Progress 12/08/17 to 09/30/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this research has been broad. A main target audience has been the scientific community through our presentations at conferences and in peer reviewed publications. We have also targeted dairy industry stakeholders including producers, consultants, extension personnel, and pharmaceutical companies. These stakeholders have been reached directly through presentations, farm visits, and indirectly through publications in scientific Journals, conferences, training for veterinarians, and our interactions with many other multipliers of information (i.e., breeding companies, pharmaceutical companies). Graduate and undergraduate students in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, and Engineering programs have also been reached. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Graduate student training - through this research project six graduate students from Animal Science and Mechanical Engineering (4 PhD and 2 MS) have been trained in multiple aspects of biomedical device engineering and research with dairy cattle. Students were involved with design and testing of e-Synch prototype devices and research experiments evaluating the feasibility of intravaginal hormone delivery. Activities performed with cows included synchronization of ovulation, transrectal and transvaginal ultrasonography, blood sample collection, laboratory assays (RIA and ELISA), and use of statistical and dairy management software. Graduate students participated of and presented at scientific and industry oriented conferences, drafted manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and were trained on manuscript submission and handling for publication. Undergraduate students (n = 4), interns (n = 4), and postdoc (n = 1) training - these individuals have been involved with on-farm data collection, data processing, sample processing, and basic aspects of laboratory techniques. For example, students and interns were trained on blood sampling, transrectal ultrasonography, and use of dairy management software. These students and interns provided support to graduate students, technicians, and the PIs. They also participated of experiment planning and evaluation in weekly laboratory meetings. The PIs have directly worked with students and interns on their training. Research collaborations - this project is a collaboration between the research laboratories of Dr. Giordano in the Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Science and Professor David Erickson at the School of Engineering at Cornell University. Students from both research groups and the project directors work in collaboration on the design of the e-Synch device and evaluation of performance of the e-Synch device in the field. Both research groups have regular in person meetings to discuss progress and delineate future activities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from this research project have been published in peer reviewed journal publications, abstracts and presentations at the annual meeting of the Dairy Science Association, the Cornell Initiative for Digital Agriculture annual workshop, and the annual meeting of the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council. Other audiences have been reached through presentations, farm visits, and indirectly through our publications in scientific journals, scientific meetings, training for veterinarians, and working with the many other multipliers of information (i.e., AI companies, pharmaceutical companies, nutritionists, extension personnel, others). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Impact Statement We developed and tested a novel technology to improve fertility management of cattle. The e-Synch is an easy to use, electronically controlled fully automated hormone delivery and sensing device for enabling synchronization of estrus and ovulation for artificial insemination of cattle. Automated hormone delivery and sensing can drastically reduce the need for labor-demanding, costly, and cow-disruptive injectable treatments. Thus, the e-Synch has the potential to improve the profitability and sustainability of cattle operations through improved animal management and well-being, improved reproductive performance, and reduced farm labor needs and cost. Under Objective 1 Our aim was to develop a prototype of the E-synch device. Our team designed and tested in vitro and in vivo multiple prototypes and a first version of a controlling smartphone and computer application. In each iteration, we evaluated different shapes and sizes of the device carcass and holding mechanism, diverse mechanisms to control hormone delivery, different number, type, and shape of hormone reservoirs, different types of control board, different battery types and sizes, and types and location of sensors. The latest version of the protype device comprises an outer 3D-printed plastic housing, two silicone hormone reservoirs (~5 mL) connected to individual delivery pumps, a printed circuit board (PCB) powered by a rechargeable battery, and a retention mechanism. To ensure ease of insertion and minimize irritation of the vaginal mucosa, the device is coated with skin-safe silicone rubber. Using this last version of e-Synch, two devices were tested in vitro to evaluate precision and accuracy for delivering different target volumes of