Source: KANSAS STATE UNIV submitted to
METHODS TO INCREASE REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY IN CATTLE
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0210368
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
KS1038
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
NC-1038
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2007
Project End Date
Oct 1, 2012
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Stevenson, J.
Recipient Organization
KANSAS STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MANHATTAN,KS 66506
Performing Department
ANIMAL SCIENCE & INDUSTRY
Non Technical Summary
Approach #1 is designed to further investigate the role of environment, management, and progesterone in the expression of estrus in dairy cattle. Approach #2 is focused on effective means of controlling and synchronizing ovulation in previously inseminated cattle of unknown pregnancy status in order to facilitate the use of timed inseminations of beef cattle in which detection of estrus is not feasible or desired.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
10%
Applied
90%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
30134101020100%
Knowledge Area
301 - Reproductive Performance of Animals;

Subject Of Investigation
3410 - Dairy cattle, live animal;

Field Of Science
1020 - Physiology;
Goals / Objectives
1. To elucidate mechanisms regulating reproductive efficiency in cattle. 2. To develop reliable, efficient, and economical breeding protocols for cattle.
Project Methods
Approach #1. To determine differences in estrus expression among heifers and lactating cows, pens of cows and heifers will be created and movement treatments will be applied depending on footing surfaces of treatment pens: 1) control pen of 12 heifers housed on dirt with a concrete feeding apron; 2) pen of 12 heifers housed on concrete; 3) pen of 12 heifers housed on concrete, but moved to dirt twice daily for 30 min to a dirt exercise lot, and 4) pen of 12 lactating dairy cows housed on concrete; and 5) pen of 12 lactating dairy cows housed on dirt, but moved to dirt twice daily for 30 min to a dirt exercise lot. Progesterone-releasing controlled internal drug release (CIDR) inserts will be placed intravaginally for 5 days at the time of PGF2a injection. All females will be fitted with radiotelemeteric heatmount detectors to monitor standing activity to be assessed upon CIDR insert removal. Blood will be collected at CIDR insert placement and daily for 10 days (including 5 days while inserts are in place and for 5 additional days after insert removal). Concentrations of progesterone and estradiol will be measured in blood samples. Movement of cattle to dirt exercise lots will occur starting on the day of CIDR insertion and will terminate after estrus is expressed or no later than 5 days after CIDR insert removal. Approach #2. To determine an effective means of resynchronizing estrus and ovulation in cattle of unknown pregnancy status after an initial timed AI protocol. To date in our studies, resynchronized pregnancy rates in previously inseminated beef cattle have averaged 34%. Nearly 40% of previously timed-AI, not pregnant cows have concentrations of progesterone < 1 ng/mL on d 27 and 8.7% on d 33 after timed AI. Pregnancy rates were < 5% in this group of nonpregnant cows, of which 50% were anestrous. Cattle will be inseminated at 62 to 64 h after CIDR insert removal associated with a CO-Synch + CIDR or at 72 h after PGF2a of the Ovsynch protocol. At 26-27 days after timed AI, inseminated cattle will be assigned randomly to either of the following treatments: 1) control; 2) injection of GnRH; 3) insertion of a CIDR for 7 days; and 4) injection of GnRH + CIDR insert for 7 days. At 33-34 days, PGF2a will be injected and cattle will be inseminated by appointment at 56 to 72 hr after PGF2a. Blood will be collected to assess concentrations of progesterone at the onset of treatment and 7 days later.

Progress 10/01/07 to 10/01/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: We concluded and reported four experiments directed to improve timed artificial insemination outcomes in lactating beef and dairy cows to meet the overall objective of developing breeding programs to maximize pregnancy rates. These results were disseminated at the American Dairy Science Association-American Society of Animal Science annual meeting and at field days held in Kansas. Written summaries appear in Kansas State University Research and Extension Research Reports of Progress. PARTICIPANTS: Regional project participants and collaborators (includes individuals from 4 other land-grant institutions [Michigan State University, Mississippi State University, South Dakota State University, and University of Florida] and private industry) collected data and served as either co-principal investigators or graduate student participants: J.E. Larson, G.C. Lamb, S.L. Pulley, H.I. Mellieon, Jr., N.M. Bello, KC Olson, J.J. Jaeger, R.M. Breiner, G.A. Perry, and R.J. Tempelman. Partner organizations include Select Sires, Merck Animal Health, AgriLabs, and Pfizer Animal Health for providing financial and in-kind support for conducting described experiments. TARGET AUDIENCES: Dairy producers, Cow-calf producers, Artificial insemination technicians, other scientists and extension specialists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No significant changes.

