Mohamed Elshabrawy Ghanem

Ovarian cyclicity and reproductive performance of holstein cows carrying the mutation of complex vertebral malformation in Japan.

This study was carried out on 71 lactating Holstein Friesian cows to investigate the resumption of ovarian cyclicity postpartum and the reproductive performance in cows carrying the mutation of complex vertebral malformation (CVM) compared with control ones. The cows were distributed in two dairy farms in Hiroshima Prefecture, Western Japan. Blood samples were collected from the cows to detect carrier cows with CVM mutation. Furthermore, plasma samples were collected weekly after calving from control cows (n = 10) and CVM carrier cows (n = 10), until 10 weeks postpartum to investigate the day of first ovulation and the resumption of ovarian cyclicity postpartum. The reproductive parameters were investigated and compared with control and CVM carrier cows. Thirty-six cows were diagnosed to be CVM carriers by DNA examination and confirmed later by DNA sequencing. The pedigree analysis of the carrier cows revealed that they were daughters of six types of CVM carrier semen that still was used in dairy farms in Western Japan. In terms of reproductive indices, there were no significant differences between the control and the CVM carrier cows on the day of the first ovulation postpartum and the interval from calving to first insemination. However, CVM carrier cows significantly required more inseminations per conception and showed a significantly longer period to conception and subsequent calving than control ones. In conclusion, the reproductive performance of the CVM carrier cows was lowered through conception failure that might indicate the occurrence of intra-uterine mortality in those cows.

Genetic Description of Factor XI Deficiency in Holstein Semen in Western Japan

Factor XI deficiency was detected in Holstein cows and mummified foetuses in Japan; however, no report is available about the occurrence of Factor XI deficiency in Holstein semen in Japan. Five hundred cows in twelve dairy farms in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan were under the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the cows using a commercial DNA kits and screened to Factor XI mutation. Based on the information of the carrier cows found in the cattle population, four Holstein bulls were analysed for Factor XI mutation. DNA was extracted from bulls semen using phenol chloroform method. Extracted genomic DNA of the bulls semen was typed for Factor XI using specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers. The resultant PCR was sequenced using big dye terminator sequencing method. The pedigree of the bulls was investigated. Furthermore, the inheritance of Factor XI mutation to next generation was estimated. Out of the 500 cows, five were heterozygous to Factor XI. Moreover, out of the four bulls, one was found to carry the mutation of Factor XI; it was also a complex vertebral malformation (CVM) carrier. In DNA sequencing, the insertion mutation of 76 bp of poly-adenine that characterizes the Factor XI deficiency was detected in the carrier bull as well as the carrier cows. Pedigree analysis of the carrier bull revealed that his father and mother ID were 2247419A and 14189172A, respectively, that originated from USA Holstein. Out of six daughter cows born to the carrier bull, one cow (16.6%) inherited Factor XI mutation, while three of them (50.0%) inherited CVM mutation. Autosomal recessive genes that affect cows reproduction have a particular concern to dairy industry. To our knowledge this is the first report of Factor XI mutation in Holstein semen in Japan.

Effect of total cholesterol, glucose and blood urea nitrogen on embryo quality in post-partum superovulated suckling Japanese Black cattle

AimThis study was conducted to examine the effect of blood metabolites on embryo quality in post-partum suckling Japanese Black cattle.MethodsBlood samples were taken from 23 cows 30 days before, at and 30 days after parturition. Cows were synchronized 40 or 41 days after calving (day 0) and divided into three groups: control (n = 6), gonadotropin-releasing hormone ([GnRH] n = 10) and estradiol benzoate ([EB] n = 7). All groups received a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device intravaginally together with 2 mg EB i.m. on day 0 and superovulation was induced in all groups from days 5–7 with a gradually decreasing dose of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Two milligrams of EB was given on day 8 and GnRH (0.1 mg) was given on day 9 of insertion of the CIDR in the EB and GnRH groups. Cows were inseminated twice after the onset of estrus and embryos were recovered 7–8 days after artificial insemination.ResultsThe number of corpus luteum detected by ultrasonography in the EB group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the GnRH group. The number and rate of transferable and freezable embryos did not differ significantly among the groups. Regardless of the treatments, the total cholesterol level from parturition until 30 days after parturition was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the good category than in the poor category of cows.ConclusionsThe number of transferable embryos produced by post-partum superovulated suckling Japanese Black cattle was affected by the level of total cholesterol from parturition until 30 days after parturition. Moreover, administration of EB in CIDR-treated cows increased the numbers of corpus luteum and yielded better rates of transferable and freezable embryos.

Effect of complex vertebral malformation on luteal function in Holstein cows during oestrous cycle and early pregnancy.

The reason why cows carrying the mutation of complex vertebral malformation (CVM) show poor reproductive capability although they carry only one mutant allele is still not fully understood. Monitoring the progesterone profiles during oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in carrier cows might help explain their lowered reproductive capability. Progesterone concentration was measured in 19 CVM carrier cows and 21 control cows during oestrous cycle and early pregnancy. Milk samples were collected from all cows starting on the day of artificial insemination until day 45 post-AI. Progesterone was measured in skim milk using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Progesterone concentration was significantly reduced on day 7 (p < 0.05) and day 9 (p < 0.01) post-insemination in conceived CVM carrier cows when compared with that in control conceived cows. The mean progesterone concentration during early pregnancy was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in conceived cows with CVM than that of control cows in the same period. However, the mean progesterone concentration did not differ significantly (p = 0.072) in CVM cows that showed fertilization failure or embryonic death than that of control cows. Additionally, of 13 conceived control cows, eight cows (61.5%) showed normal luteal function. In contrast, of nine conceived CVM cows, only four cows (44.4%) showed normal luteal function. The conception rate was 47.4% in CVM carrier cows and 61.9% in control cows, but this difference did not reach significance. In conclusion, progesterone concentration might be lowered during early pregnancy in conceived CVM cows compared with that in control cows.

Congenital Absence of a Teat in a Japanese Black Heifer

A case of Japanese Black heifer with a congenital absence of teat (athelia) was observed at Highashi-Hiroshima Agricultural High School, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The heifer was born after transfer of embryo from Japanese Black cattle. The sire of the heifer was a proven Japanese Black. The birth weight of the heifer was 27 kg. On physical examination of the heifer at 21 months after birth, the teat at fore left was absent and the remaining three teats were normal in shape without any physical abnormalities. Per rectal palpation of the genital organs revealed the normal cervix and uterine horns. It was difficult to palpate the ovaries due to the fat around the organs. Blood samples were taken for cytogenetic and DNA testing. The heifer had normal chromosomal set. The heifer was culled due to its mammary abnormality. This might be the first to report a case of congenital absence of a teat in Japanese Black heifers.