NC1006: Methods to Increase Reproductive Efficiency in Cattle (Rev. NC-113)

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[09/12/2002] [11/12/2003] [10/11/2004] [11/29/2005] [09/30/2006] [09/20/2007]

Date of Annual Report: 09/12/2002

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/25/2001 - 10/26/2001
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2000 - 09/01/2001

Participants

Hamernik, D., dhamernik@intranet.reeusda.gov, US Dept. of Agriculture, Washington DC;
Ravlin, F.W., ravlin.1@osu.edu, Ohio State University, Wooster, OH;
Anderson, L.L., llanders@iastate.edu, Iowa State University, Ames, IA;
Garverick, H.A., GarverickA@missouri.edu, University of Missouri, Colombia, MO;
Kesler, D.J., d-kesler@ux6.cso.uiuc.edu, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL;
Krisher, R.L., rkrisher@purdue.edu, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN;
Lamb, G.C., clamb@umn.edu, University of Minnesota, Grand Rapids, MN;
Ottobre, J.S., ottobre.2@osu.edu, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH;
Pursley, J.R., pursleyr@pilot.msu.edu, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI;
Stevenson, J.S., jstevens@oz.oznet.ksu.edu, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS;
Wiltbank, M.C., wiltbank@calshp.cals.wisc.edu, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

NC-113 Joint Project 1: Improved fertility in anovulatory lactating dairy cows treated with exogenous progesterone during Ovsynch (MI, WI, MO, IL, OH, KS). The NC-113 technical committee is in the fourth year of their 5-year project, and has spent the last 12 months completing the objectives of that project. In addition, the committee has recently submitted a proposal for an additional 5-year project. Pending the acceptance of that project, our plans are continue collaborative multi-station research to target the identification and treatment of anovulatory lactating dairy cows and test the efficacy of the CIDR in enhancing pregnancy rates to a synchronized breeding and synchronizing the return estrus for non-pregnant suckled beef cows. Basic studies investigating regulation of these functions also will be conducted. Our objective was to determine whether providing supplemental progesterone (P4) before induced luteolysis would enhance fertility in lactating dairy cows. Supplemental P4 was tested in the form of an intravaginal progesterone insert (CIDR) administered at the first injection of GnRH of the Ovsynch protocol. Recall that the Ovsynch protocol begins with an injection of GnRH to synchronize the onset of follicular development. In this experiment, the CIDR was inserted at this time in half of the cows. Seven days later, the CIDR was removed, and an injection of PGF was given 2 hr later to induce luteal regression. Another injection of GnRH was given 48 hr after PGF. This injection helps to synchronize timing of ovulation. The second GnRH injection was followed in 12 to 18 hr by timed AI (TAI). Lactating dairy cows (n=634) from six Midwest herds were assigned randomly within parity and stage of lactation to receive Ovsynch or Ovsynch + CIDR at a random stage of an estrous cycle. Blood was sampled to quantify P4 10 days before first GnRH, at first GnRH, at removal of CIDR, at PGF, and 48 hr post-PGF to determine cycling status at time of first GnRH, status at time of PGF (high or low P4), and CL regression. Synchronization rate was defined as the percentage of cows with: 1) serum P4 <1 ng/ml 48 hr after PGF and 2) a follicle >9 mm that disappeared within 48 hr after the second GnRH. Size of ovulatory follicle at time of second GnRH and its disappearance 48 hr later, and pregnancy diagnosis at 28 and 56 days following TAI, were determined by ultrasound. A location W treatment interaction (P=0.019) occurred for pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates per TAI (%), percentage cycling, and average days in milk (DIM) are illustrated in the table below for each location. Noncycling cows (n=182) that received Ovsynch + CIDR had greater (P<0.05) pregnancy rates (55.2%) than noncycling cows that received Ovsynch (34.7%) on day 28 after TAI. Pregnancy loss between 28 and 56 days after TAI was not different between Ovsynch and Ovsynch + CIDR regardless of cycling status. Synchronization rate was similar after the Ovsynch (83.1%) and Ovsynch + CIDR (82.3%) protocols. In summary, a CIDR inserted during the Ovsynch protocol enhanced fertility in non-cycling cows. NC113 Joint Project 2: Inclusion of an intravaginal progesterone insert plus GnRH and prostaglandin F2α for ovulation control in postpartum suckled beef cows (MN, KS, IL, MO). Four experiment stations conducted experiments to determine effects of introducing a CIDR insert into an ovulation control program for postpartum suckled beef cows. Cows (n=560) were assigned randomly to two treatments: 1) 100 g of GnRH (i.m.) followed in 7 days with 25 mg of PGF2α, followed in 48 hr by a second injection of GnRH and one fixed-time insemination (Cosynch; n = 287) or 2) Cosynch plus one CIDR during the 7 days between the first injection of GnRH and PGF2 (Cosynch+P; n = 273). Cows at three stations were inseminated at the time of the second GnRH injection (n = 462), whereas 98 cows at the fourth station were inseminated 16 to 18 hr after that injection. Blood samples were collected at days 17, 7, 0, and 2 relative to PG F2 to determine concentrations of progesterone. Ultrasonography was used to monitor follicle diameter on day 2 and to determine the presence of an embryo at 30 to 35 days after insemination. Pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.05) for Cosynch+P (58%) than for Cosynch-treated (48%) cows. No station W treatment interaction occurred; however, cows at MO (62%) and KS (60%) had greater (P < 0.05) pregnancy rates than those at IL (47%) and MN (44%). Cows that had follicles >12 mm on day 2 had greater (P < 0.01) pregnancy rates than those with follicles less than or equal to 12 mm regardless of treatment. Pregnancy rates were similar between Cosynch and Cosynch+P treatments when cycling cows had elevated concentrations of progesterone at day 0, but pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.05) in the Cosynch+P (79%) than in the Cosynch (43%) treatment when cycling cows had low concentrations of progesterone on day 0 (at PGF2 injection). Similarly, among noncycling cows, pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.05) in the Cosynch+P (59%) treatment than in the Cosynch (39%) treatment. Cows in greater body condition at the onset of the breeding season experienced improved (P < 0.001) overall pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates for cows that calved >50 days before the onset of the breeding season were greater (P < 0.01) than those for cows that calved <50 days. Thus, treatment of suckled cows with Cosynch yielded acceptable pregnancy rates, but addition of a CIDR improved pregnancy rates in noncycling cows. Body condition and days postpartum at initiation of the breeding season affected overall efficacy of the Cosynch and Cosynch+P protocols. To achieve optimal pregnancy rates with either the Cosynch or Cosynch plus progesterone protocols, cows should be in good body condition (body condition score >5) and treatments should be initiated only when cows are at least 50 days postpartum. Adding a progesterone insert at the time of the GnRH injection improves fertility, especially in cows not cycling at the onset of the breeding season. Further refinement and success of these treatments should increase the convenience and appeal of applying artificial insemination to suckled beef cows. During the past 5 years, our group has conducted and completed two cooperative experiments. The first experiment involved testing the efficacy of adding progesterone (via a progesterone-releasing intravaginal insert; CIDR-B; InterAg, Hamilton, NZ) to the Ovsynch protocol in lactating dairy cows. This experiment was replicated at seven (IL, KS, IN, OH, MI, MO, and WI) of the nine experiment stations involved in NC-113 (Pursley et al., 2001). Addition of the CIDR to the Ovsynch protocol increased pregnancy rates in cows that had not resumed estrous cycles before the onset of the protocol from 34.7% (n = 95) with the Ovsynch protocol alone to 55.2% (n = 87) with the protocol plus addition of the CIDR. Overall, pregnancy rates increased from 40.9% (n = 320) to 50.8% (n = 313), respectively. In addition, we have reported that pregnancy rates after the Ovsynch protocol are improved further when the protocol is applied to cows in their early luteal phase (Vasconcelos et al., 1999) or when estrous cycles of cows are presynchronized with one (Cartmill et al., 2001) or two (El-Zarkouny et al., 2001) injections of PGF2 administered 14 days apart, with the second or only injection given 12 days before the onset of the Ovsynch protocol. In a second experiment a similar protocol in suckled beef cows was tested where the Cosynch protocol was compared to the Cosynch protocol + supplemental progesterone provided by the CIDR (Lamb et al., 2001). This experiment was replicated at four (IL, KS, MN, and MO) of the seven stations. We found that pregnancy rates were increased from 48% (n = 188) with Cosynch protocol alone to 58% (n = 177) with the same protocol plus the CIDR. Both of these protocols were carried out without any estrus detection and all cows were inseminated at one fixed time.