saline solution. For volumes in the 0.1 to 1.0 mL range, all observations fell within the limits of agreement, whereas one observation from one pump (-0.06 mL, or 3% of target dose) and one observation from another pump (0.03 mL, or 1.5% of target dose) fell outside the limits of agreement for the 2.0 mL dose. The overall difference between target and actual dose averaged -0.005 mL, which is less than a drop of water (0.05 mL) and indicated overall good agreement between target and released amount. We also evaluated fluid release in the long-term. e-Synch devices (n = 2) were programmed to release 1 dose (2 mL) of distilled water at 0, 12, 24, and 36 h. We observed accurate (< 5% average error) release of 2.0 mL of distilled water from each reservoir as programmed. In parallel, work was conducted to develop communication capacity with external controlling sources and sensing. We improved functionality of sensors for monitoring behavioral and physiological parameters (i.e., activity and temperature). Controlling software and application were developed and subsequently modified to accommodate programing to control delivery, sensing, and the user interface. Collectively, these work and results provided evidence that a functional prototype e-Synch device could be developed and programmed to accurately release reproductive hormones in a liquid from in a timely and precise manner. Releasing specific reproductive hormones in a timely manner and in the correct dose is critical for eliciting desired physiological responses in vivo. Under Objective 2 The aim was to test e-Synch prototypes on farm. Specifically, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of inducing complete luteal regression with prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) and luteinizing hormone (LH) release after Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) treatment. Luteal regression and LH release (induces ovulation) are critical events for synchronization of ovulation. In a series of proof-of-concept experiments, we evaluated the ability of prototype devices to release hormones or saline solution, the holding mechanism, and the ability of the device to communicate with the controlling device while in the cow. These preliminary experiments provided valuable insights for re-design and re-configuration of the device before experiments aimed at demonstrating the ability to cause physiological responses after administration of reproductive hormones with e-Synch. In experiment 1, we tested the hypothesis that it would be possible to induce corpus luteum regression after PGF delivery with e-Synch. Briefly, cows with ≥1 functional corpus luteum (CL) were randomly allocated to a positive control group (IM-PGF; n=6), a group that received an e-Synch device loaded with PGF (DEV-PGF; n = 6), and a placebo control group which received an empty e-Synch device (DEV-CTRL; n = 4). Cows in DEV-PGF received four doses of 25 mg of PGF 12 h apart. All devices remained in situ until removed at 48-h. Concentrations of Progesterone (P4) did not differ at time 0 but differed from 24 to 72 h as cows in IM-PGF and DEV-PGF had lesser P4 than cows in DEV-CTL. Conversely, P4 after treatment did not differ for the IM-PGF and DEV-PGF groups. None of the e-Synch-treated cows showed signs of distress or abnormalities in behavior, and no erosions of the vaginal mucosa were observed. Thus, we concluded that the e-Synch prototype can be programmed to automatically release PGF for induction of luteal regression in lactating dairy cows. In experiment 2, we tested the hypothesis that delivery of GnRH with e-Synch would cause LH release as evidenced by a surge of LH within 8 h of delivery. Lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to a positive control group that received 100 μg of GnRH by intramuscular injection (IM-GnRH; n = 6), a 100 μg of GnRH in 10% citric acid by intravaginal delivery with e-Synch (DEV-GnRH; n = 6), and a placebo control group which received an empty e-Synch device (DEV-CON; n = 5). Vaginal integrity and overall cow response to e-Synch were also evaluated. No detrimental effects of e-Synch on vaginal integrity and overall cow behavior were observed. Circulating concentrations of LH after treatment indicated a normal response after i.m. injection of GnRH whereas neither cows that received or did not receive GnRH with e-Synch had a detectable increase in circulating concentrations of LH. Thus, we concluded that administration of 100 μg of GnRH in 10% citric acid with e-Synch failed to elicit the desired LH response. Results form this experiment indicated that different doses or volumes of administration would be necessary to cause a surge of LH of normal magnitude. In experiment 3, we tested the effect on LH release of different doses and volumes of administration of GnRH with e-Synch. Lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned (n = 6/group) to a positive control group that received a 100 μg of GnRH i.m. or GnRH in a 10% citric acid solution in the following amounts and volumes: 100 μg in 2 mL, 100 μg in 10 mL, 1,000 μg in 2 mL, and 1,000 μg in 10 mL. Circulating concentrations of LH followed a typical LH surge pattern and were similar from 1 to 6 h after treatment for cows in the IM-GnRH and cows that received 1,000 μg of GnRH in 2 or 10 mL of solution. Conversely, the 100 μg dose of GnRH in 2 or 10 mL did not elicit a surge of LH from 1 to 6 h after treatment. Thus, we concluded that it is possible to induce a surge of LH of the same magnitude than after intramuscular injection or intravaginal delivery of GnRH with the e-Synch device. Nevertheless, the dose of GnRH required for successful induction of an LH surge after intravaginal delivery with e-Synch was greater than that required after intramuscular injection. Taken together, key findings from the experiments conducted under Objective 2 were that it is plausible to induce complete luteal regression and an LH surge of normal magnitude after intravaginal delivery of PGF and GnRH with the current prototype of the e-Synch device. Nevertheless, larger doses of PGF and GnRH were required to elicit the desired physiological responses.