal patterns during heat stress following PGF2α-tham salt induced luteal regression in heifers

Abstract Ten, normally cycling, Holstein heifers were assigned to one of two environmental treatment groups (21.3 C, 59% RH or 32.0 C, 67% RH). PGF2α was used to induce luteal regression and synchronize estrus in order to evaluate temperature effects on various hormonal and physiological responses during the proestrous through metestrous periods. Environmental temperature (32.0 C) evoked a 1.4 C increase in rectal temperature and a 3.6 C increase in skin temperatures. Length of estrus was shorter (P vs 21 hr.). Average plasma progestin concentration between treatments was not different (P>.10). Mean estradiol concentrations were significantly (P .10) were detected in mean concentrations of LH between heifers at 21.3 C and 32.0 C. Preovulatory peak LH concentrations were 32.2 and 33.2 ng/ml plasma, respectively. All animals had a preovulatory surge of LH, suggesting that hyperthermia did not alter factors which regulate hypothalamic control of LH release. Mean basal concentrations of prolactin and corticoids were not different between temperature treatments (P>.10). However, mean corticoid response following ACTH was of lower magnitude, earlier to peak, and of shorter duration in heat stressed heifers. Heat stress did not appear to affect the hormonal milieu in peripheral plasma associated with corpus luteum regression (decrease in progestin) and ovulation (LH surge). However, duration of estrus, concentrations of estradiol at proestrus and corticoid response to injection of ACTH were reduced.

Hormonal interelationships and physiological responses of lactating dairy cows to a shade management system in a subtropical environment

Lactating cows (n = 64) were assigned randomly to shade or no shade treatments for a continuous trial (20 wk) during summer of 1976. Respirations/min and rectal temperatures were higher for no shade cows. Dry matter forage intake was 9.7% higher for shade cows, whereas water intake was 19% greater for no shade cows. Milk yield and conception rates were higher for shade managed cows. Mean plasma corticoid concentrations were high throughout the entire estrous cycle in no shade compared to shade cows (13.04 > 8.72 ng/ml). No shade cows had higher progesterone and LH concentrations, and a lower estradiol to progesterone ratio during the cycle. Results indicated that endocrine changes were indicative of recurring estrous cycles in thermal stressed lactating dairy cows. However, alterations in water intake and thermoregulation of stressed cows were associated with decreased fertility and milk production, and changes in steroid concentrations that may reduce uterine blood flow.

A study of prostaglandin F2α as the luteolysin in swine: V comparison of prostaglandin F, progestins, estrone and estradiol in uterine flushings from pregnant and nonpregnant gilts

Uterine flushings were collected from 38 gilts representing Days 6,8,10,12,14,15,16 and 18 of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. The same group of gilts were represented within each of the respective days of the estrous cycle and pregnancy, i.e., three to six gilts per day per status. Uterine flushings (about 40ml) were assayed for prostaglandin F (PGF), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), progestins (P) and protein. Nonpregnant gilts had higher (P < .01) concentrations of P in uterine flushings than pregnant gilts, but pregnant gilts had higher (P < .01) E1 and E2 concentrations. Significant day by status interactions were detected for E1 (P < .05), but not for E2 concentrations in uterine flushings. Total recoverable PGF and PGF concentrations in uterine flushings were greater (P < .01) in pregnant than nonpregnant gilts and significant (P < .01) day by status interactions were detected. In nonpregnant gilts, PGF increased between Days 12 and 16, i.e., during the period of corpora lutea (CL) regression. In pregnant gilts, PGF in uterine flushings increased markedly between Days 10 and 18. Total recoverable PGF on Day 18 of the estrous cycle was only 464.5 +/- 37.6 ng as compared to 22,688.1 +/- 1772.4 ng on Day 18 of pregnancy. Total recoverable protein was also higher (P < .01) in pregnant gilts. These data indicate that PGF synthesis and secretion by the uterine endometrium and/or conceptuses is not inhibited during pregnancy and suggest that PGF is sequestered within the uterine lumen of pregnant gilts, as is the total protein component of endometrial secretions referred to as histotroph.