Publications

HARD, D. L., R. K. BHATNAGAR, J. R. MOLINA and L. L. ANDERSON. 2001. Secretion of dopamine and norepinephrine in hypophyseal portal blood and prolactin in peripheral blood of Holstein cattle. DOMESTIC ANIMAL ENDOCRINOLOGY 20:89-100. WILLIAMS, G. L., O. S. GAZAL, L. S. LESHIN, R. L. STANKO, and L. L. ANDERSON. 2001. Physiological regulation of maternal behavior in heifers: roles of genital stimulation, intracerebral oxytocin release, and ovarian steroids. BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION 65:295-300. KIM, K.-S., J.M. REECY, L.L. ANDERSON and M.F. ROTHSCHILD. 2001. Functional characterization of the missense variation in the porcine melanocortin-4 receptor gene associated with obesity-related traits in the pig. PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANT & ANIMAL GENOME IX, Page 210. (San Diego) CHO, S.-J., K. JEFTINIJA, A. GLAVASKI, S. JEFTINIJA, B.P. JENA and L.L. ANDERSON. 2001. Fusion pores in GH-secreting cells. 31st Annual Meeting of the SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE, Nov. 10-15, 2001. PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE 27:Abstract (San Diego) CAAMAQO, J. N., S. OOKUTSU, M. L. PUGH, L. L. TIMMS, L. L. ANDERSON, P. M. DIXON and C. R. YOUNGS. 2001. Effect of FSH treatment on the developmental competence of oocytes recovered from postpartum dairy cows. 27th Annual Conference of the INTERNATIONAL EMBRYO TRANSFER SOCIETY (IETS), Jan. 14-16, 2001. Abstract (Omaha) WILSON, M.E., K.A. VONNAHME and S.P. FORD. 2001. Role of altered uterine-embryo synchrony on conceptus growth in the pig. J. Anim. Sci. (In Press). VONNAHME, K.A., M.E. WILSON and S.P. FORD. 2001. Relationship between placental vascular endothelial growth factor expression and placental/endometrial vascularity in the pig. Biol. Reprod. 64:1821-1825. YOUNGS, C.R. 2001. Factors influencing the success of embryo transfer in the pig. THERIOGENOLOGY 56:1311-1320. SIEREN, K.R. 2001. The Use of BoviPure for the separation of X and Y chromosome-bearing bovine sperm cells. M.S. Thesis, Iowa State Univ., 61 pp. YOUNGS, C.R. 2001. Cattle breeding in the 21st century. Proc. Of the 30th Annual Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference, Feb. 24, Ottumwa, IA, pp. 1-9. DIKEMAN, M.A., D.R. STROHBEHN, and C.R. YOUNGS. 2001. Development of a web-based scheduling program for synchronization of estrus in cattle. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 79(Suppl. 2):15 (abstr.) FUNK, D.J. and C.R. YOUNGS. 2001. Embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization, cloning and transgenic production in farm animals: A review. Proc. Of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association Symposium, March 8-10, Ames, IA, p. 89 (abstr.) PUGH, M.L., K.R. SIEREN, L.L. TIMMS, and C.R. YOUNGS. 2001. Use of a vaginal mucus electrical resistance probe to alter insemination time and calf gender distribution in dairy heifers. JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE 84(Suppl. 1):64 (abstr.). Cartmill, J.A., S.Z. El-Zarkouny, B.A. Hensley, G.C. Lamb, and J.S. Stevenson. 2001. Stage of cycle, incidence and timing of ovulation , and pregnancy rates in dairy cattle after three timed breeding protocols. J. Dairy Sci. 84:84:1051-1059. Lamb, G.C., J. S. Stevenson, D. J. Kesler, H.A. Garverick, D.R. Brown, and B. E. Salfen. 2001. Inclusion of an intravaginal progesterone insert plus GnRH and prostaglandin F2 for ovulation control in postpartum suckled beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. In press. Medina-Britos, M.A., A.M. Richardson, G.C. Lamb, C.R. Dahlen, S.K. Johnson, S.Z. El-Zarkouny, B.A. Hensley, and J.S. Stevenson. 2001. Ovulation synchronization using progestins, GnRH, and PGF2 before timed AI (TAI) and resetting follicular waves for resynchronization of repeat inseminations of suckled beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 79(Suppl. 1):249-250 (Abstr. #1031). Richardson, A.M., B.A. Hensley, and J.S. Stevenson. 2001. Characteristics of estrus before and after insemination and fertility after estrus synchronization with GnRH , PGF2, and progesterone in dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 84:(Suppl. 1):249 (Abstr. #1029). Stevenson, J.S. 2001. Incidence of anestrous in suckled beef cows and milked dairy cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 79(Suppl. 1):116 (Abstr. #481). Johnson, S.K., J.S. Stevenson, K.R. Harmoney, and J.R. Brethour. 2001. Effects of pre and/or postpartum fat supplementation on reproduction in mature beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 79(Suppl. 1):275 (Abstr. #1136). El-Zarkouny, S.Z., J.A. Cartmill, A.M. Richardson, M.A. Medina-Britos, B.A. Hensley, and J.S. Stevenson. 2001. Presynchronization of estrous cycles in lactating dairy cows with Ovsynch + CIDR and resynchronization of repeat estrus using the CIDR. J. Dairy Sci. 84:(Suppl. 1):249 (Abstr. #1028). Pursley, J.P., P.M. Fricke, H.A. Garverick, D.J. Kesler, J.S. Ottobre, J.S. Stevenson, and M.C. Wiltbank. 2001. Improved fertility in noncycling lactating dairy cows treated with progesterone during Ovsynch. Midwest ADSA/ASAS Mtg., Des Moines, IA, March19-21 (Abstr. #251). Cartmill, J. A., S. Z. El-Zarkouny, B.A. Hensley, G.C. Lamb, and J.S. Stevenson. 2001. Stage of cycle, incidence and timing of ovulation , and pregnancy rates in dairy cattle after three timed breeding protocols. J. Dairy Sci. 84:1051-1059. Dahlen, C.R., G.C. Lamb, B. Lindsay, A. DiCostanzo, D.R. Brown, A.R. Spell, and L.R. Miller. 2001. Pregnancy rates in recipients after receiving either two-identical demi-embryos or a single whole embryo. Theriogenology (In Press). Medina-Britos, M.A., A.M. Richardson, G.C. Lamb, C.R. Dahlen, S.K. Johnson, S.Z. El-Zarkouny, B.A. Hensley, and J.S. Stevenson. Ovulation synchronization using progestins, GnRH, and PGF2 before timed AI (TAI) and resetting follicular waves for resynchronization of repeat inseminations of suckled beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 79(Suppl. 1):249. Spell, A.R., W.R. Beal, L.R. Corah, and G.C. Lamb. 2001. Evaluating recipient and embryo factors that affect pregnancy rates of embryo transfer in beef cattle. Theriogenology 56:287-298. Laughlin, M.H., W.G. Schrage, R.M. McAllister, H.A. Garverick and A.W. Jones. 2001. Interaction of gender and exercise training: vasomotor reactivity of porcine skeletal muscle arteries. J. Applied Physiology 90:216-227. Calder, M.D., M. Manikkam, B.E. Salfen, R.S. Youngquist, D.B. Lubahn, W.R. Lamberson and H.A. Garverick. 2001. Dominant voine ovarian follicular cysts express increased levels of messenger RNAs for luteinizing-hormone receptor and 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 4, 5 isomerase compared to normal dominant follicles. Biol. Reprod. 65:471-476. Salfen, B.E., F.N. Kojima, J.F. Bader, M.F. Smith and H.A. Garverick. 2001. Effect of short-term calf removal at three stages of a follicular wave on fate of a dominant follicle in postpartum beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. (in press). M. Manikkam, M.D. Calder, B.E. Salfen, R.S. Youngquist, D.H. Keisler, and H.A. Garverick. 2001. Concentrations of steroids and gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes and gonadotropin receptors in bovine ovarian follicles of first and second waves and changes in second wave follicles after pulsatile LH infusion. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 67:189-203. Hampton, J.H., M. Manikkam, D.B. Lubahn, M.F. Smith and H.A. Garverick. 2001. Androgen receptor mRNA expression inbovine ovarian follicles. Annual Mt Society of Study Reprod., Ottowa, Canada. July. Pursley, J.R., P.M. Fricke, H.A. Garverick, D.J. Kesler, J.S. Ottober, J.S. Stevenson and M.C. Wiltbank. 2001. Improved fertility in noncycling lactating dairy cows treated with exogenous progesterone during ovsynch. NC-113 Regional Research Project. American Society of Animal Science and American Dairy Science Assoc. Midwest Section Annual Mtg, March. Ching, S., D.C. Mahan, J.S. Ottobre, and K. Dabrowski. 2001. Ascorbic acid synthesis in fetal and neonatal pigs and in pregnant and postpartum sows. J. Nutrition 131:1997-2001. Glogowski, J., J. Jankowski, A. Faruga, J.S. Ottobre, and A. Ciereszko. 2001. Acrosin activity in turkey spermatozoa: assay by clinical method and effect of zinc and benzamidine on the activity. Theriogenology 56:889-901. Sartori R, Fricke P, Ferreira JCP, Ginther OJ, Wiltbank MC, 2001. Follicular deviation and acquisition of ovulatory capacity in bovine follicles. Biology of Reproduction 65:1403-1409. Cordoba MC, Sartori R, Fricke PM, 2001. Assessment of a commercially available Early Conception Factor (ECF) test for determining pregnancy status of dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 84:1884-1889. Tsai SJ, Wiltbank MC, 2001 Differential effects of prostaglandin F-2 alpha on in vitro luteinized bovine granulosa cells. Biology of Reproduction. 122:245-253. Vasconcelos JLM, Sartori R, Oliveira HN, Guenther JG, Wiltbank MC, 2001. Reduction in size of the ovulatory follicle reduces subsequent luteal size and pregnancy rate. Theriogenology. 56:307-314. Beg MA, Bergfelt DR, Kot K, Wiltbank MC, Ginther OJ, 2001. Follicular-fluid factors and granulosa-cell gene expression associated with follicle deviation in cattle. Biology of Reproduction 64:432-441. Wu Z, Kanneganti VR, Massingill LJ, Wiltbank MC, Walgenbach RP, Satter LD, 2001. Milk production of fall-calving dairy cows during summer grazing of grass or grass-clover pasture. Journal of Dairy Science. 84:1166-1173. Olson KK, Anderson LE, Wiltbank MC, Townson DH, 2001. Action of prostaglandin F2a and prolactin on intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression and monocyte/macrophage accumulation in the rat corpus luteum. Biology of Reproduction 64:890-897. Wu Y-L, Wiltbank MC, 2001. Differential regulation of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 transcription in ovine granulosa and large luteal cells. Prostaglandin and Other Lipid Mediators, in press.