Impacts
Presynchronization of estrous cycles by administering prostaglandin F2alpha (PG) 3 days before gonadotropin- releasing hormone (PG-3-G) compared with 2 injections of PG 14 days apart (Presynch-10) tended to increase pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) during all seasons of the year in 4 dairy herds consisting of 3,285 dairy cows in which a timed AI protocol was initiated 10 days after the second (Presynch-10) or only presynchronization PG (PG-3-G) injection. Cows inseminated early at estrus during cooler parts of the year before the scheduled timed AI had reduced P/AI compared with PG-3-G. The PG-3-G treatment, however, produced more P/AI than Presynch-10 during summer, but not during cooler seasons. Treatment of 164 dairy cows 7 days post-AI with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) compared with 164 cows treated with saline induced new luteal structures in 70% of cows regardless of pregnancy or pretreatment luteal status, and increased progesterone concentrations as expected. Pregnancy per AI at first service, however, was not increased by hCG, particularly in hCG cows that had 1 pretreatment corpus luteum and did not respond to hCG. Regardless of treatment, 25% of cows that retained an original corpus luteum to day 28 were not pregnant at day 32. Retention of original corpus luteum indicated that pregnancy was initiated but failed, as verified by concentrations of progesterone and pregnancy-specific protein B. Suckled beef cows were assigned randomly to 2 treatments. The 798 mixed breed cows located in 10 pastures in Kansas and Florida included primiparous and multiparous cows. Cows in the presynchronization treatment (PG-3-G) received 25 mg of PG followed in 3 days by 100 ug of GnRH. One week after the GnRH treatment, all cows were started on the standard 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. Removal of the CIDR and the breeding PG injection was followed in 66 to 70 hours with timed AI and a second GnRH injection. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasound 35 days after AI. The PG-3-G cows did not have a greater pregnancy rate (49.0 vs. 45.1%) compared with controls. Cycling status did not influence pregnancy rate, however, cows having body condition scores &#8805;5.5 had improved pregnancy outcomes (50.9 vs. 43.3%). Cows that had calved at least 77 days before AI also had greater pregnancy rates (54.6 vs. 39.6%). Presynchronizing with PG and GnRH did not improve the pregnancy rate over a standard CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. Impact of the dairy cattle studies depends on adoption rate of the PG-3-G treatment as part of the standard Ovsynch timed AI. Surveys demonstrated, however, that more than 30% of dairy producers apply similar presynchronization protocols before timed first insemination. Further, more than 85% of large herds (> 500 cows per herd) in another survey applied these timed AI programs routinely to inseminate cows at first and repeat service.

Publications

  • Hill, S.L., Pulley, S.L. Mellieon, Jr., H.I., Olson, KC, Jaeger, J.J., Breiner, R.M., Perry, G.A., Lamb G.C., and J.S. Stevenson (2012) Presynchronizing PGF2alpha injection before a fixed timed artificial insemination CO-Synch + CIDR program. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3):322 (Abstr.).
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2012. Improved synch programs boost preg rates. Hoard Dairyman 157:759.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2012. What holds A.I. back these days. Hoard's Dairyman 157:659.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2012. Accurate semen placement definitely improves preg rates. Hoard's Dairyman 157:587.
  • Stevenson, J. S. 2012. What is the ideal waiting period Hoard's Dairyman 157:423.
  • Mellieon, Jr., H.I., Pulley, S.L., Lamb, G.C., Larson, J.E., and Stevenson, J.S. (2012) Evaluation of the 5- vs. a modified 7-day CIDR program in dairy heifers before artificial insemination. Theriogenology 78:1997-2006.
  • Bello, N.M., Stevenson, J.S., and Tempelman, R.J. (2012) Milk production and reproductive performance: Modern interdisciplinary insights into an enduring axiom. J. Dairy Sci. 95:5461-5475.
  • Stevenson, J.S., and Pulley, S.L. (2012) Characteristics and retention of luteal structures, extended post-insemination cycle, progesterone, and pregnancy-specific protein B in serum after human chorionic gonadotropin treatment of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95:4396-4409.
  • Stevenson, J.S., Pulley, S.L., and Mellieon, Jr., H.I. (2012) Prostaglandin F2α and gonadotropin-releasing hormone GnRH administration improve progesterone status, luteal number, and proportion of ovular and anovular dairy cows with corpora lutea before a timed AI program. J. Dairy Sci. 95:1831-1844.
  • Stevenson, J.S. and Pulley, S.L. (2012) Pregnancy per AI after presynchronizing estrous cycles with Presynch-10 or PG-3-G before Ovsynch-56 in four dairy herds. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 1):72-73 (Abstr.).
  • Stevenson, J. S. 2012. A.I. breeding 101. Hoard's Dairyman 157:336.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2012. We can effectively synch heifer ovulation. Hoard's Dairyman 157:254.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2012. Good health leads to ovulation. Hoard's Dairyman 157:162.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2012. Late ovulators can become difficult breeders. Hoard's Dairyman 157:90.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2012. Eleven truths about ovarian cysts. Hoard's Dairyman 157:21.
  • Stevenson, J.S. and Pulley, S.L. (2012) Pregnancy per artificial insemination after presynchronizing estrous cycles with the Presynch-10 protocol or prostaglandin F2α injection followed by gonadotropin-releasing hormone before Ovsynch-56 in 4 dairy herds of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95:6513-6522.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: We concluded and reported three experiments directed to improve timed artificial insemination outcomes in lactating beef and dairy cattle to meet the overall objective of developing breeding programs to maximize pregnancy rates. These results were disseminated at the American Dairy Science Association/American Society of Animal Science annual meeting and at field days held in Kansas. Written summaries appear in Kansas State University Research and Extension Research Reports of Progress. PARTICIPANTS: Regional project participants and collaborators (includes individuals from 10 other land-grant institutions): Colorado State University (J.K. Ahola, R.K. Peel); Ohio State University (M.L. Day, L.H. Cruppe); Kansas State University (KC Olson, J.R. Jaeger, L.D. Wallace, S.L. Pulley, J.W. Bolte, L.A. Pacheco, R.A. Breiner, H.I. Mellieon, Jr., D.M. Grieger, L.A. Pacheco, J.W. Bolte, J.A. Aubel, G.J. Eckerle, M.J. Macek); University of Minnesota (R.C. Chebel, G.A. Bridges, J.G.N. Moraes); Mississippi State University (J.E. Larson); Purdue University (P.J. Gunn); University of Florida (J.E.P. Santos, G.C. Lamb, G.H.L. Marquezini, F. S. Lima); University of Wisconsin (P.M. Fricke, A.E. Radunz, J.O. Giordano, G. Lopes Jr.), Texas A&M (T.R. Bilby, R. Bruno, K.J. Lager); University of Wyoming (C. Brauner, S.L. Lake); Virginia Tech (W.D. Whittier, J.C. Currin); Egypt (S.A. El-Zarkouny, M.M. Shaaban); and private industry (C. A. Breiner, A.R. Spell, J.A. Carter). These individuals collected data and served as either co-principal investigators or graduate student participants. Partner organizations include Select Sires, Inc., Intervet-Schering Plough Animal Health, AgriLabs, and Pfizer Animal Health for providing financial and in-kind support for conducting described experiments. TARGET AUDIENCES: Dairy producers, cow-calf producers, artificial insemination technicians, other scientists and extension specialists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No significant changes.