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Masello M., M. Scarbolo, M.V. Schneck, M.M. Perez, E.M. Schillkowsky, E.M. Sitko, F. Sosa Hernandez, E.M. Cabrera, R.M. Rossi, and J.O. Giordano. 2019. Efficacy of Intravaginal Administration of PGF2 alpha for induction of Luteal Regression in Lactating Dairy Cows. J. Dairy Sci. Volume 102, E-Supplement 1. (Abstract)
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Masello M., M. Scarbolo, M.V. Schneck, M.M. Perez, E.M. Schillkowsky, E.M. Sitko, F. Sosa Hernandez, E.M. Cabrera, R.M. Rossi, and J.O. Giordano*. 2020. Intravaginal instillation of prostaglandin F2 alpha was as effective as intramuscular injection for induction of luteal regression in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 103:27432755. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-17589
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Masello M, Scarbolo M, Schneck MV, Perez MM, Schillkowsky EM, Sitko EM, Hernandez FS, Cabrera EM, Rossi RM, Giordano JO. Intravaginal instillation of prostaglandin-F2alpha was as effective as intramuscular injection for induction of luteal regression in lactating dairy cows. Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association. June 26th, 2019. Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Magdalena Masello, Yue Ren, David Erickson, and Julio Giordano.
e-Synch: Automating Reproductive Management of Cattle. Cornell Initiative for Digital Agriculture Workshop. October, 24th 2019. Ithaca, New York, USA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Masello M., Scarbolo M., Schneck M.V., Perez MM, Schillkowsky E.M., Sitko E.M., Hernandez F.S., Cabrera E.M., Rossi R.M., Giordano J.O. Intravaginal instillation of prostaglandin-F2alpha was as effective as intramuscular injection for induction of luteal regression in lactating dairy cows. Poster presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council. November 13th, 2019. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
M. Masello, Y. Ren, D. Erickson, and J. O. Giordano. An automated controlled-release device for intravaginal hormone delivery. 2020. J. Dairy Sci. Comm. 1:15-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2020-18816
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Improving Reproductive Performance of Cattle through the Development of Novel Management Strategies and Technologies. Masello Souza, Magdalena. Cornell University, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2020. 27993848.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Masello M., Y. Ren, D. Erickson, and J. O. Giordano. 2020. An electronically-controlled intravaginal hormone delivery device successfully induced luteal regression in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. Volume 103. E-Supplement 1. (Abstract)
|
Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the outcomes of our research is broad. Initially it will be primarily the scientific community. Upon completion of experiments with a functional device under farm conditions, our target audience will expand to dairy industry stakeholders including producers, consultants, and extension personnel. We plan on reaching out to stakeholders directly through presentations, farm visits, and indirectly through our publications in scientific Journals, scientific meetings, training for veterinarians, and working with the many other multipliers of information (i.e., AI companies, pharmaceutical companies, nutritionists, extension personnel, others). Changes/Problems:We requested a no cost extension for this project because the COVID pandemic prevented our team from completing the project on time. Our team is working diligently on completing the research. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Graduate student training - through these research project four graduate students from Animal Science and Mechanical Engineering (3 PhD and 1 MS) have been trained in multiple aspects of biomedical device engineering and research with dairy cattle. Students have been involved with design and testing of the prototype devices and research experiments evaluating the feasibility of intravaginal hormone delivery. Activities performed with cows included synchronization of ovulation in cattle, transrectal and transvaginal ultrasonography, blood sample collection, laboratory assays (RIA and ELISA), and use of statistical and dairy management software. Undergraduate students (n = 2), interns (n = 2), and postdoc (n = 1) training - these individuals have been involved with on-farm data collection, data processing, sample processing, and basic aspects