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 11/12/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/25/2003 - 09/26/2003
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2002 - 09/01/2003

Participants

Illinois (University of Illinois) Darrel Kesler

Indiana (Purdue University) Rebecca Krisher

Iowa (Iowa State University) Lloyd Anderson

Kansas (Kansas State University) Jeff Stevenson

Michigan (Michigan State University) Richard Pursley

Minnesota (University of Minnesota) Cliff Lamb

Missouri (University of Missouri) Allen Garverick

Ohio (Ohio State University) Joseph Ottobre

Wisconsin (University of Wisconsin) Milo Wiltbank

USDA/CSREES Advisor Debora Hamernik

Administrative Advisor Bill Ravlin

Brief Summary of Minutes

-There was some debate on whether to hold next years meeting at a campus location or a central location. Rebecca mentioned that Richard would be willing to host the meeting at Michigan State if we decided on a campus location. Jeff suggested that it is easier and cheaper to go to a central location. Milo favored campus locations because it gives us opportunities to visit each other and learn about each others facilities.

-We decided to hold the meeting in St. Louis next year and consider visiting a campus in the following year.

-The dates of the meeting will be Thursday, September 23 and Friday, September 24, 2004.

-Rebecca agreed to ask Al Garverick to make arrangements for the meeting in a hotel near the airport in St. Louis.

-Carolyn Komar was elected secretary for next year.

-We discussed that we must be sure that impacts are in the annual report and that the report is done on time.

-Rebecca will check with Bill Koshar and contact us about how to prepare annual reports.

-Cliff will contact George Perry to see if he is interested in joining NC-1006. Perry has been at University of South Dakota for about a month.

Station reports

Kansas

Minnesota

Indiana

See hard copies of station reports.

The meeting was adjourned at noon.

Summary of Assigned Responsibilities

-All members

Add Kinder to mailing list.

Contact Jeff when you need CIDRs and Lutalyse.

Contact Richard Markham (e-mail: rmarkham@psiqv.com, phone: 800-759-3664 or 816-364-3777) when you need GnRH. Markham will ship GnRH directly to investigators.

Investigators will buy their own Kamars.

Send Richard electronic copies of our station reports.

-Ravlin

Check with Dr. Wintersteen to learn if there is a potential opportunity for our group to get some funding.

-Hamernik

Contact Rick Funston (University of Nebraska) and Bill Silvia (University of Kentucky) to see if they are interested in participating in this project.

-Krisher

Send Jeff an electronic copy of the spreadsheet that you use to manage the data from the initial experiment.

Ask Allen to make arrangements for the meeting in a hotel near the airport in St. Louis.

Check with Bill Koshar and contact us about how to prepare the annual report (not the station reports).

-Lamb

Prepare the protocol for Objective 2 and send it to the beef members of NC1006 for feedback.

Contact George Perry to see if he is interested in joining NC1006.

-Ottobre

Send Kinder minutes and invite him to the meeting next year.

-Pursley

Complete manuscript and send it out to all of the co-authors individually for comments.

Prepare the annual report this year (due November 24, 2003).

-Stevenson

Send out a revised protocol for Objective 1 to indicate times to record Kamar observations.

After you and Rebecca finalize the spreadsheet for the first experiment, Jeff will send it to all participating investigators.

Ship CIDRs and Lutalyse when you hear from investigators.

Summary of Deadlines

A mid-term review needs to be completed in the second year. This should be submitted February 15, 2005.

Our next proposal needs to be competed by December 2006 so that it is on the table the following March (2007).

Minutes are due to be uploaded 30 days after the meeting (October 25, 2003).

The annual report is due to be uploaded 60 days after the meeting (November 24, 2003).

Next years Meeting

St. Louis, Thursday, September 23 and Friday, September 24, 2004.