Impacts
(1) Administration of PGF2&#945; 3 days before GnRH (PG-3-G) compared with 2 injections of PGF2&#945; (PG) 14 days apart (Presynch-10) increased the proportion of cows having elevated progesterone and at least 1 corpus luteum (CL), and the number of CL per cow at the time cows were enrolled in a timed artificial insemination (AI) program 10 days after the second or only PGF2&#945; injection. Seven days later, PG-3-G cows had greater concentrations of progesterone and more CL per cow. In this preliminary study, resulting pregnancies per AI were only numerically greater at days 32 and 60 but PG-3-G compared with Presych-10 presynchronized key follicular and luteal traits in both ovular and anovular cows. (2) Suckled beef cows (n = 1537) at 9 locations in 4 states were inseminated artificially after a 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol (control). Half of the cows received a PG injection 3 days (PG treatment) before initiating the synchronization program. Consistent acceptable timed AI pregnancy rates >50% were achieved at all but one location in both treated and control cows. More multiparous cows in the PG treatment showed estrus after both PG injections indicating that more multiparous cows were cycling and responded to PG. Timed AI pregnancy rates at day 35 were 55.6% for the PG treatment and 52.2% for the control. Pregnancy rates at the end of the breeding season did not differ between treatments. If desired, an alternative breeding option with the PG treatment could include inseminating cows detected in estrus after the PG treatment and apply the timed AI option to all remaining cows. (3) Heifers (n = 545) from 3 locations (Florida, Kansas, and Mississippi) were assigned randomly to 2 treatments: 1) 25-mg PG injection and insertion of previously used autoclaved progesterone insert (CIDR) on day 7 followed by 100 ug of GnRH administered on day 5, and a 25-mg PG injection at CIDR insert removal (7D) on day 0; 2) 100 ug of GnRH and insertion of previously used autoclaved CIDR on day 5 and a 25-mg PG injection at CIDR insert removal (5D) on day 0. Artificial insemination occurred after detected estrus from days 0 to 3. Those heifers not detected in estrus were inseminated on day 3 (72 h after PGF2&#945;) and given a second 100-ug dose of GnRH (72 h after insert removal). Of those heifers in the 7D treatment having progesterone &#8805;1 ng/mL on day 7, the proportion having progesterone <1 ng/mL 2 days later (luteolysis) was greater (P < 0.05) than that in the 5D treatment (43.0 vs. 22.9%). A treatment x location interaction was detected for pregnancies per AI. The Kansas location had no detectable treatment differences. In contrast, the 7D treatment produced more (P < 0.05) pregnancies in the first replicate of the Florida location and at the Mississippi location. We concluded that the 5D protocol was not any more effective in producing acceptable luteolysis, pregnancy, and ovulation rates in comparison with the modified 7D protocol.