A study of prostaglandin F2α as the luteolysin in swine: IV an explanation for the luteotrophic effect of estradiol

This study evaluated effects of estradiol valerate on synthesis, secretion and direction of movement of immunoreactive prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) in swine. Gilts were randomly assigned to provide uterine flushings representing days 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 of the estrous cycle (three gilts/day). The same gilts then were allowed one estrous cycle for recovery. During the second postoperative estrous cycle they were treated with estradiol valerate (EV) (5mg/day, SC) on days 11 through 15 and uterine flushings again were obtained on the same respective days with the same gilts represented within each day. Total recoverable PGF per uterine horn increased from day 11 (X - 1.98 ng) to day 17 (X = 210.20 ng) and then declined to day 19 (X = 66.20 ng) during the control period. Following EV treatment average total recoverable PGF was the control period. Following EV treatment average total recoverable PGF was 1.9, 4,144.3 and 4,646.7 ng on the same respective days. EV treatment also resulted in maintenance of elevated levels of total protein and acid phosphatase activity in uterine flushings. These data suggest that estradiol may exert its luteotrophic effect by preventing the release of PGF from the uterine endometrium into the uterine venous system (endocrine secretion) while maintaining the movement of endometrial secretions into the uterine lumen (exocrine secretion).

Effect of season on follicular dynamics and plasma concentrations of estradiol-17β, progesterone and luteinizing hormone in lactating Holstein cows

Lactating Holstein cows (n=16), averaging 64.1 d in milk, were utilized over 4 replicate months (April, June, August and November) in a shade management system to examine the effects of season on follicular dynamics and plasma concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Cows were synchronized to estrus using a combination of Buserelin (GnRH, 8 ug) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α, 25 mg) given 7 d apart. Follicular development was monitored daily by ultrasonography, and plasma concentrations of E2, P4 and LH measured by radioimmunoassay. The replicate month had no detectable effects on estrus interval (3.1 ± 0.3 d) or percentage of cows (78.1 ± 9.4%) that expressed estrus following GnRH and PGF2α treatment. Preovulatory follicles grew at faster rates (P<0.01) in June (2.0 ± 0.6 mm/d), than in April (1.1 ± 0.6 mm/d), August (1.0 ± 0.6 mm/d) or November (1.2 ± 0.6 mm/d). First wave dominant follicles were consistently larger in April than in June, August and November. The larger and more persistent size of the first wave dominant follicle in April was associated with an earlier regression of the largest subordinate follicle and a sharper decrease in the number of medium size follicles (6 to 9 mm) by Day 9 of the estrous cycle. Conversely, growth of the first wave dominant follicle was slower and the largest subordinate follicle was more persistent in August than in April, June or November. The proestrous rise in plasma E2 occurred faster (P<0.01) in August (10.1 ± 2.1 pg/d) than in April (4.6 ± 2.1 pg/d), June (5.3 ± 2.1 pg/d) or November (5.9 ± 2.1 pg/d). Concentrations of P4 in plasma increased and reached higher (P<0.01) luteal values in August (15.1 ± 0.6 ng/ml) and November (16.0 ± 0.6 ng/ml) than in April (6.1 ± 0.6 ng/ml) and June (10.6 ± 0.6 ng/ml). There was no detectable effect of month on LH pulse characteristics 48 h post-PGF2α. The maximum size of the corpus luteum (CL) was greatest in November and was related positively to diameter of the ovulatory follicle of the preceding cycle. Results indicated that ovarian follicular development and dominance may be altered during summer months. However, it is uncertain whether these changes can be related to the well-documented low breeding efficiency during warmer months of the year in subtropical environments.

BREED AND OTHER EFFECTS ON REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS AND BREEDING SOUNDNESS CATEGORIZATION IN YOUNG BEEF BULLS IN FLORIDA