Next years Officers

Chair Ottobre

Secretary - Komar

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Collaborative projects of the NC-1006 Regional Research Project Group Synchronization strategies based on Ovsynch technology (Pursley and Wiltbank, 1995) are currently the widely accepted tools for management of reproduction in dairy cattle. Unfortunately, fertility is compromised if cows (dairy or beef) are not cycling (anovulatory) at the initiation of the synchronization program (data from a previous NC-1006 project). Two projects, in beef and in dairy, are currently underway to determine how to identify and treat non-cycling cows at the initiation of Ovsynch. All stations with one exception are currently participating on one of the projects. GnRH, CIDRs, and PGF have been donated and shipped to most investigators. Several stations began collecting data in 2003. The remainder will begin in 2004. This year?s minutes outline any deviations from the original proposal. The following are brief descriptions of these projects: The first study will include 1,200 dairy cows from six stations [IL, WI, KS, MI, MN, and IN]. Each station will include 200 lactating dairy cows treated during the months of September to May to avoid summer heat. Prior to Ovsynch, cycling status of cows will be determined by estrus detection following 2 injections of PGF 14 d apart and 14 d prior to Ovsynch. Kamar patches will be used to help identify cows in estrus. All cow found in estrus will be assigned to two groups: AI at 0h and 24 h following the final injection of GnRH of Ovsynch. Cows that were not identified by detection of estrus will be assigned to a 2 x 2: with or without CIDR treatment from 1st GnRH of Ovsynch to PGF and AI at 0 or 24 h following the final injection of GnRH. Blood samples will be collected at the time of each presynchronization injection of PGF and at each injection of GnRH or PGF during the Ovsynch program. All blood samples will be assayed for progesterone. The two blood samples collected before Ovsynch will be used to classify the cows as anestrus or cycling. The subsequent three blood samples will be used to assess the effect of the CIDR on altering synthesis of progesterone by the corpus luteum. All cows will be observed for estrus on days 5 to 25 to assess the synchrony of the return to estrus. All cows will be examined for pregnancy via transrectal ultrasound examination of the reproductive tract on days 28, 42, and 56 after the TAI of the Ovsynch protocol. These examinations for pregnancy will permit not only the determination of pregnancy but embryonic loss up to 56 days post-insemination. Therefore, data (end points) collected from this study will include 1) pregnancy rate; 2) synchrony and fertility at the return estrus; and 3) embryonic loss after the Ovsynch protocol. Other variables included in the analysis include milk production and days in milk. Only cows 50 to 250 days in milk with three or fewer insemination will be included in the study. The second experiment will be conducted with the same objectives but with beef cows. This experiment will be designed as the previous experiment; however, only two transrectal ultrasound examination of the reproductive tract will be conducted (days 28 and 56 after the Ovsynch protocol). This study will include three stations [IL, KS, and MN] and 1,200 beef cows (400 cows per station). Currently, Purdue initiated the dairy project in 2003. In total, there were 79 cows completing the experiment. We assessed pregnancy rates of dairy cows treated with or without CIDRs and timed inseminated at the time of the 2nd GnRH injection or 24 hours later. At this point there were no significant differences among treatments, but these data are preliminary and need to be combined with those from other stations. Most stations have started the project but have no data to report. Data collection will continue through 2004 and part of 2005. All data are scheduled to be compiled and analyzed by the 2005 annual meeting of NC-1006. Individual station accomplishments Indiana: It appears that length of cyropreservation has no effect on fertilizing ability of boar spermatozoa, that oocyte quality impacts subsequent embryonic development, that manipulation of the pentose phosphate pathway in porcine oocytes affects nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, that glucose and lactate concentrations affect the metabolism of in vitro matured porcine oocytes, and that the metabolism of the recipient oocyte affects the development and viability of porcine nuclear transferred embryos. Iowa: A new family of proteolytic enzymes are present in ovarian tissue in a manner indicating that they play a role in ovulation and luteal development. Further investigation of these factors and inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes may elucidate what goes awry giving rise to the development of ovarian cysts. An inverse relationship between the expression of PPARg and P450 side chain cleavage points to a role for this transcription factor in follicular development. Further investigation into its role and regulation in the ovary may lead to identification of a system which if manipulated could improve/enhance follicular development. Exposure to environmental agents such as atrazine may not impact fertility negatively in domestic animals. Both ghrelin and leptin can regulate the secretion of growth hormone by pituitary somatotropes. After stimulation of growth hormone secretion, secretory vesicles transiently dock and fuse at the plasma membrane to release vesicular contents and then seem to be recycled internally by the cell. Commercially used PGF compounds are equally effective regardless of administration route. However, the use of aspirin as a blocker of PGF production may increase day 60 pregnancy rates. Kansas: Using either Ovsynch (standard protocol with TAI at 16-20 hr after the second GnRH injection) or Heatsynch (ECP at 24 h after PGF and TAI 48 h after ECP in the absence of detected estrus) produced similar pregnancy rates for cows initially diagnosed nonpregnant and assigned to treatments. After applying the Presynch-Ovsynch protocol, timing of the second injection of GnRH and insemination were altered to determine their effect on pregnancy rates. Cows that received the second GnRH injection at the same time as they were inseminated at 72 hr after PGF had greater pregnancy rates than cows that received the second GnRH injection at 48 hr after PGF and were inseminated 0 and 24 hr later. Postpartum injections of ECP improved pregnancy rates at first service after TAI associated with Heatsynch in cows milked four times daily to a greater extent than in cows milked twice daily. Calf removal for 48 hr did not improve pregnancy rates to TAI in beef cows when the interval to TAI was 72 h after PGF. Likewise, ECP given 24 hr after PGF was no better than GnRH given at TAI to improve synchrony of ovulation and TAI pregnancy rates. Michigan: Objectives were to improve fertility lactating dairy cows and alter gender ratio of resulting calves. There was a greater percent of female and than male offspring born to lactating dairy cows at when inseminated at -8 h compared to 16 h after final GnRH injection of Ovsynch. There was an effect of service sire and timing of AI relative to final GnRH injection of Ovsynch on percent lactating dairy cows pregnant at 28 and 56 d following AI. Differences amongst service sires ranged from 10 % to 44 % CR at 56 d post-AI. Minnesota: Inclusion of a CIDR to cows after AI enhances concentrations of progesterone and appears to enhance corpus luteum volume. For heifers superstimulated for superovulation of embryos heifer and period accounted for the greatest differences in embryo production and quality, however heifers receiving organic mineral prior to embryo collection appeared to increase the production of transferable embryos in purebred Angus heifers. The number of follicles between 7 and 11 mm at the time of first AI in a superstimulation protocol were correlated to total embryo numbers in addition to the number of CL at the time of embryo collection. Twinning has been demonstrated to increase total weight of calf produced/cow, but changes in management may be needed to maintain adequate cow BCS. Cows delivering and raising twin calves tend to calve at a lower BCS than those with singles, which may have an impact on milk production later in lactation. However, cows with twins show a significant increase in total kilograms of calf produced per cow, resulting in higher productivity/cow. Early weaning may prove beneficial in maintaining BCS of twinning cows and contribute to an earlier return to estrous. For both cows and heifers we have developed an CIDR/GnRH based timed-AI ovulation control program that effectively yields pregnancy rates similar to systems relying on detection of estrus. Ohio: Exogenous VEGF stimulates preantral follicle growth in rodents and perhaps sheep. Immunization against peptide fragments of VEGF and EG-VEGF produces high titers in limited numbers of individuals. Puberty was not prevented or substantially delayed by immunization to vascular growth factors in the current experiment; thus, a role for vascular growth factors in preantral follicular development is not supported by the immunization data. Evidence provided here does not strongly support a role for VEGF in rate of growth of lambs or in alteration of carcass characteristics. VEGF may be an important component of preantral follicular physiology. Wisconsin: In a commercial dairy herd, 316 lactating Holsteins were studied to determine the percentage of anovular cows, to examine follicular sizes in anovular cows, and to compare synchronized ovulation (Ovsynch) versus detection of estrus on fertility of ovular and anovular cows. Anovular cows (20%; 64 of 316) were identified as those with no detectable luteal tissue by ultrasonography and by low progesterone in blood samples collected weekly. A greater (P < 0.01) percentage of primiparous cows (28 % of 122) were anovular than multiparous cows (15 % of 194). Of 64 anovular cows, 20 % had follicles ? 25 mm that might be considered cystic, 58 % had 15- to 24-mm follicles, and 22 % had 9- to 14-mm follicles. Conception rates were greater (P < 0.02) for ovular cows regardless of treatment. Conception rates between respective Ovsynch and estrous detection groups for ovular (32 %, 35 %) or anovular (9 %, 11 %) cows were similar. Although 20 % of lactating cows were not cyclic by about 60 d postpartum, nearly all ovulated following Ovsynch. However, anovular cows had lower conception than ovular cows whether inseminated after detected estrus or after Ovsynch. Based on the idea that oocyte integrity and early embryonic development are compromised in dairy cows, we tested the hypothesis that conception rate (CR) can be improved by ET compared with AI. ET did not improve conception rate in lactating cows. Possible reasons include: (a) Modified Ovsynch may not have optimized ET success; (b) Environmental conditions during the year did not appear to decrease AI success; (c) Superovulated animals (embryo donors) may not yield optimal embryo quality; (d) Lactating dairy cows have other reproductive problems that are not overcome by ET. The size and number of ovulating follicles may determine the success or failure of artificial insemination and/or embryo transfer in getting cows pregnant.