Publications

  • Stevenson, J.S. (2011) Why Bossy bawls. Hoard's Dairyman 156:251.
  • Stevenson, J.S. (2011) Heifers are still too old when they calve. Hoard's Dairyman 156:168.
  • Stevenson, J.S. (2011) Transition cows deserve better care. Hoard's Dairyman 156:98.
  • Stevenson, J.S. (2011) New technology improves heat detection rates. Hoard's Dairyman 156:28.
  • El-Zarkouny, S.A., Shaaban, M.M., and Stevenson, J.S. (2011) Blood metabolites and hormone-based programmed breeding treatment in anovular lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 94:6001-6010.
  • Stevenson, J.S. (2011) Alternative programs to presynchronize estrous cycles in dairy cattle before a timed artificial insemination program J. Dairy Sci. 94: 205-217.
  • Wallace, L.D., Breiner, C.A., Breiner, R.A., Spell, A.R., Carter, J.A., Lamb, G.C. and Stevenson, J.S. (2011) Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin at embryo transfer induced ovulation of a first wave dominant follicle, and increased progesterone and transfer pregnancy rates. Theriogenology 75:1506-1515.
  • Mundell, L.R., Jaeger, J.R., Stevenson, J.S., Grieger, D.M., Pacheco, L.A., Bolte, J.W., Aubel, J.A., Eckerle, G.J., Macek, M.J., and Olson, KC (2011) Effects of prepartum and postpartum bolus injections of trace minerals on performance of beef cows and calves grazing native range. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-Suppl. 2):211 (Abstr.).
  • Bilby, T.R., Bruno, R.G.S., Lager, K.H., Chebel, R.C., Moraes, J.G.N., Fricke, P.M., Lopes, G., Giordano, J.O., Santos, J.E.P., Lima, F.S., Stevenson, J.S., and Pulley, S.L. (2011) Effects of supplemental progesterone and timing of initiation of resynchronization on fertility in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 94(E-Suppl. 1):88 (Abstr.).
  • Pulley, S.L., Wallace, L.D., Mellieon, Jr., H.I., and Stevenson, J.S. (2011). Ovarian characteristics, serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations, and fertility in lactating dairy cows in response to equine chorionic gonadotropin. J. Dairy Sci. 94(E-Suppl. 1):347 (Abstr.).
  • Bridges, G.A., Cruppe, L.H., Currin, J.F., Day, M.L., Gunn, P.J., Jaeger, J.R., Lamb, G.C., Radunz, A.E., Repenning, P., Stevenson, J.S., Whittier, J.C., and Whittier, W.D. (2011) Determination of appropriate delivery of PGF2α in the 5-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol in lactating beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-Suppl. 1): 251 (Abstr.).
  • Marquezini, G.H.L., Mercadante, V.R.G., Stevenson, J.S., Perry, G.A., and Lamb, G.C. (2011) Effect of 72 h temporary calf removal and/or equine chorionic gonadotropin before timed AI on follicle development, concentrations of LH and estradiol, and ovulation rate in suckled beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-Suppl. 1): 251 (Abstr.).
  • Pulley, S.L. (2011) Ovarian characteristics, serum concentrations, and fertility in lactating dairy cows in response to equine chorionic gonadotropin. M.S. thesis, Kansas State University, 87 p.
  • Stevenson, J.S., Pulley, S.L., and Mellieon, Jr., H.I. (2011) Prostaglandin F2α and GnRH administration increase progesterone, luteal number, and proportion of dairy cows with corpora lutea before a timed AI program. J. Dairy Sci. 94(E-Suppl. 1):190 (Abstr.).
  • Mellieon, Jr., H.I. (2011) Evaluation of the 5-d vs. 7-d CO-synch + CIDR protocol in dairy heifers using timed AI. M.S. thesis, Kansas State University, 39 p.
  • Stevenson, J.S. (2011) Is fertility really declining Hoard's Dairyman 156:740.
  • Stevenson, J.S. (2011) The ins and outs of synch programs. Hoard's Dairyman 156:638.
  • Stevenson, J.S. (2011) Long estrous cycles present breeding challenges. Hoard's Dairyman 156:569.
  • Stevenson, J.S. (2011) Synch protocol sheets now available. Hoard's Dairyman 156:490.
  • Stevenson, J.S. (2011) No little things in A.I. breeding. Hoard's Dairyman 156:407.
  • Stevenson, J.S. (2011) To presynch or not to presynch. Hoard's Dairyman 156:332.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: We concluded and reported two experiments directed to improve timed artificial insemination outcomes in lactating beef and dairy cows to meet the overall objective of developing breeding programs to maximize pregnancy rates. These results were disseminated at the American Society of Animal Science annual meeting and at field days held in Kansas. Written summaries appear in Kansas State University Research Reports of Progress. PARTICIPANTS: Regional project participants and collaborators (includes individuals from 7 other land-grant institutions [University of Illinois, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Florida, University of Wisconsin, University of Arizona, and University of California.] and private industry) collected data and served as either co-principal investigators or graduate student participants: C. R. Dahlen, J. E. Larson, G. Marquezini, KC Olson, J. E. Larson, G. C. Lamb, R. C. Chebel, M. J. Al-Hassan, J.E.P. Santos, R. Garcia, R. L. Ax, F. Moreira, A.P. Phatak, S.L. Bird, P.M. Fricke, J.R. Lima, C.A. Martel, L. D. Wallace, S. L. Pulley, J. R. Jaeger, J. W. Bolte, S. K. Johnson, L. A. Pacheco, T. Loyd, C. A. Breiner, and R. A. Breiner. Partner organizations include Select Sires, Intervet-Schering Plough Animal Health, AgriLabs, and Pfizer Animal Health for providing financial and in-kind support for conducting described experiments. TARGET AUDIENCES: Dairy producers, Cow-calf producers, Artificial insemination technicians, other scientists and extension specialists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No significant changes.

