Use of endometrial cytology and metabolic profiles for selection of embryo donor cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of endometrial cytology and metabolic profiles for selection of donor cows in embryo transfer programmes. For this purpose, 69 clinically healthy Holstein cows were enrolled in the study. At the start of the superovulation procedure (Day 0), blood and endometrial samples were obtained to determine metabolic and uterine status, respectively. The cows were then subjected to porcine follicle stimulating hormone (pFSH) superovulation treatment, and embryos were recovered after 7 days. The mean number of embryos obtained per flush was 9.89±8.21 (4.63±5.34 viable embryos, 0.82±2.01 degenerated embryos and 4.57±6.44 unfertilized ova). The following statistically significant variables were entered in a regression model: beta-hydroxybutyrate, serum cholesterol, body condition, number of calvings and percentage of neutrophils. In almost all cases, the model explained some percentage of the variance: total number of embryos, 4.8% (p<0.05); number of degenerate embryos, 4.2% (p=0.051); and number of unfertilized ova, 14.2% (p<0.01). Statistical models for the percentage of viable embryos and unfertilized ova accounted for 24.0% and 29.4% of the variance, respectively, and both were statistically significant (p<0.01). The model for the percentage of degenerated embryos was statistically significant (p<0.05) and explained 4.4% of the variance. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that positive energy balance and healthy uterus can improve ovarian response and the proportion of viable embryos in cows. Efficient tools for monitoring the metabolic and uterine status should therefore be used in bovine embryo transfer programmes.

Subclinical Endometritis in Dairy Cattle

“…Independently of the cause of inflammation, the inflammatory status of the endometrium may have a major impact on reproduction. A direct negative effect of SE on embryo quality and survival has already been described [39,40], which would affect conception rates. In addition, results from various studies suggest that SE may be associated to altered patterns of prostaglandin E 2 and F 2α synthesis [41,42] which could compromise luteal function and pregnancy.…”

Embryo transfer as an option to improve fertility in repeat breeder dairy cows

“…Several studies showed negative effects of SE on fertility after AI (4,5,8,34,54), and the same have been described on embryo quality in donor cows. Carvalho et al (12) and Fernandez-Sanchez et al (18) reported a significant reduction in the percentage of viable embryos in cows with high endometrial PMN at the onset of superovulation. Drillich et al (17) investigated PMN dynamics in the endometrium of donor cows from AI to the time of flush (day 7) and found a significant relationship between them and the flushing outcome.…”

Kadar Protein Serum pada Sapi Peranakan Ongole di Balai Embrio Ternak Cipelang Bogor

“…Globulin (haptoglobulin) dapat menjadi salah satu indikator status kesehatan, reproduksi, dan produktivitas sapi perah (Banos et al, 2013). Profil protein total dan albumin pada sapi dapat digunakan sebagai dasar seleksi sapi donor sebelum produksi embrio (Fernandez-Sanchez et al, 2014). Penelitian mengenai profil proteinogram sebelum produksi embrio pada sapi donor PO belum pernah dilakukan.…”