Effect of feed with Pittosporum undulatum in vivo on bovine progesterone levels and embryos produced in vitro

Abstract

Feeding ruminants with Pittosporum undulatum can adversely affect the immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how feeding with P. undulatum alters progesterone levels during the oestrus cycle, and fertilization and development of oocytes after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Heifers were fed a diet containing (n = 4) or not containing (n = 4) this plant. Peripheral blood samples were collected every 3 d and progesterone levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The heifers' ovaries were recovered after slaughter, and the oocytes were removed, maturated, in vitro fertilized, and cultured for 7 d, during which time their development was evaluated every 2 d. Results indicated that plasma concentrations of progesterone during the oestrus cycle were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the luteal and follicular phases of the animals fed without Pittosporum when compared with those fed with Pittosporum. Statistical differences (P < 0.05) in maturation, cleavage rate, and embryonic development were observed between oocytes belonging to the experimental and control group. Rates of maturation, fertilization, and embryo development in the experimental group were, respectively, 78.3 ± 5.8, 29.92 ± 4.31, and 7.30 ± 3.1 compared with 90.5 ± 3.0, 41.86 ± 5.58, and 21.88 ± 6.85 in the control group. These differences can be explained because compounds from this plant can directly or indirectly inactivate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which may diminish follicular development through the inhibition of prostaglandins synthesis and oocyte maturation and, consequently, reduce the ability of oocytes to be fertilized and developed.

Impacts of trace element supplementation on productive/reproductive postpartum performances of grazing dairy heifers from volcanic soils

“…After collection, blood was transported to the laboratory, centrifuged for 10 min at 1000 x G, and plasma and serum were stored in microtubes at -20 °C until analysis, according to Nunes et al (2016). The analytical procedures for determination of the concentration of progesterone and TE were performed by the Enzyme-Linked Fluorescent Assay technique and the TE by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, respectively.…”

Cells: Segway for Genetically Desired Cattle through Embryotic Development Sequencings and Genetic Mapping

“…Unfortunately, the Azores face two debilitating periods within the year where animal product is limited due to lack of grass growth. Cattle owners are forced to supplement their cattle with a native invader plant as an alternative feed, of which contains Pittosporum undulatum [4]. The compound Pittosporum undulatum can have a negative effect on an animal's immune, endocrine, and reproductive system, thus becoming a problem with cattle production even though it is a means of sustaining the current cattle population.…”

Alternative Forages as Roughage for Ruminant: Nutritional Characteristics and Digestibility of Six Exotic Plants in Azores Archipelago

“…These can interfere with digestibility [ 7 ]. In high concentrations, some secondary metabolites can produce toxic effects in different systems, such as endocrine, immunological, and reproductive [ 8 ]. However, the use of unconventional forages in ruminants’ feed can bring benefits to the animal because they have secondary metabolites capable of binding proteins in the rumen, making it escape ruminal degradation, and these metabolites can only be digested in the intestine, increasing the amount of protein absorbed by the animal [ 6 ].…”