of laboratory techniques. For example, students and interns were trained on blood sampling, transrectal ultrasonography, and use of dairy management software. These students and interns provided support to graduate students, technicians, and the PI. They also participated of experiment planning and evaluation in weekly laboratory meetings. The PI has directly worked with students and interns on their training. Research collaborations - this project is a collaboration between the research laboratories of Dr. Giordano in the Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Science and Professor David Erickson at the School of Engineering at Cornell University. Students from both research groups and the project directors work in collaboration on the design of the e-Synch device and evaluation of performance of the e-Synch device in the field. Both research groups have regular in person meetings to discuss progress and delineate future activities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from the experiments conducted and the overall research project have been published in peer reviewed journal publications, abstracts and presentations at the annual meeting of the Dairy Science Association, the Cornell Initiative for Digital Agriculture annual workshop, and the annual meeting of the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we will complete the laboratory assay work needed to determine the response to intravaginal delivery of GnRH with e-Synch. Additional on-farm experiments will be conducted to evaluate the biological response of cows to intravaginal delivery of GnRH if we observe that the treatment regimens evaluated in our last experiment were ineffective. Once the feasibility of inducing sufficient LH release after automated delivery of GnRH is demonstrated, we will conduct experiments to determine ovulatory response to intravaginal delivery of GnRH (ultimate outcome of interest). Assuming that we will be successful at inducing ovulation, we will conduct additional experiments to evaluate the feasibility of synchronizing ovulation after fully automated release of GnRH and PGF2alpha as part of an Ovsynch protocol (i.e., timed artificial insemination protocol). We will also work on re-designing device features based on observations from the on-farm experiments. We will continue improving e-Synch to maximize retention rates while ensuring ease of insertion and removal. In addition, we will work on integrating sensors for monitoring behavioral and physiological parameters along with e-Synch communication with external controlling devices.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During this reporting period we made progress towards accomplishment of the specific objectives of the project, published a manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal, filed a provisional patent application, and continued working on training a number of students and other professionals. We secured funding to further the development and evaluation of e-Synch beyond the completion of this project. Our team was awarded a grant from the National Institute of Agriculture under the AFRI Foundational and Applied Science program for FY 2020. Under Specific Objective 1 we continued improving the e-Synch device. Communication with external controlling sources was evaluated under field conditions. We improved functionality of sensors for monitoring behavioral and physiological parameters. Controlling software and application were further developed to improve functionality. Under Specific Objective 2 we conducted an experiment to evaluate functionality of the latest e-Synch device, the effect of e-Synch on cow vaginal integrity, and luteinizing hormone (LH) release after intravaginal delivery of GnRH by e-Synch. In this experiment, lactating dairy cows from the Cornell University Ruminant Center received GnRH through intramuscular injection or intravaginal delivery by the e-Synch device. Blood samples were collected to determine circulating concentrations of LH for up to 8 h after treatment. Vaginal integrity and overall cow response to e-Synch were evaluated. Laboratory work focused on determination of circulating concentrations of LH by radioimmunoassay and ELISA. Preliminary evaluation of vaginal integrity and overall cow response to e-Synch suggest no major detrimental effects of e-Synch on cows. Once laboratory work is completed, results from this experiment will indicate if our approach was successful at inducing a surge of LH of similar magnitude than observed after intramuscular injection of GnRH. Additional experiments with different GnRH release regimens (i.e., different doses, absorption enhancers, frequency of release) will be tested if the LH response after intravaginal delivery with e-Synch is inferior as compared with intramuscular injection.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
An automated controlled-release device for intravaginal hormone delivery. 2020. M. Masello, Y. Ren, D. Erickson, and J. O. Giordano. J. Dairy Sci. Comm. 1:15-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2020-18816
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Improving Reproductive Performance of Cattle through the Development of Novel Management Strategies and Technologies. Masello Souza, Magdalena. Cornell University, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2020. 27993848.