Publications

Indiana (Purdue University)- Peer reviewed manuscripts Bormann, C.L.*, Ongeri, E.M., Krisher R.L.* (2003) The effect of vitamins during maturation of caprine oocytes on subsequent developmental potential in vitro. Theriogenology 59:1373-1380. Brad, A.M.*, Bormann, C.L., Swain, J.E., Durkin, R.E., Johnson, A.E., Clifford, A.L., Krisher, R.L.* (2003) Glutathione and adenosine triphosphate content of in vivo and in vitro matured porcine oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64:492-498. Herrick, J.R.*, Brad, A.M., Krisher, R.L.*, Pope, W.F.* (2003) Relationship between intracellular adenosine triphosphate or glutathione concentration and in vivo developmental potential of porcine oocytes. Animal Reproduction Science 78: 123-131. Herrick, J.R.*, Conover-Sparman, M.L.*, Krisher, R.L.* Reduced polyspermic fertilization of porcine oocytes utilizing elevated bicarbonate and reduced calcium concentrations in a single medium system. Reproduction, Fertility and Development Abstracts Stroble, K.A.*, Stewart, T.S., Krisher, R.L.* (2003) Length of cyropreservation has no effect on fertilizing ability of boar spermatozoa. Theriogenology 59:212. Krisher, R.L.* (2003) The impact of oocyte quality on development. J. Anim. Sci. 81 (Suppl. 1):15. Herrick, J.R.*, Brad, A.M., Krisher, R.L.* (2003) Manipulation of the pentose phosphate pathway in porcine oocytes: Effects on nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Biol. Reprod. 68 (Suppl.1): 353. Brad, A.M.*, Herrick, J.R., Lane, M., Gardner, D.K., Krisher, R.L.* (2003) Glucose and lactate concentrations affect the metabolism of in vitro matured porcine oocytes. Biol. Reprod. 68 (Suppl.1): 356. Clifford, A.L.*, Krisher, R.L.* (2003) Effects of recipient oocyte metabolism on development and viability of porcine nuclear transfer embryos. Biol. Reprod. 68 (Suppl.1): 557. Iowa (Iowa State University)- Books: 1. Perspectives of World Food and Agriculture: 2004 (C.G. Scanes and J. Miranowski) Iowa State Press/Blackwell (in press) 2. Biology of growth of domestic animals (C.G. Scanes) Iowa State Press/Blackwell 2003 3. Poultry Science (C.G. Scanes, G. Brant and M.E, Ensminger) Prentice Hall 2004 PAPERS/ABSTRACTS: ANDERSON LL. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION OF PREGNANCY, PARTURITION AND LACTATION IN CATTLE. BEEF RESEARCH REPORT 2002. A.S. LEAFLET R-1787. ANDERSON LL. BRAIN NEUROPEPTIDES THAT CONTROL PROLACTIN SECRETION CATTLE. BEEF RESEARCH REPORT 2002. Anderson LL. Invited book review of !‘Biology of the Domestic Pig!( Edited by Wilson G. Pond and Harry J. Mersmann, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York, pp 1-745. 2001, hardcover ISBN 0-8014-3468-8, for The Quarterly Review Of Biology 78:105-106, 2003. Anderson LL, Glavaski A, Jeftinija K, Scanes CG, Jeftinija S. Effect of ghrelin on calcium transient in isolated porcine pituitary cells. 32nd Annual Meeting of the Society For Neuroscience, November 2-7, 2002. Proceedings Of Society For Neuroscience 27:Abstract, Orlando. Anderson LL, Jeftinija S, Scanes CG. 2003. Invited mini-review entitled: Molecular mechanism and regulation of growth hormone secretion. Experimental Biology and Medicine. Anderson LL, Jena BP. Invited chapter entitled, !‘Fusion pores in growth hormone secreting cells of the pituitary gland: An AFM study!(. In: AFM In Biology And Medicine. J. Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 2003. Glavaski-Joksimovic A, Jeftinija K, Scanes CG, Anderson LL, Jeftinija S. Stimulatory effect of ghrelin on isolated porcine somatotropes. Neuroendocrinology 77:366-378, 2003. Glavaski A, Rowe EW, Scanes CG, Anderson LL, Jeftinija S. Effects of leptin on calcium transient in isolated porcine somatotropes. 33rd Annual Meeting of the Society For Neuroscience, November 3-7, 2003. Proceedings Of Society For Neuroscience 28:Abstract, New Orleans. Godke RA, Sansinena M, Youngs CR. Assisted reproductive technologies and embryo culture methods for farm animals. In (C.A. Pinkert, ed.) Transgenic Animal Technology: A Laboratory Handbook, 2nd Ed. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, pp. 513-568, 2002. Jo M, Komar CM, Fortune JE. Gonadotropin surge induces two separate increases in messenger RNA for progesterone receptor in bovine periovulatory follicles. Biol Reprod 67:1981-1988, 2002. Kim KS, Anderson LL, Reecy JM, Nguyen NT, Plastow GS, Rothschild MF. Molecular genetic studies of porcine genes for obesity. In: Progress In Obesity Research. Edited by G. Medeiros-Neto, A. Halpern and C. Bouchard. John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. pp. 269-271, 2003. Kim KS, Anderson LL, Tuggle CK, Rothschild MF. 2002. Mapping and functional analysis of the porcine ghrelin gene !V A candidate for growth and appetite traits. Proceedings of the Plant & Animal Genome X, San Diego. Kim KS, Ciobanu DC, Anderson LL, Reecy JA, Hsu WH, Plastow GS, Rothschild MF. Molecular genetics of porcine genes for obesity and diabetes. 84th Annual Meeting of The Endocrine Society. Endocrinology 143:400, Abstract P2-338, San Francisco, 2002. Komar CM, Curry TE Jr. Localization and expression of mRNAs for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in ovarian tissue from naturally cycling and pseudopregnant rats. Biol Reprod 66:1531-1539, 2002. Komar CM, Curry TE Jr. Inverse relationship between the expression of messenger ribonucleic acid for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and P450 side chain cleavage in the rat ovary. Biol Reprod 69:549-555, 2003. Lee JS, Jeftinija K, Jeftinija S, Stromer MH, Anderson LL. Immunocytochemical distribution of growth hormone cells in the porcine pituitary. Anatomical Record (Submitted for review), 2003. Lee JS, Jeftinija S, Stromer MH, Anderson LL. Immunohistochemical study on the distribution pattern of growth hormone cells in porcine anterior pituitary. 85th Annual Meeting of The Endocrine Society. Endocrinology 144:554, Abstract P3-341, Philadelphia, 2003. Lee JS, Mayes MS, Stromer MH, Jeftinija K, Jeftinija S, Jena BP, Anderson LL. Immunocytochemical study of spatial distribution pattern and number of secretory vesicles of somatotrophs in porcine anterior pituitary. Eighth International Pituitary Congress, June 22-25, 2003, Waldorf-Astoria, New York City, Abstract P55, New York. Lee JS, Mayes MS, Stromer MH, Jena BP, Anderson LL. Number of secretory vesicles in GH cells of the pituitary remain unchanged after secretion. 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Society For Cell Biology, December 14-18, 2002, Moscone Convention Center. Proceedings Of American Society For Cell Biology 13:86a, Abstract 483, San Francisco. Madan P, Bridges PJ, Komar CM, Beristain AG, Rajamahendran R, Fortune JE, MacCalman CD. Expression of messenger ribonucleic acid for ADAMTS subtypes changes in the periovulatory follicle after the gonadotropin surge and during luteal development and regression in cattle. Accepted for publication in Biol Reprod, 2003. Simpson KS, Komar CM, Curry TE Jr. Localization and expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-4 (TIMP-4) in the immature gonadotropin-stimulated and adult rat ovary. Biol Reprod 68:214-221, 2003. White SB, Wilhelms KW, Scanes CG. Interactions between xenobiotics and the avian glucocorticoid-binding globulin. Ozark-Prairie Regional Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), August 11-12, 2003; St. Louis, Missouri. Wilhelms KW, Johannsen SA, Proudman JA, Scanes CG. Failure of Dietary Atrazine to Alter Reproductive Development in Male Japanese Quail. Ozark-Prairie Regional Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), August 11-12, 2003; St. Louis, Missouri. WILHELMS KW, JOHANNSEN SA, PROUDMAN JA AND SCANES CG. 2003. FAILURE OF DIETARY ATRAZINE TO ALTER REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT IN MALE JAPANESE QUAIL. OZARK-PRAIRIE REGIONAL SOCIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY (SETAC), AUGUST 11-12, 2003; ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI. YOUNGS C. 2002 IETS FOUNDATION STUDENT RESEARCH COMPETITION. EMBRYO TRANSFER NEWSLETTER 20:4, 2002. YOUNGS CR. THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN HORMONES CONTROLLING REPRODUCTION IN THE COW (PART II). IOWA JERSEY TODAY 8:5-6, 2002. Youngs CR. Synchronization of estrus in dairy cattle using prostaglandin F2Q (Part I). Iowa Jersey Today 8:10, 2002. Youngs CR. Synchronization of estrus in dairy cattle using prostaglandin F2Q (Part II). Iowa Jersey Today 8:9-10, 2002. Kansas (Kansas State University) El-Zarkouny, S. Z., J. A. Cartmill, B. A. Hensley, and J. S. Stevenson. 2003. Presynchronization of estrous cycles before Ovsynch and progesterone in dairy cows: Ovulation, pregnancy rates, and embryo survival. J. Dairy Sci. 86:In press. Stevenson, J. S., S. K. Johnson, M. A. Medina-Britos, A. M. Richardson, and G. C. Lamb. 2003. Resynchronization of estrus in cattle of unknown pregnancy status using estrogen, progesterone, or both. J. Anim. Sci. 81:1682-1692. Stevenson, J. S., J. A. Cartmill, B. A. Hensley, and S. Z. El-Zarkouny. 2003. Conception rates of dairy cows following early not-pregnant diagnosis by ultrasonography and subsequent treatments with shortened Ovsynch protocol. Theriogenology 60:475-483. Stevenson, J. S., S. K. Johnson, and G. A. Milliken. 2003. Incidence of postpartum anestrus in suckled beef cattle: Treatments to induce estrus, ovulation, and conception. Prof. Anim. Sci. 19:124-134. Cavestany, D., J. Cibils, A Freire, A. Sastre, and J. S. Stevenson. 2003. Evaluation of two different oestrus-synchronisation methods with timed artificial insemination and resynchronisation of returns to oestrus in lactating Holstein cows. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 77:141-155. Stevenson, J. S.,G. C. Lamb, S. K. Johnson, M.A. Medina-Britos, D. M. Grieger, K. R. Harmoney, J. A. Cartmill, S. Z. El-Zarkouny, C. R. Dahlen, and T. J. Marple. 2003. Supplemental norgestomet, progesterone, or melengestrol acetate increases pregnancy rates in suckled beef cows after timed inseminations. J. Anim. Sci. 81:571-586. Richardson, A. M., B. A. Hensley, T. J. Marple, S. K. Johnson, and J. S. Stevenson. 