Impacts
1) We hypothesized that administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to recipients at embryo transfer (ET) would increase transfer pregnancy rates. Purebred and crossbred Angus, Simmental, and Hereford recipients (n = 719) were assigned alternately to receive im 1,000 IU hCG or 1 mL saline (control) at ET. Fresh or frozen-thawed embryos were transferred to recipients having a palpable CL on d 5.5 to 8.5 (median = d 7) of the estrous cycle (two locations) or d 7 after timed ET (one location). Recipients received a body condition score (BCS) at ET. Pregnancy diagnoses occurred by transrectal ultrasonography 28 to 39 d (median = 35 d) and were reconfirmed 58 to 77 d (median = 67 d) post-estrus. More (P < 0.001) pregnant hCG-treated cows (69.0%) had multiple CL than pregnant controls (0%). Serum progesterone (ng/mL; n = 471) at both pregnancy diagnoses in pregnant cows was greater (P < 0.05) after hCG treatment than in controls (first: 8.1vs. 6.1; second: 8.8 vs. 6.6). Pregnancy rates at the first diagnosis were 61.8 and 53.9% for hCG and controls. At the second diagnosis, pregnancy rates were 59.0 and 51.4%, respectively. Treatment (P = 0.026), embryo type (P = 0.016), and BCS (P = 0.074) affected transfer pregnancy rates. Odds ratios indicated greater pregnancy rates occurred in recipients receiving hCG treatment, receiving a fresh embryo (66.3 vs. 55.5%), and having BCS >5 (62.3 vs. 55.3%). We concluded that hCG treatment at ET increased incidence of accessory CL, increased progesterone in pregnant recipients, and increased transfer pregnancy rates. Increased transfer pregnancy rates were interpreted to indicate that increased progesterone resulting from hCG-induced ovulation reduced early embryonic losses after transfer of embryos to recipients. 2) Our objective was to monitor timed AI pregnancy rate in beef cattle subjected to eCG treatment. Suckled beef cows (n = 513; pure- and crossbred Angus, Simmental, and Hereford) were enrolled in a 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol (100 mcg GnRH at CIDR insertion [d -7]; 25 mg prostaglandin (PGF) at CIDR removal [d 0]; and 100 mcg GnRH at AI 66 h after PGF [d 3]) at 3 locations. Cows were assigned randomly to be controls or receive eCG (200 IU im) at the time of PGF injection and CIDR insert removal. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography at median d 35 and 67 after AI. Progesterone did not differ on d 35 of pregnancy (6.0 and 6.4) or d 67 (6.6 and 6.4) for eCG and controls, respectively. Unadjusted pregnancy rate on d 35 was 42.9 vs. 49.8% for eCG vs. controls. Herd, cycling status, technician, and treatment influenced pregnancy rate. Cycling cows were 1.5 times more (P = 0.046; 95% CI = 1.01-2.27) likely to conceive than noncycling cows. Control cows were 1.5 times more (P = 0.036; CI = 1.03-2.13) likely to conceive than those treated with eCG. Cows in location 3 were 1.8 to 3.5 times more (P = 0.004; CI = 1.1-5.6) likely to conceive than cows at other locations. Pregnancy loss to d 67 did not differ between treatments (3.7 vs. 2.3% for eCG vs. controls), respectively. We conclude that eCG treatment did not increase pregnancy rate under these experimental conditions.

Publications

  • Wallace, L.D., Breiner, C.A. Breiner, R.A., Lamb, G.C., and Stevenson, J.S.( 2010) Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin to embryo transfer recipients increased ovulation, progesterone, and transfer pregnancy rates (abstract). J. Animal Sci. 88(E. Suppl. 2):397-398.
  • Pulley, S.L., Wallace, L.D.,Mellieon, H.I., and Stevenson, J.S. (2010) Ovarian characteristics, serum hormone concentrations, and fertility in lactating dairy cows in response to equine chorionic gonadotropin. Dairy Research Report of Progress 1039, Kansas State University.
  • Wallace, L. D. (2010) Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin to embryo transfer recipients increased ovulation, progesterone, and transfer pregnancy rates. M.S. thesis, Kansas State University, 57 p.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2010. Focus on critical bottlenecks when troubleshooting repro. Hoard's Dairyman 55:770.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2010. Sexed semen usage varies greatly. Hoard's Dairyman 55:672.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2010. Heifer timed A.I. may benefit average heat detectors. Hoard's Dairyman 55:606.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2010. It takes one sperm. Hoard's Dairyman 55:528.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2010. A.I. opened the door to reproductive science. Hoard's Dairyman 55:428.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2010. Multiple options to consider when breeding heifers. Hoard's Dairyman 55:354.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2010. What's the best timed A.I. program Hoard's Dairyman 55:276.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2010. Do bulls really differ in fertility Hoard's Dairyman 55:176.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2010. It all starts at calving time. Hoard's Dairyman 55:98.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2010. What makes great repro programs work Hoard's Dairyman 55:24.
  • Chebel, R.C., Al-Hassan, M.J., Fricke, P.M., Santos, J.E.P., Lima, J.R., Martel, C.A., Stevenson, J.S., Garcia, R., Ax, R.L., and Moreira, F. (2010) Supplementation of progesterone via CIDR inserts during ovulation synchronization protocols in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Science 93:922-931.
  • Dahlen, C.R., Bird, S.L., Martel, C.A., Olson, KC, Stevenson, J.S., and Lamb, G.C. (2010) Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin 7 days after fixed-time AI of suckled beef cows. J. Animal Science 88:2337-2345.
  • Stevenson, J.S., and Phatak, A.P. (2010) Rates of luteolysis and pregnancy in dairy cows after treatment with cloprostenol or dinoprost. Theriogenology 73:1127-1138.
  • Stevenson, J.S. (2010) Alternative protocols to presynchronize estrous cycles in dairy cattle before a timed AI program (abstract). J. Dairy Science 93(E. Suppl. 1.):218.
  • Wallace, L.D., Pulley, S.L. Pulley, Olson, KC, Jaeger, J.R. Bolte, J.W., Johnson, S.K., Pacheco, L.A., Loyd, T., Lamb, G.C., and Stevenson, J.S. (2010) Timed AI pregnancy rates in suckled beef cows in response to equine chorionic gonadotropin (abstract). J. Animal Sci. 88(E. Suppl. 2):392.


Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: We concluded and reported four experiments directed to improve timed artificial insemination outcomes in lactating beef and dairy cows. A fifth study was a meta analysis of published scientific literature reporting pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed bovine semen packaged in 0.25 vs. 0.50-mL French straws. PARTICIPANTS: Regional project participants and collaborators (includes individuals from 8 other land-grant institutions [University of Illinois, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Florida, University of Wisconsin, University of California, University of Arizona, and West Virginia University.] and private industry) collected data and served as either co-principal investigators or graduate student participants: D. E. Tenhouse, R. L. Krisher, C. R. Dahlen, P. M. Fricke, C. A. Martel, M. G. Burns, C. A. Dobbins, B. S. Buttrey, J. E. Larson, G. Marquezini, D. R. Eborn, KC Olson, J.E. Larson, K. N. Thielen, B. J. Funnell, D. J. Kesler, and G. C. Lamb, R. C. Chebel, M. J. Al-Hassan, P. M. Fricke, J. E. Santos, C. A. Martel, R. Garcia, R. L. Ax, and F. Moreira, S. M. Tiffany, J. J. Higgins, Y. Jung, M. D. Thomas, and E. K. Inskeep. Partner organizations include Select Sires, Intervet, Schering Plough, IVX, and Pfizer for providing financial and in-kind support for conducting described experiments. TARGET AUDIENCES: Dairy producers, Cow-calf producers, Artificial insemination technicians, other scientists and extension specialists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No significant changes.

Impacts
1) Lactating dairy cows (n=3338) not observed in estrus after presynchronization with prostaglandins are more likely to be anovular. Treatment of cows not observed in estrus and submitted to timed AI protocols with intravaginal controlled internal drug release (CIDR) inserts containing progesterone (n = 871) improved pregnancy rate per AI (PR/AI) compared with no progesterone (n = 815) regardless of cyclic status and herd. Improvements in fertility of cows treated with CIDR likely resulted from improved synchrony of ovulation in response to the timed AI protocol. 2) We hypothesized that replacing the first injection of GnRH with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a resynchronization procedure (GnRH injection 7 days before prostaglandin) administered to lactating dairy cattle of unknown pregnancy status would induce more follicles to ovulate and subsequently increase ovulation synchronization and fertility in nonpregnant cows receiving timed AI after prostaglandin. In 419 cows, 1000 IU of hCG resulted in more CL than after saline and incidence of new CL after either GnRH or hCG depended on pretreatment progesterone status. In 1109 cows, hCG tended to increase (3% more than control) pregnancy loss in pregnant cows, whereas PR/AI after initiating resynchronization with either hCG or GnRH produced ambiguous results in 1343 cows studied in 3 herds. 3) Ovulation was resynchronized with or without GnRH 7 days before pregnancy status was determined in 763 lactating dairy cows. Nonpregnant cows then received prostaglandin followed by timed AI. Administering the second GnRH injection at 56 h rather than 72 h after prostaglandin, with AI at 72 h, improved PR/AI. The first GnRH injection of the resynchronization program did not improve PR/AI when the nonpregnant diagnosis was determined before day 35, but after day 35, the first GnRH injection improved resulting fixed-timed PR/AI compared with saline. 4) Time of AI in CO-Synch + CIDR protocol in 605 suckled beef cows was studied. Cows were either inseminated by appointment at 48, 56, 64, or 72 h after CIDR insert removal and prostaglandin. Younger cows less than 3 years tended to have greater PR/AI when inseminated at 56 h, whereas older cows had similar PR/AI when inseminated at 56 h or later (timing of AI by age interaction). Pregnancy loss between days 32 and 63 was greatest when cows were inseminated at 48 and 72 h. Insemination times at or after 56 h improved PR/AI when using the CO-Synch + CIDR program. 5) Three statistical approaches determined whether pregnancy outcomes differed in cattle inseminated with bovine semen packaged in 0.25- vs. 0.5-mL French straws. Outcome of the 3 methods examining 15 studies produced similar results. Meta-analyses using either a fixed- or random-effect model produced odds ratios that indicated a 3 to 4% increase in probability that semen packaged in 0.25-mL straws would increase pregnancy outcomes over the 0.5-mL straw. The magnitude of actual percentage increase was < 1%, which considering some of the unfavorable handling aspects of the smaller-diameter straw, is not compelling evidence that transition from 0.50- to 0.25-mL straws is warranted.