|
Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the outcomes of our research is broad but initially it will be primarily the scientific community. Upon completion of experiments with a functional device under farm conditions, our target audience will expand to dairy industry stakeholders including producers, consultants, and extension personnel. We plan on reaching out to stakeholders directly through presentations, farm visits, and indirectly through our publications in scientific Journals, scientific meetings, training for veterinarians, and working with the many other multipliers of information (i.e., AI companies, pharmaceutical companies, nutritionists, extension personnel, others). Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Graduate student training - through these research project 4 graduate students from Animal Science and Mechanical Engineering (3 PhD and 1 MS) have been trained in multiple aspects of biomedical device engineering and research with dairy cattle. Students have been involved with design and testing of the prototype devices and research experiments evaluating the devices with cows and the feasibility of intravaginal hormone delivery. Activities performed with cows included synchronization of ovulation and estrus in cattle, transrectal and transvaginal ultrasonography, blood sample collection, laboratory assays (RIA and ELISA), and use of statistical and dairy management software. Undergraduate students (n = 4) and interns (n = 5) training - these individuals have been involved with on-farm data collection, data processing, sample processing, and basic aspects of laboratory techniques. For example, students and interns were trained on blood sampling, transrectal ultrasonography, and use of dairy management software. These students and interns provided support to graduate students, technicians, and the PI. When possible they also participated of experiment planning and evaluation in weekly laboratory meetings. The PI has directly worked with students and interns on their training. Research collaborations - this project in a collaboration between Dr. Giordano in the Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Science and Professor David Erickson at the School of Engineering at Cornell University. Students from both research groups and the project directors work in collaboration on the design of the e-Synch device and performance of the device in the field. Both research groups have regular in person meetings to discuss progress and delineate future activities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Preliminary results from the experiments conducted to evaluate e-Synch as a means to deliver PGF for induction luteal regression have been presented at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Dairy Science Association, at the 3rd Annual Cornell Initiative for Digital Agriculture Workshop (2019), and at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council. Results from our last experiment will be presented at 2020 Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, additional on-farm experiments will be conducted to evaluate the biological response of cows to intravaginal delivery of other reproductive hormones of interest. For instance, we will evaluate luteinizing hormone release and ovulation after intravaginal GnRH delivery with e-Synch. Once the feasibility of automated GnRH delivery for induction of ovulation is demonstrated, we will conduct larger experiments where we evaluate completion of synchronization after fully automated Ovsynch and Ovsynch-type protocols (i.e., timed artificial insemination protocols using PGF and GnRH hormones). As done previously, we will re-design device features as needed based on observations from the on-farm experiments. We will also continue to improve the design of e-Synch to maximize retention rates while ensuring ease of insertion and removal. In addition, we will work on the integration of seniors to monitor behavioral and physiological parameters and the communication of e-Synch with external controlling devices, including the optimization and validation of the controlling app.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During this reporting period, our group made significant progress to accomplish the objectives of this project. Under Specific Objective 1 we developed and tested different models of the e-Synch device. For each iteration, we worked on improving the shape and size of the 3D-printed device carcass, the retention mechanism, and the type and shape of the hormone reservoirs. We also worked on improving the device coating material and applicator size to ensure ease of insertion and avoid damage to the vaginal mucosa. In terms of device performance in vitro, we evaluated precision and accuracy of delivering different target volumes of saline solution. Preliminary in vitro observations suggest that e-Synch can be programmed to accurately deliver different target doses (range 0.1 to 2.0 mL) with less than 1% error. In addition, long-term (i.e., 2 days) in vitro testing showed that e-Synch is able to release target doses at specific time intervals (i.e., one dose every 12 h) with high precision. This is relevant because eliciting the desired