2002. Characteristics of estrus before and after first insemination and fertility of heifers after synchronized estrus using GnRH, PGF2p, and progesterone. J. Anim. Sci. 80:2792-2800. Johnson, S. K., and J. S. Stevenson. Strategies for synchronizing estrus and ovulation in cows and heifers. Kansas State University, March 2003. MF-2573. Johnson, S. K., and J. S. Stevenson. Tips for successful synchronization program. Kansas State University, March 2003. MF-2574. Johnson, S. K., and J. S. Stevenson. 2002. Use of MGA or MGA plus ECP to resynchronize estrus in previously inseminated beef heifers of unknown pregnancy. J. Anim. Sci. 80(Suppl. 2):27 (Abstr. #105). El-Zarkouny, S.Z. 2002. Hormonal control of estrus, ovulation, and follicular dynamics in high-producing dairy cows before and after timed insemination. Ph.D. Dissertation, Kansas State University, 221 pages. Michigan (Michigan State University) Peters, MW and JR Pursley. 2003. Timing of final GnRH injection of Ovsynch affects ovulatory follicle size, subsequent progesterone concentrations, and fertility. Theriogenology 60:1197-1204. Peters, M. W. and J. R. Pursley. 2002. Fertility of lactating dairy cows treated with Ovsynch after presynchronization injections of PGF"Q and GnRH. Journal of Dairy Science 85:2403-2406. Dow, M.P.D., L.J. Bakke, C.A. Cassar, M.W. Peters, J.R. Pursley and G.W. Smith. 2002 Gonadotropin surge-induced upregulation of the plasminogen activators (tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase plasminogen activator) and the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor within bovine periovulatory follicular and luteal tissue. Biology of Reproduction 66:1413-1421 Cassar, C.A., M.P.D. Dow, J.R. Pursley and G.W. Smith. 2002. Effect of the preovulatory LH surge on bovine follicular progesterone receptor mRNA expression. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 22:179-187. Bakke, L.B., Dow, M.P.D., Cassar, C.A., Peters, M.W., Pursley, J.R. and G.W. Smith. 2002. Effect of the preovulatory gonadotropin surge on matrix metalloproteinase-14, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 expression within bovine periovulatory follicular and luteal tissue. Biology of Reproduction 66: 1627-1634. Dow, M.P.D., L.J. Bakke, C.A. Cassar, M.W. Peters, J.R. Pursley and G.W. Smith. 2002. Gonadotropin surge-induced upregulation of messenger RNA for plasminogen activator inhibitors 1 and 2 within bovine periovulatory follicular and luteal tissue. Reproduction 123: (711-719). Minnesota (University of Minnesota) Arthington, J.D., G.C. Lamb, and F.M. Pate. 2003. Effect of Supplement type on growth and pregnancy rate of yearling, Brahman-crossbred heifers. Prof. Anim. Sci. (Submitted). Dahlen, C.R, A. DiCostanzo, R.T. Ethington, T.L. Durham, J.E. Larson, and G.C. Lamb. 2003. Evaluation of forage sources for finishing diets containing wet corn gluten feed. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):61. Dahlen C.R., G.C. Lamb, C.M. Zehnder, L.R. Miller, and A. DiCostanzo. 2003. Fixed-time insemination in peripuberal, light-weight replacement beef heifers synchronized with PGF2alpha and GnRH. Theriogenology 59(8):1827-1837. Dahlen, C.R., and G.C. Lamb. 2002. Feeding melengestrol acetate (MGA) to resynchronize repeat estrus in beef heifers previously synchronized using a MGA/prostaglandin F2Q protocol. J. Anim. Sci. 80(Suppl. 2):56. Dahlen, C.R., G.C. Lamb, B. Lindsay, A. DiCostanzo, D.R. Brown, A.R. Spell, and L.R. Miller. 2002. Pregnancy rates in recipients after receiving either two-identical demi-embryos or a single whole embryo. Theriogenology 57:539. Fricke, P.M., and G.C. Lamb. 2002. Practical applications of ultrasound for reproductive management of beef and dairy cattle. In: Proc. Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop. Manhattan, KS. Hafliger, III, H.C., L.H. Baumgard, W.J. Weber, M. Chahine, G.C. Lamb, T.H. Klusmeyer, M.F. McGrath, J.L. Vicini, and B.A. Crooker. 2003. Effects of induced lactation on milk fatty acid profiles in multiparous Holstein cows. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):189. Lamb, G.C. 2002. GnRH estrus and ovulation control systems for beef cattle. In: Proc. Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop. Manhattan, KS. Lamb, G.C., and C.R. Dahlen. 2002. Long-term effects of nutrition on reproduction !V how can cattlemen manipulate their operations for optimum reproductive performance. 2002 MN Beef Cow/Calf Day Report pp. 44-58. Lamb, G.C., J.A. Cartmill, and J.S. Stevenson. 2003. Effectiveness of Select Synch (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2[alpha]) for synchronizing estrus in replacement beef heifers. Prof. Anim. Sci. (Submitted). Lamb, G.C., C.R. Dahlen, and D.R. Brown. 2002. Reproductive Ultrasound Technology for Monitoring Ovarian Structure Development, Fetal Development, Embryo Survival, and the incidence of Twinning in Beef Cows. Prof. Anim. Sci. 19:135-143. Lamb, G.C., D.R. Brown, R.C. Wasson, J.E. Larson, C.R. Dahlen, and A. DiCostanzo. 2003. Effect of Trace Mineral Nutrition on Follicular Response, Ovulation, and Embryo Production in Superovulated Angus Heifers. J. Reprod. Fertil. Lamb, G.C., R.C. Wasson, D.R. Brown, and C.R. Dahlen. 2003. Induced twinning by artificial insemination and embryo transfer fails to increase pregnancy rates but increases total fetus numbers in beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):178. Lamb, G.C., D.R. Brown, R. D. Mathison, J.B. Hall. 2002. Effect of pasture forage specie and management on animal performance. J. Agronomy (Suppl. 1). Lamb, G.C., D. R. Brown, C. R. Dahlen, and A. R. Spell. 2002. Inducing twinning in postpartum suckled beef cows using artificial insemination and embryo transfer. J. Anim. Sci. 80(Suppl. 1):268. Lamb, G.C., and C.R. Dahlen. 2002. Past, Present, and Future impact of ultrasound technology on beef cattle reproductive research and management strategies. J. Anim. Sci. 80(Suppl. 2):54. Lamb, G.C. 2003. Estrous synchronization using the newly approved CIDR. 2003 MN Beef Cow/Calf Day Report pp. 28-42. Lamb, G.C. 2003. Estrous synchronization in beef cattle using the CIDR. In: Proc. VII Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. Pp 199-211. Lamb, G.C. 2003. Melengestrol acetate (MGA) for synchronizing beef females. In: Proc. VII Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. Pp 239-247. Lamb, G.C. 2003. Nutrition/reproduction interactions affecting performance of beef cattle. In: Proc. VII Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. Pp 139-151. Lamb, G.C. 2003. Reproductive ultrasound for management of beef cattle. In: Proc. VII Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. Pp 183-193. Miller, L.R., A. DiCostanzo, C.M. Zehnder, G.C. Lamb, and L. Smith. 2003. Effects of two protein supplementation systems on feedlot performance and nitrogen retention by feedlot steers. J. Anim. Sci. (Submitted:E2002-368). Stevenson, J.S., S.K. Johnson, M.A. Medina-Britos, A.M. Richardson, and G.C. Lamb. 2003. Resynchronization of estrus in cattle of unknown pregnancy status using estrogen, progesterone, or both. J. Anim. Sci. 81:1681-1692. Stevenson, J.S., G.C. Lamb, S.K. Johnson, M.A. Medina-Britos, D.M. Grieger, K.R. Harmoney, J.A. Cartmill, S.Z. El-Zarkouny, C.R. Dahlen, and T.J. Marple. 2003. Supplemental norgestomet, progesterone, and MGA increases pregnancy rates in suckled beef cows after inseminations. J. Anim. Sci. 81:571-586. Wasson, R.C., J.E. Larson, D.R. Brown, and G.C. Lamb. 2003. Inclusion of a CIDR after initial artificial insemination concentrations of progesterone and corpus luteum volume in suckled beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):53. Ohio (The Ohio State University) Danforth, D. R., L. K. Arbogast, S. Ghosh, A. Dickerman, R. Rofagha, and C. I. Friedman. 2003. Vascular endothelial growth factor stimulates preantral follicle growth in the rat ovary. Biol. Reprod. 68:1736-1741. Wiltbank, M.C. and J.S. Ottobre. 2003. Regulation of intraluteal production of prostaglandins. Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol.: In press. Wisconsin (University of Wisconsin) Haughian JM, Sartori R, Guenther JN, Gumen A, Wiltbank MC, 2002. Extending the postpartum anovulatory period in dairy cattle with estradiol cypionate. Journal of Dairy Science 85:3238-3249. Rupnow HL. Phernetton TM, Modrick ML, Wiltbank MC, Bird IM, Magness RR, 2002. Endothelial vasodilator production by uterine and systemic arteries. VIII. Estrogen and progesterone effects on cPLA(2), COX-1, and PGIS protein expression. Biology of Reproduction. 66:468-474. Sangsritavong S, Combs DK, Sartori R, Armentano LE, Wiltbank MC, 2002. High feed intake increases liver blood flow and metabolism of progesterone and estradiol-17R in dairy cattle. Journal Dairy Science 85:2831-42. Sartori R, Sartor-Bergfelt R, Mertens SA, Guenther JN, Parrish JJ, Wiltbank MC, 2002. Fertilization and early embryonic development in heifers and lactating cows in summer and lactating and dry cows in winter. Journal of Dairy Science 85:2803-12. Sartori R, Rosa GJM, Wiltbank MC, 2002. Ovarian structures and circulation steroids in heifers and lactating cows in summer and lactating and dry cows in winter. Journal of Dairy Science 85:2813-22. Gumen A, Wiltbank MC, 2002. An alteration in the hypothalamic action of estradiol due to lack of progesterone exposure can cause follicular cysts in cattle. Biology of Reproduction 66:1689-95. Wu YL, Wiltbank MC, 2002. Transcriptional regulation of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene changes from protein kinase (PK) A- to PKC-dependence after luteinization of granulosa cells. Biology of Reproduction 66:1505-14. Diaz FJ, Anderson LE, Wu YL, Rabot A, Tsai SJ, Wiltbank MC, 2002. Regulation of progesterone and prostaglandin F2Q production in the CL. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology 191:65-80. McKusick BC, Wiltbank MC, Sartori R, Marnet PG, Thomas DL, 2002. Effect of presence or absence of copora lutea on milk production in East Friesian dairy ewes. Journal of Dairy Science 85:790-96. Gumen, A, Sartori R, Costa FMJ, Wiltbank MC, 2002. A GnRH/LH surge without subsequent progesterone exposure can induce development of follicular cysts. Journal of Dairy Science 85:43-50. Reinemann DJ. Wiltbank MC. Rasmussen MD. Sheffield LG. LeMire SD., 2003. Comparison of behavioral to physiological response of cows exposed to electric shock. Transactions of the ASAE. 46:507-512.