Publications

  • Buttrey, B.S., Burns, M.G., and Stevenson, J.S. (2009) Ovulation and pregnancy outcomes in response to human chorionic gonadotropin before resynchronized ovulation in dairy cattle. Theriogenology doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.09.027.
  • Lamb, G.C. Dahlen, C.R., Larson, J.E., Marquezini, G., and Stevenson, J.S. (2009) Control of the estrous cycle to improve fertility for fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) in beef cattle: A review. J. Animal Science jas.2009-2349v1-20092349.
  • Stevenson, J.S., and Martel, C.A. (2009) Resynchronized ovulation in lactating dairy cattle of unknown pregnancy: Occurrence and timing of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Prof. Animal Scientist 25:605-609.
  • Dobbins, C.A., Eborn, D.E., Tenhouse, D.E., Breiner, R.M., Johnson, S.K., Marston, T.T., and Stevenson, J.S. (2009) Insemination timing affects pregnancy rates in beef cows treated with CO-Synch protocol including an intravaginal progesterone insert. Theriogenology 72:1009-1016.
  • Stevenson, J.S., Higgins, J.J., and Jung, Y. (2009) Pregnancy outcome after insemination of frozen-thawed bovine semen packaged in two straw sizes: A meta-analysis. J. Dairy Science 92:4432-4438.
  • Thomas, M.D., Olson, K.C., Stevenson, J.S., Jaeger, J.R., Bolte, J.W., Sproul, N.A., and D. A. Linden. (2009) Prepartum supplementation influences response to timed artificial insemination by suckled mature beef cows. Prof. Animal Scientist 25:41-48.
  • Larson, J. E., Thielen, K.N., Funnell, B.J., Stevenson, J.S., Kesler, D.J., and Lamb, G.C. (2009) Influence of a CIDR after fixed-time AI on pregnancy rates and returns to estrus of nonpregnant cows. J. Animal Science 87:914-921.
  • Dahlen, C.R., Bird, S.L., Martel, C.A., Olson, KC, Stevenson, J.S., and Lamb, G.C. (2009) Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 7 days after insemination of suckled beef cows. J. Animal Science 87(E-Suppl. 2):373 (Abstr.).
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2009. Ovsynch goes double. Hoard's Dairyman 154:728.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2009. A new, more effective Presynch Hoard's Dairyman 154:620.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2009. Bulls don't do it better. Hoard's Dairyman 154:568.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2009. Shorter dry periods may improve repro. Hoard's Dairyman 154:496.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2009. Boosting preg rates pays multiple dividends. Hoard's Dairyman 154:410.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2009. What's a pregnancy worth Hoard's Dairyman 154:334. Stevenson, J.S. 2009. More heifers and more thoughts on sexed semen. Hoard's Dairyman 154:272.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2009. Can you reduce your breeding costs Hoard's Dairyman 154:176.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2009. My A.I. program . . . if I were a dairyman. Hoard's Dairyman 154:99.
  • Stevenson, J.S. 2009. Do fats improve conception rates Hoard's Dairyman 154:24.
  • Chebel, R.C., Al-Hassan, M.J., Fricke, P.M., Santos, J.E.P., Lima, J.R., Martel, C.A., Stevenson, J.S., Garcia, R., Ax, R.L., and Moreira, F. (2009) Supplementation of progesterone via CIDR inserts during ovulation synchronization protocols in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Science (in press).


Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: We concluded and reported five experiments directed to improve timed artificial outcomes in dairy heifers and lactating beef and dairy cows. We concluded a sixth experiment to determine the potential of increasing pregnancy survival (embryo or fetal survival) in lactating dairy cattle by inducing ancillary luteal structures that could increase progesterone output by the pregnant dam and thus reduce pregnancy losses. PARTICIPANTS: Regional project participants and collaborators (includes individuals from 11 other land-grant institutions and private industry) collected data and served as either co-principal investigators or graduate student help: D. E. Tenhouse, R. L. Krisher, C. R. Dahlen, J. R. Pursley, N. M. Bello, P. M. Fricke, M. C. Wiltbank, D. J. Brusveen, M. Burkhart, R. S. Youngquist, H. A. Garverick, C. A. Martel, M. G. Burns, C. A. Dobbins, B. S. Buttrey, D. R. Eborn, KC Olson, J.E. Larson, K. N. Thielen, B. J. Funnell, D. J. Kesler, and G. C. Lamb, R. C. Chebel, M. J. Al-Hassan, P. M. Fricke, J. E. Santos, C. A. Martel, R. Garcia, R. L. Ax, and F. Moreira, S. M. Tiffany, and E. K. Inskeep. Partner organizations include Select Sires, Intervet, Schering Plough, IVX, and Pfizer for providing financial and in-kind support for conducting described experiments. TARGET AUDIENCES: Dairy producers, Artificial insemination technicians, other scientists and extension specialists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None Reported.

