The uterine diameter and ovarian activity influence the presence of estrus and pregnancy in beef heifers under a J–Synch protocol for fixed–time artificial insemination

• José Luis Espinoza–Villavicencio Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur. La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
• Alejandro Palacios–Espinosa Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur. La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
• Bernardo Murillo–Amador Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste S.C. La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
• Ricardo Ortega–Pérez Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur. La Paz, Baja California Sur, México

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52973/rcfcv-e34360

Keywords: Beef heifers, uterine development, cyclical activity, FTAI

Abstract

The study assessed how the diameter of uterine horns and cyclical activity in beef heifers influence their estrous behavior and gestation rates with fixed–time artificial insemination (FTAI). A total of 100 Bos taurus heifers (undefined crosses of Angus, Charolais, and Gelbvieh) weighing 300 ± 32 kg were evaluated for their body condition (scale 1 to 5), uterine horn diameter (1: less than 1 cm; 2: 1 to 1.5 cm; 3: greather than 1.5 cm), and cyclical activity at the start of the protocol. Cyclical activity was classified into cycling (C), superficial anestrus (AS), or deep anestrus (AP). The J–Synch protocol was used for ovulation synchronization, with estrous activity monitored through paint at the base of the tail. The results showed that 81% of the cyclin (C) heifers exhibited estrus within 72 hours of completing the protocol, significantly surpassing AS and AP heifers (P≤0.001). The presence of estrus in heifers with a larger uterine diameter was higher than in those with a smaller diameter (P≤0.001). Additionally, the intensity of estrus significantly influenced gestation rates 30 days post–FTAI (P≤0.003). Cyclical activity and the diameter of the uterine horns at the start of the treatment also affected pregnancy rates (P≤0.05). In conclusion the uterine horn diameter and initial cyclical activity in beef heifers impact their response to the J–Synch protocol and the post–FTAI pregnancy rates.

References

Fernandez–Novo A, Pérez–Garnelo SS, Villagrá A, Pérez–Villalobos N, Astiz S. The effect of stress on reproduction and reproductive technologies in beef cattle – A review. Anim. [Internet]. 2020; 10(11):2096. doi: https://doi.org/m366

Bitencourt MF, Cerdótes L, Restle J, Costa PT, Fernandes TA, Ferreira OGL, Silveira DD, Vaz RZ. Age and calving time affects production efficiency of beef cows and their calves. Na. Acad. Bras. Ciên. [Internet]. 2020; 92: e20181058. doi: https://doi.org/m367

Larson DM, Funston RN. Estrous synchronization increases early calving frequency, which enhances steer progeny value. Proc. 81st Annual Meeting of Western Section American Society Animal Science [Internet]; 16–18 Jun. 2009 [consultado 10 Nov. 2023]; Fort Collins (Colorado, EUA). 60:72–75. Disponible en: https://goo.su/tGmUic

Funston RN, Musgrave JA, Meyer TL, Larson DM. Effect of calving period on ADG, reproduction, and first calf characteristics of heifer progeny. Proc. 81st Annual Meeting of Western Section American Society Animal Science [Internet]; 21–23 Jun. 2011 [consultado 10 Nov. 2023]; Miles City (Montana, EUA): Western Section ASAS. 62:231–233. Disponible en: https://goo.su/UkvDSD

Kasimanickam RK, Kasimanickam VR, McCann ML. Difference in body weight at breeding affects reproductive performance in replacement beef heifers and carries consequences to next generation heifers. Anim. [Internet]. 2021; 11(10):2800. doi: https://doi.org/gmzm7q

Baruselli PS, Catussi BLC, Abreu LA, Silva LG, Elliff FM, Freitas BG. Implementação de serviço precoce em novilhas zebuínas. Rev. Bras. Reprod. Anim. [Internet] 2019 [consultado 10 Nov. 2023]; 43(2):308–314. Disponible en: https://goo.su/bz13D6

Ayres H, Ferreira RM, Torres–Junior JRS, Demétrio CGB, Lima CG, Baruselli PS. Validation of body condition score as a predictor of subcutaneous fat in Nelore (Bos indicus) cows. Livest. Sci. [Internet]. 2009; 123(2–3):175–179. doi: https://doi.org/cw4mmp

Minitab, LLC. Minitab [Internet]. 2020. Disponible en: http://www.minitab.com.