Impact Statements

Improved pregnancy reates in beef and dairy cattle by the development of novel synchronization of ovulation schemes that allow for timed AI. Pregnancy rates from protocols developed by scientists in this group are estimated to have increased 50 percent compared to previous reproductive management strategies. The value of this increase is estimated to save dairy and beef producers $1 billion per year in the U.S.
Developed strategies to identify non-cycling cows so that fertility in these cows can be improved by the use of a CIDR.
Been instrumental in educating dairy producers and veterinarians about synchronization strategies in dairy and beef cows. This has led to an overwhleming number of dairy producers using Ovsynch or Ovsynch-like technologies on their farms.
Generated applied data to better understand the area of infertility of dairy and beef cows.
Been instrumental in generating new knowledge in the areas of cloning, embryonic development, and ovarian uterine physiology.

Date of Annual Report: 10/11/2004

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/23/2004 - 09/24/2004
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2003 - 09/01/2004

Participants

Darrel, Kesler (djkesler@uiuc.edu) - University of Illinois; Krisher, Rebecca(rkrishser@purdue.edu) - Purdue University; Carolyn Komar (ckomar@iastate.edu)- Iowa State University; Stevenson, Jeff (kss@ksu.edu) - Kansas State University; Pursley, Richard (pursleyr@msu.edu)- Michigan State University; Lamb, Cliff (clamb@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota; Garverick,
Allen (gavericka@missouri.edu) - University of Missouri; Ottobre, Joe (ottobre.2@osu.edu) - The Ohio State University; Fricke, Paul (pmf@anabs.wisc.edu) - University of Wisconsin; Funston, Rick (rfunston2@unl.edu) - North Platte; Perry, George (George.Perry@sdstate.edu) - South Dakota State Univ.; Silvia, Bill (sewill01@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky; Cushman, Robert (cushman@email.marc.usda.gov) - Nebraska-MARC; Dahlen, Carl (dahle018@tc.mnu.edu) - University of Minnesota; Hamernik, Deborah (dhamernik@crees.usda.gov)- USDA/CREES; Ravlin, Bill (ravlin.1@osu.edu) - The Ohio State University; Kinder, James - The Ohio State University.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Attendees - Station Affiliation - email address
Darrel Kesler - Illinois-University of Illinois - djkesler@uiuc.edu
Rebecca Krisher - Indiana-Purdue University - rkrisher@purdue.edu
Carolyn Komar - Iowa-Iowa State University - ckomar@iastate.edu
Jeff Stevenson - Kansas-Kansas State University - jss@ksu.edu
Richard Pursley - Michigan-Michigan State University - pursleyr@msu.edu
Cliff Lamb - Minnesota-University of Minnesota - clamb@umn.edu
Allen Garverick - Missouri-University of Missouri - gavericka@missouri.edu
Joe Ottobre - Ohio-The Ohio State University - ottobre.2@osu.edu
Paul Fricke - Wisconsin-University of Wisconsin - pmf@anabs.wisc.edu
Rick Funston - Nebraska-North Platte - rfunston2@unl.edu
George Perry - South Dakota-South Dakota State Univ. - George.Perry@sdstate.edu
Bill Silvia - Kentucky-University of Kentucky - sewill01@uky.edu
Robert Cushman - Nebraska-MARC - cushman@email.marc.usda.gov
Carl Dahlen - Minnesota-University of Minnesota - dahle018@tc.mnu.edu
Debora Hamernik - USDA/CREES Advisor - dhamernik@crees.usda.gov
Bill Ravlin - Administrative Advisor - ravlin.1@osu.edu
James Kinder - Department Chair Advisor - kinder.15@osu.edu

Members not present:
Milo Wiltbank (University of Wisconsin) and Lloyd Anderson (Iowa State University)

September 23, 2004

8:00 am: Meeting called to order. First agenda item: joint meeting with NE-1007

Discussion:

Joe talked with Joy Pate about attending this meeting, but at a late date and there was a question of how the expense of the trip would be covered.

Carolyn had spoken with Joanne Fortune who said the NE-1007 meeting was planned for June of 2005, dates not set, and place most likely Pocono Mountains, PA.

Idea behind meeting with NE-1007 was thought to be generated from thinking it would stimulate additional joint projects (research) as well as sharing of information, and the fact that available grants seem to be awarded to projects that span several universities

Fricke: hesitant to join with NE-1007 due to group size
Ravlin: Joining of groups not necessary
Lamb: Joining of the groups was the impression received during rewrite of proposal
Stevenson: We met with them once before. We have a published track record and can see no real advantage of joining with the other group.
Kesler: Where would money come from to cover expense of traveling to two meetings a year?
Ravlin: Issue may be a linchpin in getting this project renewed. Agrees with Jeff.
Stevenson: In his 24 years associated with project, this group fulfills true mandate of multi-state projects.
Ravlin: Mid-term review after meeting. Bill would support stance of Jeffs if we give him some ammunition
Lamb: We have new members and potential members which will increase our numbers making a joint group unwieldy.
Fricke: Nature of project will not increase but decrease because of the group size and setting protocols; need to limit number of stations to ensure protocol management.
Kinder: Concern stemmed from Dept. Chairs; they evaluate projects at mid-term. Group needs to communicate directly with Dept. Chairs before they go to meeting where they review these projects in Jan/Feb. Deans regionalize funds on a competitive basis and it will vary from state to state how funds are utilized. Drive to work with administrative leaders and get across impact of our group to them before they have their regional meeting. Convince administrative leaders of our impact and ability to do research.
Ravlin: $ that goes to Ext. Station may cover only travel, but some stations use it for salary support and it may not be seen for project. Need to respond to this suggestion, and perhaps a bulleted list of impacts of group would help. Hell be at the table for the next review meeting in March
Lamb: We have more in common with W112 and should join with them if we join with any group.
Kesler: Concurs
Ravlin: Provide administrators with information regarding ties with W112 and/or NC-1006
Fricke: Seems like group is being penalized for collaborating with NE-161 on dairy project a few years ago.
Kinder: Look at opportunities and other ways to enhance collaboration and interactions to satisfy reviewers
Ravlin: March mid-project review occurs after 2nd year of cycle. He will be sitting on committee and will bring ours issues forward
Kinder: Reports and mid-term reports get out to unit leaders, Dept. chairs/heads; they write assessment and then a summary assessment is put together at the meeting. The administrators (Bill) report goes to NRC. Unit leaders can provide input at this time if we an help them bring our concerns forth prior to meeting in June.
Stevenson: Background of reviewers is varied, not all reproductive physiologists
Hamernik: Mike Smith and some other reproductive biologists will be at the meeting

Report from Bill Ravlin: Projects Administrative Advisor
Ravlin passed around newsletter he had received

Gaverick: How long has the mid-term review been around?
Ravlin: Not sure. Only first experience with this rewrite with this group. Mid-term review is of meeting minutes and annual review&these get reviewed and the comments entered into system by March
Stevenson: What are criteria for review?
Ravlin: Same criteria as the rewrite: collaborations; impact. On page 5 of hand out is list of what needs to be addressed. Accomplishments: publications, analyses, students, etc. i.e. Impacts: NC-1007 research increased reproduction in dairy cattle to save money for the dairy industry, increase productivity
Kesler: Impact is extension
Ravlin: Tech transfer is impact. Some meetings arent well attended, this one is..thats a strength
Pursley: Is there talk of including extension into these projects? These used to be separated.
Kinder: Do you consider yourself and extension specialist? People who do research need to sell it themselves because the ability to work through traditional extension programs no longer exists.
Kesler: Many stations see this work/research as extension and put it forth as such
Lamb: Big problem encountered with resubmission was lack of extension aspect to project
Kinder: Expectation of extension function of research is needed for impact
Ravlin: Higher administrators do not care where the line is drawn regarding research, teaching, extension&they want to see the bottom line for the $ they are putting out
Kinder: Document what you do because many in this group are already efficient at disseminating research info
Ottobre: Jeff and I will write a 1 page summary as to why this group does not need to meet with NE-1007
Stevenson: Can we see reviewers comments from the rewrite so these issues can be addressed?
Friske: What would be the consequences of not meeting with NE-1007?
Ravlin: May not be a problem as long as you address issue head on because well be facing it again in 2 years.
Stevenson: Our groups are not redundant, but complementary. There are many differences in management of dairy and beef cattle between this area and the northeast.
Ottobre: Good discussion. Let's move on to summarize some group info