Yearling, grass-fed, beef bulls at the USDA Subtropical Agricultural Research Station, Brooksville, Florida, were assessed for physical and semen traits in January, April, July and October of 1991 (Trial 1) and 1992 (Trial 2). Bulls were given a breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) using revised semen and scrotal circumference (SC) criteria. In Trial 1, the bulls consisted of Angus (n = 15), Brahman (n = 14), Hereford (n = 15) and Senepol (n = 14). In Trial 2, the breeds were Angus (n = 15), Brahman (n = 16), Romosinuano (n = 13) and Nellore x Brahman (n = 9). Trial bulls generally showed delayed growth compared with grain-fed bulls in temperate environments. Breed influenced semen traits (percentage sperm motility, normal spermatozoa and those with primary abnormalities) in both trials. Temperate Bos taurus breeds (Angus, Hereford) were generally superior to Bos indicus breeds (Brahman, Nellore x Brahman). Tropically-adapted Bos taurus breeds (Senepol, Romosinuano) were intermediate for those traits tested. In general, tropically-adapted Bos taurus breeds were more similar in reproductive development to temperate Bos taurus than to Bos indicus breeds. Breed by test period interactions occurred and were mainly influenced by delayed sexual maturity of Bos indicus bulls. Qualitative semen traits increased with bull age, particularly from 12 to 18 mo. Scrotal circumference development was slower in the Bos indicus breeds. Bulls of satisfactory BSE status at 18.1 to 22 mo of age were 73.9% in Trial 1 and 58.5% in Trial 2. Brahman bulls had the least satisfactory BSE scores in both years (Trial 1, 44.4%; Trial 2, 22.2%). Most bulls failed to achieve satisfactory BSE status due to a small SC relative to age (Trial 1, 66%; Trial 2, 72%). The most efficacious use of the BSE was > or = 15 mo in Bos taurus bulls and > 18 mo for Bos indicus bulls. Although the BSE has proven to be useful for the assessment of young, pasture-raised bulls in semi-tropical environments, use of SC thresholds linked more with growth traits than with calendar age would improve comparisons of relative reproductive development in such bulls, particularly those of Bos indicus derivation.

Carbohydrate source and protein degradability alter lactation, ruminal, and blood measures.

Thirty-eight lactating dairy cows including 6 ruminally cannulated cows were used in a feeding study to assess effects of feed sources that differed in dietary nonfiber carbohydrate (NFC) composition and ruminal degradability of dietary protein (RDP) on production, ruminal, and plasma measures. The design was a partially balanced, incomplete Latin square with three 21-d periods and a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Samples and data were collected in the last 7 d of each period. Feed sources that differed in NFC profile were dry ground corn (GC; starch), dried citrus pulp (DCP; sugar and pectins), and sucrose+molasses (SM; sugar). Dietary RDP was altered by providing CP with soybean meal (+RDP) or substituting a heat-treated expeller soybean product for a portion of the soybean meal (-RDP). Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and similar in NFC concentration. Cows consuming GC had the greatest milk urea nitrogen and milk protein percentage and yield, tended to have the greatest dry matter intake, but had a lesser milk fat percentage compared with cows consuming DCP and SM. Sucrose+molasses diets supported greater dry matter intake, milk protein yield, and 3.5% fat- and protein-corrected milk yield than did DCP diets. On -RDP diets, milk protein percentage was less and milk urea nitrogen and protein yield tended to be less than for +RDP diets. Dry ground corn diverged from DCP and SM in the effect of NFC x RDP, with cows consuming GC having lesser milk yield, 3.5% fat- and protein-corrected milk yield, and efficiency with -RDP as compared with +RDP, whereas these production measures were greater with -RDP than +RDP for cows consuming DCP and SM. In contrast, in situ NDF digestibility at 30h for GC and SM was greater for -RDP as compared with +RDP, but the reverse was true for DCP. The lowest ruminal pH detected by 6h postfeeding was also influenced by the interaction of NFC x RDP, with cows consuming SM having a lower pH with +RDP than with -RDP and cows consuming DCP having a similar pH on either RDP treatment. Total rumen volatile fatty acid concentrations did not differ among diets, but acetate molar percent was greater for DCP than for SM, and GC had the lowest molar percent for butyrate and valerate and greatest branched-chain volatile fatty acid concentration. Valerate molar percent and NH(3) concentration tended to be greater with +RDP than with -RDP. Plasma glucose and insulin were both greater in cows receiving SM than in those receiving DCP. Protein degradability, NFC source, and their interactions affected lactation, ruminal, and blood measures, suggesting that these dietary factors warrant further consideration in diet formulation.

Estimates of repeatability and heritability of productive and reproductive traits in a herd of Jersey cattle

Estimates of the repeatability and heritability of 19 measures of performance in Jersey cows were obtained using an animal model with a relationship matrix and a derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood algorithm. The data consisted of 935 records for 374 cows by 69 sires over the period 1969-1987. The estimates were similar to those obtained by ordinary least squares methods reported for the same data set and in other studies, but had smaller error variances. A likelihood ratio test showed agreement between these heritability estimates and those in the literature. The heritability estimates of milk, fat, protein, lactose-mineral, solids-not-fat, and total solids yields were about 0.25; for the corresponding percentages, and for the protein to fat and solids-not-fat to fat ratios, the estimates were 0.50. Heritability estimates were 0.10 or less for the time from parturition to first breeding and for three measures of somatic cell counts. These estimates of heritability in a dairy cattle population in a subtropical environment were not different from those of populations in temperate climates.