Callejas S, Uslenghi G, Catalano R, Larghi J, Cabodevila J. Comparación de dos protocolos para sincronizar ovulación e implementar inseminación artificial en vaquillonas. Rev. vet. [Internet]. 2014; 25(2):100–104. doi: https://doi.org/m37t

de la Mata JJ, Ré M, Bó GA. 8 Combination of oestrus detection and fixed–time artificial insemination in beef heifers following a shortened oestradiol–based protocol that provides for a lengthened proestrus. Reprod. Fertil. Develop. [Internet]. 2013; 27(1):96–97. doi: https://doi.org/m37v

de la Mata JJ, Bó GA. Sincronización de celos y ovulación utilizando protocolos con benzoato de estradiol y GnRH en períodos reducidos de inserción de un dispositivo con progesterona en vaquillonas para carne. Taurus. [Internet]. 2012 [consultado 10 Nov. 2023]; 14(55):17–23. Disponible en: https://goo.su/NOcsa

de la Mata JJ, Núñez–Olivera R, Cuadro F, Bosolasco D, de Brun V, Meikle A, Bó GA, Menchaca A. Effects of extending the length of pro–oestrus in an oestradiol – and progesterone–based oestrus synchronisation program on ovarian function, uterine environment and pregnancy establishment in beef heifers. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. [Internet]. 2018; 30(11):1541–1552. doi: https://doi.org/gffpr8

Menchaca A, Núñez–Olivera R, García–Pintos C, Cuadro F, Bosolasco D, Fabini F, Dutra S, de la Mata JJ, Bó G. Efecto de la prolongación del proestro en la fertilidad de los programas de IATF. En: 12° Simposio Internacional de Reproducción Animal [Internet]. Córdoba (Argentina): Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba; 30, 31 Ago.–01 Sep. 2017 [consultado 10 Nov. 2023]; p. 192–217. Disponible en: https://goo.su/IUYt

Liu JYH, Lin G, Fang M, Rudd JA. Localization of estrogen receptor ERα, ERβ and GPR30 on myenteric neurons of the gastrointestinal tract and their role in motility. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. [Internet]. 2019; 272:63–75. doi: https://doi.org/m4gz

Kouamo J. Current concepts for estrus synchronization in bovine. Rev. Mar. Sci. Agron. Vét. [Internet]. 2017 [consultado 2 Nov. 2023]; 5 (4):456–462. Disponible en: https://goo.su/Q5dN3Ek

Hanlon DW, Williamson NB, Wichtel JJ, Sttefert IJ, Craigie AL, Pfeiffer DU. The effect of estradiol benzoate administration on estrous response and synchronized pregnancy rate in dairy heifers after treatment with exogenous progesterone. Theriogenol. [Internet]. 1996; 45(4):775–785. doi: https://doi.org/dnms4j

Cedeño A, Tríbulo A, Tríbulo RJ, Andrada S, Mapletoft RJ, Bó GA. Effect of estrus expression or treatment with GnRH on pregnancies per embryo transfer and pregnancy losses in beef recipients synchronized with estradiol/progesterone–based protocols. Theriogenol. [Internet]. 2020; 157:378–387. doi: https://doi.org/m4g3

Martinez MF, Adams GP, Kastelic JP, Bergfelt DR, Mapletoft RJ. Induction of follicular wave emergence for estrus synchronization and artificial insemination in heifers. Theriogenol. [Internet]. 2000; 54(5):757–769. doi: https://doi.org/c94jp6

Peralta–Torres J, Aké–López J, Centurion–Castro F, Magana–Monforte J. Comparison of estradiol cypionate and estradiol benzoate effects on ovaric activity, estrus and ovulation on Bos indicus cows anestrus. J. Anim. Vet. Adv. [Internet]. 2010 [consultado 23 Nov. 2023]; 9(3):466–470. Disponible en: https://goo.su/MSbOr

Ferreira RM, Ayres H, Gimenes LU, Torres FP, Lima FA, Veras MB, Guida TG, Sala RV, Baruselli PS. Inducing ovulation with oestradiol cypionate allows flexibility in the timing of insemination and removes the need for gonadotrophin–releasing hormone in timed AI protocols for dairy cows. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. [Internet]. 2017; 29(3):468–475. doi: https://doi.org/f9tw3w

Bonacker RC, Stoecklein KS, Locke JWC, Ketchum JN, Knickmeyer ER, Spinka CM, Poock SE, Thomas JM. Treatment with prostaglandin F2α and an intravaginal progesterone insert promotes follicular maturity in advance of gonadotropin–releasing hormone among postpartum beef cows. Theriogenol. [Internet]. 2020; 157:350–359. doi: https://doi.org/m4g4

Allrich RD. Endocrine and neural control of estrus in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. [Internet]. 1994; 77:2738–2744. doi: https://doi.org/b9c8g8

Ajayi AF, Akhigbe RE. Staging of the estrous cycle and induction of estrus in experimental rodents: an update. Fertil. Res. Pract. [Internet]. 2020; 6(5):1–15. doi: https://doi.org/gkmwhd

Bridges GA, Day ML, Geary TW, Cruppe LH. Deficiencies in the uterine environment and failure to support embryonic development. J. Anim. Sci. [Internet]. 2013; 91(7):3002–3013. doi: https://doi.org/m4g5