Impacts
1)Application of an intravaginal-placed progesterone insert to replacement Holstein heifers reduced variance of the interval to estrus after insert removal (or PGF2alpha injection in controls) by 1.6-fold compared with controls. Injection of GnRH at progesterone insertion successfully ovulated 25% of ovarian follicles in heifers at 5 stages of the estrous cycle. Results do not support the use of GnRH in a progesterone-based synchronization protocol. 2)We determined whether resynchronization of an ovulatory estrus could be accomplished in previously artificially inseminated nonpregnant suckle beef cows without compromising pregnancy in cows pregnant from a previous synchronized ovulation or to those inseminated at the resynchronized estrus. Placement of a progesterone insert 5d after a timed artificial insemination (AI) did not compromise or enhance pregnancy rates to timed AI, however, pregnancy rates were compromised in nonpregnant cows that were resynchronized with a CIDR from d 5 or 14 until 21d after timed AI. 3)Two experiments were conducted during 2yr to evaluate differences in ovulation potential and fertility in response to GnRH or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Ovulation incidence was not different between GnRH and any of the hCG doses, indicating that ovulatory capacity of at least 500 IU of hCG was equivalent to GnRH. Use of hCG in lieu of GnRH was contraindicated in a CO-Synch + progesterone insert protocol because of reduced pregnancy rates in cycling cows exposed to hCG at progesterone insertion. Compared with a breeding season having only 1 AI and longer exposure to cleanup bulls, total breeding season pregnancy rate was reduced by one third, subsequent calving distribution was altered, and 50% more AI-sired calves were obtained by applying 2 timed AI during the breeding season. 4)We determined if a single injection of either hCG or GnRH would increase ancillary formation of new luteal structures, increase serum concentrations of progesterone, and increase pregnancy survival in dairy females treated once between 26 and 71d of pregnancy. Treatment of dairy cattle with either GnRH or hCG failed to prevent pregnancy loss, but concentrations of progesterone were predictive of subsequent pregnancy loss. 5)We determined the accuracy of identifying noncycling lactating dairy cows before application of a timed AI protocol [with or without progesterone supplementation via a controlled internal drug-release insert and 2 different timings of AI] by using heatmount detectors and a single ovarian ultrasound examination. Heatmount detectors were activated on >60% of noncycling cows, whereas a single ultrasound examination incorrectly classified only 21% of noncycling cows. Conversely, cycling cows were correctly identified 70 to 78% of the time by heatmount detectors, but 85 to 92% were correctly identified by ultrasound. Identifying noncycling cows by ultrasound was more accurate than by heatmount detectors. Subsequent progesterone treatment of previously cycling cows not having a corpus luteum (CL) at the onset of Ovsynch increased the proportion of pregnant cows, equal to that of cows having a CL but not treated with progesterone.

Publications

  • Larson, J. E., Thielen, K.N., Funnell, B. J., Stevenson, J. S. Kesler, D. J., and Lamb, G. C. (2008) Influence of a CIDR after Fixed-time AI on Pregnancy Rates and Returns to Estrus of Nonpregnant Cows. J. Anim. Sci. epub.
  • Stevenson, J.S. (2008) Progesterone, Follicular, and Estrual Responses to Progesterone-Based Estrus and Ovulation Synchronization Protocols at Five Stages of the Estrous Cycle J. Dairy Sci. 91:4640-4650.
  • Burns, M. G., B. S. Buttrey, C. A. Dobbins, C. A. Martel, KC Olson, G. C. Lamb, and J. S. Stevenson. (2008). Evaluation of human chorionic gonadotropin as a replacement for gonadotropin-releasing hormone in ovulation-synchronization protocols before fixed timed artificial insemination in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 86:2539-2548.
  • Stevenson, J.S., Tiffany, S. M., and Inskeep, E. K. (2008) Maintenance of Pregnancy in Dairy Cattle after Treatment with Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone. J. Dairy Sci. 91:3092-3101.
  • Stevenson, J. S., Tenhouse, D.E., Krisher, R. L., Lamb, G. C., Larson, J. E., Dahlen, C. R., Pursley, J. R., Bello, N. M., Fricke, P. M., Wiltbank, M. C., Brusveen, D. J., Burkhart, M., Youngquist, R. S., and Garverick, H.A. (2008) Detection of Anovulation by Heatmount Detectors and Transrectal Ultrasonography Before Treatment with Progesterone in a Timed Insemination Protocol. J. Dairy Sci. 91:2901-2915.
  • Chebel, R.C., Al-Hassan, M. J. Fricke, P. M., Santos, J. E., Martel, C. A., Stevenson, J. S., Garcia, R. Ax, R. L., and Moreira, F. (2008) Supplementation of progesterone via CIDR inserts during ovulation synchronization protocols in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy. Sci. 91(E. Suppl. 1):257 (Abstr.).
  • Stevenson, J. S. (2008) Ovarian and fertility responses of Holstein heifers after GnRH, progesterone, PGF2 at five stages of the estrous cycle. J. Dairy. Sci. 91(E. Suppl. 1):581 (Abstr.).


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of exogenous progesterone in the form of an intravaginal insert (controlled internal drug release, CIDR) in conjunction with an ovulation-synchronization protocol in lactating dairy cows. Cows received a Presynch protocol (two injections of prostaglandin F2&#61537; [PGF2&#61537;] 14 days apart) beginning 30 and 36 days in milk, respectively, in two herds. Cows were inseminated after the second Presynch injection when estrus was detected. Remaining cows were treated with the Ovsynch protocol, and alternate cows were assigned randomly to receive a progesterone insert (CIDR). Blood was collected, and body condition scores (BCS) were assigned to treated cows. Pregnancy status was confirmed by palpation on day 38 post timed AI (TAI) and verified again 4 weeks later. This study is summarized previously in Dairy Research 2007 Report of Progress 984, Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. PARTICIPANTS: Stevenson, J. S., C. A. Martel PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Dairy producers, Artificial insemination technicians, other scientists, and extension specialists

Impacts
Progesterone treatment increased (P < 0.01) conception rates in cows (37.9%; 66/174) when compared with controls (24.5%; 39/159), but did not differ from early inseminated cows (36.1%; 56/155). Pregnancy loss was numerically less in progesterone-treated cows (6.1%; 4/66) than in controls (12.8%; 5/39). Concentrations of progesterone 11 days after timed AI (4.8 plus/minus 0.2 ng/mL; n =175) tended (P < 0.10) to be greater than those in controls (4.3 plus/minus 0.2 ng/mL; n = 159). Our study shows that increased conception rates can be achieved by using a progesterone insert in a reduced population of cows not yet inseminated. Further, thinner cows had poorer TAI conception rates, and cows in their first lactation were more fertile than older cows.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period