physiological response in vivo (i.e., luteal regression after PGF and ovulation after GnRH treatment) not only requires accurate delivery of the target volume, but also precise timing of hormone release. Under Specific Objective 2 we evaluated the performance of each of the developed prototypes under field conditions (i.e., on farm with live cows). Briefly, multiple experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of the prototype devices to release hormones or saline solution and to assess device retention. These experiments provided valuable feedback for re-design and configuration of the device design. For instance, coating material, shape and format of the hormone reservoirs, retention type, and applicator size were all re-designed based on observations from these on-farm experiments. After multiple rounds of re-design of the device features, our latest prototype version includes a programmable board for automated and wireless delivery, an upgraded retention mechanism, skin safe coating material to alleviate any possible reactions of the vaginal mucosa, smaller device and applicator size, and optimized hormone reservoir for improved delivery. In a recent proof of concept experiment, we evaluated the feasibility of inducing corpus luteum regression in live cows using the latest version of the e-Synch device. Briefly, e-Synch devices were loaded with PGF and programmed to release one dose every 12 h (up to 4). Devices were then inserted into the vagina of lactating dairy cows (n = 6) and removed 48 h later. Results from this experiment showed no differences in progesterone profiles between cows treated with e-Synch devices and cows receiving the standard intramuscular treatment, with all cows undergoing complete luteal regression (i.e., circulating progesterone < 1 ng/mL). None of the e-Synch-treated cows showed signs of distress or abnormalities in behavior at any time during the study period, and no erosions of the vaginal mucosa were observed after device removal. Collectively, these results support the feasibility of automated intravaginal delivery of PGF with e-Synch to induce luteal regression in lactating dairy cattle. Results from this experiment will be presented at the 2020 Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Masello M, Scarbolo M, Schneck MV, Perez MM, Schillkowsky EM, Sitko EM, Hernandez FS, Cabrera EM, Rossi RM, Giordano JO. Intravaginal instillation of prostaglandin-F2alpha was as effective as intramuscular injection for induction of luteal regression in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2019 Dec 24. pii: S0022-0302(19)31133-6. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-17589.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Masello M, Scarbolo M, Schneck MV, Perez MM, Schillkowsky EM, Sitko EM, Hernandez FS, Cabrera EM, Rossi RM, Giordano JO. Intravaginal instillation of prostaglandin-F2alpha was as effective as intramuscular injection for induction of luteal regression in lactating dairy cows. Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association. June 26th, 2019. Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Magdalena Masello, Yue Ren, David Erickson, and Julio Giordano.
e-Synch: Automating Reproductive Management of Cattle. Cornell Initiative for Digital Agriculture Workshop. October, 24th 2019. Ithaca, New York, USA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Masello M, Scarbolo M, Schneck MV, Perez MM, Schillkowsky EM, Sitko EM, Hernandez FS, Cabrera EM, Rossi RM, Giordano JO. Intravaginal instillation of prostaglandin-F2alpha was as effective as intramuscular injection for induction of luteal regression in lactating dairy cows. Poster presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council. November 13th, 2019. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
|
Progress 12/08/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the outcomes of our research is broad but initially it will be primarily the scientific community. Upon completion of experiments with a functional device under farm conditions, our target audience will expand to dairy industry stakeholders including producers, consultants, and extension personnel. We plan on reaching out to stakeholders directly through presentations, farm visits, and indirectly through our publications in scientific Journals, scientific meetings, training for veterinarians, and working with the many other multipliers of information (i.e., AI companies, pharmaceutical companies, nutritionists, extension personnel, others). Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Graduate student training - through these research project 4 graduate students from Animal Science and Mechanical Engineering (3 PhD and 1 MS) have been trained in multiple aspects of biomedical device engineering and research with dairy cattle. Students have been involved with design and testing of the prototype devices and research experiments evaluating the devices with cows and the feasibility of intravaginal hormone delivery. Activities performed with cows included studies synchronization of ovulation and estrus in cattle, transrectal and transvaginal ultrasonography, blood sample collection, laboratory assays (RIA and ELISA), and use of statistical and dairy management software. Undergraduate students (n = 4) and interns (n = 5) training - these individuals have been involved with on-farm data collection, data processing, sample processing, and basic aspects of laboratory techniques. For example, students and interns were trained on blood sampling, transrectal ultrasonography, and use of dairy management software. These students and interns provided support to graduate students, technicians, and the PI. When possible they also participated of experiment planning and evaluation in weekly laboratory meetings. The PI has directly worked with students and interns on their training. Research collaborations - this project in a collaboration between Dr. Giordano in the Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Science and Professor David Erickson at the School of Engineering at Cornell University. Students from both research groups and the project directors work in collaboration on the design of the e-Synch device and performance of the device in the field. Both research groups have regular in person meetings to discuss progress and delineate future activities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from the experiments conducted to evaluate luteal regression in response to intravaginal delivery of PGF will be presented at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Dairy Science Association. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period we will continue improving the design of the e-Synch to optimize hormone delivery, retention, communication with external controlling devices, and an ergonomic design to maximize cow comfort during insertion. We will continue to test prototype devices under field conditions before larger experiments can be conducted to evaluate completion of synchronization of ovulation protocols with the final version of the device. Additional experiments will be conducted to evaluate the biological response of cows to intravaginal delivery of reproductive hormones of interest.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During this reporting period our group made significant progress to accomplish the objectives of this project. Under Specific Objective 1 we developed and tested four different models of the e-Synch device. We also developed the controlling smartphone application. For each iteration, we worked on different shapes and sizes of the device carcass and holding mechanism, diverse mechanisms to control hormone delivery, different number, type, and shape of hormone reservoirs, different types of control board, different type and size of batteries, and types and location of sensors in the device. The controlling app was developed and was subsequently modified to accommodate programing to control delivery, sensing, and the user interface. Under Specific Objective 2 we tested each of the prototypes created under field conditions (i.e., on farm with live cows). In multiple experiments we evaluated the ability of the prototype devices to release hormones or saline solution, the holding mechanism, and the ability of the device to communicate with an antenna and controlling device while inserted in the vagina of a cow. In an proof of concept experiment with our first prototype device (wired device), we demonstrated the feasibility of inducing luteal regression after delivery of two doses of PGF 12 h apart. These data were used as preliminary observations for a grant proposal submitted to the AFRI Foundational program from USDA-NIFA for fiscal year 2018. Additional experiments conducted with subsequent versions of the e-Synch device provided valuable feedback for re-design and configuration of the device. To provide additional supportive evidence of the feasibility of inducing the expected biological response after intravaginal treatment with reproductive hormones, we conducted an experiment to compare physiological and behavioral responses after intravaginal or intramuscular delivery of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF). Using lactating dairy cows as our model, we evaluated the proportion of cows with luteal regression based on circulating progesterone concentrations, the proportion of cows detected in estrus, and ovulatory response after estrus. Preliminary observations suggest no difference in luteal regression and progesterone profiles in response to intravaginal or intramuscular delivery of PGF. In addition, we did not observe differences between experimental groups for estrus expression, ovulation risk, and pregnancies per AI after insemination. Collectively, these results support the feasibility of intravaginal delivery of PGF to induce luteal regression in lactating dairy cattle. Results from this experiments will be presented at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Dairy Science Association.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
M. Masello*, M. Scarbolo, M.V. Schneck, M.M. Perez, E.M. Schillkowsky, E.M. Sitko, F. Sosa, Hernandez, E.M. Cabrera, R.M. Rossi, J.O. Giordano. Efficacy of Intravaginal Administration of PGF2alpha for induction of Luteal Regression in Lactating Dairy Cows. (Abstract) Journal of Dairy Science e-Supplement.
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