Davoodi S, Cooke RF, Fernandes AC, Cappellozza BI, Vasconcelos JL, Cerri RL. Expression of estrus modifies the gene expression profile in reproductive tissues on day 19 of gestation in beef cows. Theriogenol. [Internet]. 2016; 85(4):645–655. doi: https://doi.org/f798rq

Richardson BN, Hill SL, Stevenson JS, Djira GD, Perry GA. Expression of estrus before fixed–time AI affects conception rates and factors that impact expression of estrus and the repeatability of expression of estrus in sequential breeding seasons. Anim. Reprod. Sci. [Internet]. 2016; 166:133–140. doi: https://doi.org/m4g6

Bó GA, Cedeño A, Tribulo A, Andrada S, Tribulo R, Barajas JL, Ortega J, Pellizari M, Mapletoft RJ. Influence of estrus expression and treatment with GnRH on pregnancy rates in beef cattle synchronized with progesterone devices and estradiol and inseminated at a fixed time. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. [Internet]. 2017; 29(1):111–111. doi: https://doi.org/f9s784

Sá–Filho MF, Santos JEP, Ferreira RM, Sales JNS, Baruselli PS. Importance of estrus on pregnancy per insemination in suckled Bos indicus cows submitted to estradiol/progesterone based timed insemination protocols. Theriogenol. [Internet]. 2011; 76(3):455–463. doi: https://doi.org/c498c5

Lamb GC, Stevenson JS, Kesler DJ, Garverick HA, Brown DR, Salfen BE. Inclusion of an intravaginal progesterone insert plus GnRH and prostaglandin F2α for ovulation control in postpartum suckled beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. [Internet]. 2001; 79(9):2253–2259. doi: https://doi.org/m4g7

Perry GA, Smith MF, Roberts AJ, MacNeil MD, Geary TW. Effect of ovulatory follicle size on pregnancy rates and fetal mortality in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. Suppl. [Internet]. 2004 [consultado 19 Oct, 2023]; 82(1):101. Disponible en: https://goo.su/vdvf6ZR

Perry GA, Smith MF, Lucy MC, Green JA, Parks TE, MacNeil MD, Roberts AJ, Geary TW. Relationship between follicle size at insemination and pregnancy success. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. [Internet]. 2005; 102(14):5268–5273. doi: https://doi.org/fxckb2

Perry GA, Smith MF, Roberts AJ, MacNeil MD, Geary TW. Relationship between size of the ovulatory follicle and pregnancy success in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. [Internet]. 2007; 85(3):684–689. doi: https://doi.org/fhbhzp

Sá–Filho MF, Crespilho AM, Santos JEP, Perry GA, Baruselli PS. Ovarian follicle diameter at timed insemination and estrous response influence likelihood of ovulation and pregnancy after estrous synchronization with progesterone or progestin–based protocols in suckled Bos indicus cows. Anim. Reprod. Sci. [Internet]. 2010; 120(1–4):23–30. doi: https://doi.org/cpxc86

Perry GA, Swanson OL, Larimore EL, Perry BL, Djira GD, Cushman RA. Relationship of follicle size and concentrations of estradiol among cows exhibiting or not exhibiting estrus during a fixed–time AI protocol. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. [Internet]. 2014; 48:15–20. doi: https://doi.org/f5699f

Baruselli PS, Marques MO, Carvalho NAT, Berber RCA, Valentim R, Carvalho–Filho, AF, Costa–Neto WP. Dinâmica folicular e taxa de prenhez em novilhas receptoras de embrião (Bos taurus indicus × Bos taurus taurus) tratadas com o protocolo “Ovsynch” para inovulação em tempo fixo. Braz. J. Vet. Res. Anim. Sci. [Internet]. 2003; 40(Suppl. 2):96–106. doi: https://doi.org/fkhbdz

Holm DE, Thompson PN, Irons PC. The value of reproductive tract scoring as a predictor of fertility and production outcomes in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. [Internet]. 2009; 87(6):1934–1940. doi: https://doi.org/csjgq6

Meneghetti M, Sá–Filho OG, Peres RFG, Lamb GC, Vasconcelos JLM. Fixed–time artificial insemination with estradiol and progesterone for Bos indicus cows I: basis for development of protocols. Theriogenol. 2009; 72(2):179–189. doi: https://doi.org/bw4nb8

Vasconcelos JLM, Silcox RW, Rosa GJM, Pursley JR, Wiltbank MC. Synchronization rate, size of the ovulatory follicle, and pregnancy rate after synchronization of ovulation beginning on different days of the estrous cycle in lactating dairy cows. Theriogenol. 1999; 52(6):1067–1078. doi: https://doi.org/fr7g44

Sá–Filho OG, Meneghetti M, Peres RFG, Lamb GC, Vasconcelos JLM. Fixed–time artificial insemination with estradiol and progesterone for Bos indicus cows II: strategies and factors affecting fertility. Theriogenol. [Internet]. 2009; 72(2):210–218. doi: https://doi.org/bm4jq3