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Collaborative studies: Objective 1: Develop breeding protocols to maximize fertility in lactating cattle with special emphasis on anovulatory or anestrous cattle. Hypotheses 1. Anovulatory dairy cows can be identified by heat-detection patches, or 1 or 2 ovarian exams by ultrasonography 2. Anovulatory dairy cows have improved pregnancy rates after treatment with progesterone and GnRH 3. Altering timing of timed AI (TAI) relative to an Ovsynch-like protocol will maximize pregnancy rates in anovulatory and cycling dairy cows. Experimental Approach The collaborative experiment designed to address Objective 1 will include 1,600 dairy cows from eight stations [IL, WI, KS, MI, MN, MO, IA, and IN]. Each station will include ~200 lactating dairy cows treated during the months of September to May to avoid summer heat. We are using Ovsynch as the main breeding protocol. Ovsynch involves an injection of GnRH to synchronize follicular development. GnRH injection is followed in seven days by an injection of PGF to induce luteal regression. The PGF injection is followed by a second injection of GnRH to synchronize ovulation of a mature follicle. To optimize synchronization of follicular development in this experiment, presynchronization of estrous cycles is used (two injections of PGF 14 days apart). All cows received two injections of PGF 14 days apart; with the second injection given 14 days before initiating the Ovsynch protocol (first Presynch injections began between 30 and 40 days postpartum so first services can occur from 67-68 to 80-81days). Anovulatory cows. One-half of the anovulatory cows, verified by ultrasound ovarian exam on day 28 of the protocol (first injection of GnRH), were treated for 7 days with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR) during the first 7 days of the Ovsynch protocol and one-half served as controls without the CIDR insert. Within each group of anovulatory cows (CIDR vs. no CIDR), cows were re-randomized to be inseminated: A) concurrently with the injection of GnRH at 48 h after the PGF injection of Ovsynch; or B) 24 h after the injection of GnRH (i.e., 72 h after PGF of Ovsynch). Thus, 4 treatments of anovulatory cows will be formed: A + CIDR; A; B + CIDR; and B. Cycling cows. Cycling cows were treated with the Ovsynch protocol but inseminated: A) concurrently with the injection of GnRH at 48 h after the PGF injection of Ovsynch; or B) 24 h after the injection of GnRH (i.e., 72 h after PGF of Ovsynch). Thus, 2 treatments of cycling cows will be formed: A and B. Results (Summary of current data from four stations [IN, KS, MI, MO]. The percentage of cows cycling based on ultrasound exams was 74.8% (382/511). (Note: Detection of ovulatory cows with heat-detection patches was compared to ultrasonography, and the data from the Kansas station are reported here. The percentage of cows cycling based on lost or activated Kamar patches was 25.2% [39/155], whereas based on 2 ultrasound exams it was 78.7% [122/155].) Pregnancy rates (at 33d) of cycling cows was 41.9 % (160/382) compared with 27.1% (35/129) of noncycling cows. Within cycling cows, pregnancy rates were 36.7% (n = 196) in cows that were bred at the time of the second GnRH injection, and 45.7% (n = 186) in cows bred 24 hr after the second GnRH injection. In noncycling cows, pregnancy rates were similar in both of these groups (i.e., 27.1% [n=59] in noncycling cows bred at the time of the second GnRH injection, and 27.1% [n=70] in noncycling cows bred 24 hr after the second GnRH injection). Pregnancy rates in noncycling cows that received a CIDR were 31.8% (n = 88) compared with 17.1% (n = 41) in noncycling cows that did not receive a CIDR. These data are preliminary, as studies are ongoing at multiple stations. At this point, it seems that detection of ovulatory status is underestimated with heat-detection patches. Breeding 24 hr after the second GnRH injection may improve pregnancy rates above breeding coincident with the second GnRH injection, at least in the cycling cows. Addition of the CIDR insert (progesterone) may improve pregnancy rates in noncycling cows. Objective 2: Determine the efficacy of using the CIDR to enhance pregnancy rates at a synchronized breeding in cattle and to resynchronize the first eligible estrus in non-pregnant cows after a previous insemination. Suckled beef cows from two locations (IL [n = 234] and MN [n = 160]) were estrus-synchronized with the CO-Synch+CIDR protocol (Larson et al., 2004). Briefly, the protocol includes a 100-ug injection of GnRH at the time of CIDR insertion. The CIDR is removed 7 days later concurrent with a 25-mg injection of PGF. At 60 hr after PGF all cows are inseminated at a fixed-time (TAI) and receive a second 100-ug injection of GnRH. After the initial TAI cows were stratified by body condition score and days postpartum and then assigned to each of 4 resynchronization protocols : 1) cows received no treatment after TAI (n = 100; Control); 2) cows received a CIDR from d 5 to 14 after TAI (n = 97; CIDR5-14); 3) cows received a CIDR from d 14 to 21 after TAI (n = 100; CIDR14-21); and 4) cows received a CIDR from d 5 to 21 after TAI (n = 100; CIDR5-21). One day after TAI (day 3 of the study) cows were observed a minimum of twice daily for signs of estrus, plus cows were fitted with KAMAR heat-detection patches to assist in identifying cows in estrus, until day 28 of the study. Cows detected in estrus were inseminated using the am-pm rule. Clean-up bulls were introduced on day 29 after PGF (24 hr after the last AI). Transrectal ultrasound was performed to exam for pregnancy to the TAI on day 32 and to determine pregnancy rate of the return service, plus embryo survival of the TAI pregnancy on day 62. Results (Summary of current data from two stations [MN, IL]) Pregnancy rates within groups ranged from 53% to 59%. Insertion of a CIDR between 5 and 21 days after TAI did not seem to enhance or reduce pregnancy rates in suckled beef cows. However, insertion of a CIDR to resynchronize estrus increased the percentage of nonpregnant cows that exhibited estrus in a more desirable 3-day window. Individual Station Reports: Minnesotta: Treatment of beef cows with CIDR at about 40-d postpartum provides an approach to reduce the calving interval, gain a more uniform calf-crop, and to breed more cows earlier during the next breeding season. We demonstrated that estrus can be synchronized effectively in cows and heifers with GnRH, PGF, and a CIDR. Factors affecting pregnancy rates were location, body condition score, parity, and days postpartum. In addition, the clean-up TAI increased pregnancy rates in the estrus-detection treatments by 9 to 15%. This system provides a reliable alternative to an MGA/PG system. Kansas: Conception rates when AI occurred after 1 Presynch injection were less than when AI occurred after 2 Presynch injections. Conception rates for those inseminated after either Presynch injection did not differ from those inseminated after combined Heatsynch + Ovsynch. Cows in the Ovsynch and Heatsynch protocols inseminated after estrus during the breeding week had greater conceptions rates than those receiving the TAI, but overall conception rates did not differ between protocols. Among cows inseminated after detected estrus, conception was greater for cows in the Heatsynch + Ovsynch protocol than for those inseminated after either Presynch injection. We concluded that conception rates after Heatsynch and Ovsynch were similar under these experimental conditions, and that delaying first AI improved fertility for cows inseminated after detected estrus. Although overall pregnancy outcomes after a not-pregnant diagnosis were similar in response to both the Ovsynch and Heatsynch protocols, inseminations performed after detected estrus before the scheduled TAI reduced days to eventual conception and tended to increase conception rates, particularly after Heatsynch. Purdue: In addition to the collaborative studies, we have focused our efforts in 2004 on the control of meiosis and developmental potential in porcine oocytes by energy substrates. We have found that the energy substrates available control not only developmental competence, but also meiotic progression. Illinois: Technology stacking (oocyte aspiration, IVF with sex-sorted semen, and embryo transfer) is a feasible production scheme. Wisconsin: Lactating Holstein cows (n = 711) received a hormonal synchronization protocol to initiate first TAI using Presynch followed by Ovsynch. At first TAI, cows were assigned randomly for resynchronization of ovulation (Resynch; i.e., repeat Ovsynch) at 19, 26, or 33 days after first TAI to set up a second TAI service for cows failing to conceive. Overall pregnancy rate per artificial insemination (PR/AI) to first TAI was 31%. Overall PR/AI to Resynch was 32%. However, the PR/AI for D26 (34%) and D33 (38 %) cows was greater than for D19 cows (23 %). An experiment was designed to compare Ovsynch (n=134) with Presynch + Ovsynch (n=135). Although the proportion of cows ovulating after the first and second GnRH injections did not differ between treatments, PR/AI at 42 days post TAI was greater for Presynch + Ovsynch than for Ovsynch cows (49.6 % vs. 37.3 %). Results from this research have been used to make recommendations to stakeholders and their consultants regarding implementation of systematic synchronization systems for lactating dairy cows. Iowa: The germinal epithelium of ovary of the long-tongued bat (G. soricina) covers only the medial side of the ovary. All primordial follicles are located in a moderately broad zone underneath this cap. Follicles selected for further development are recruited from the medullar side of this zone, and ovulation is restricted to the portion of the ovary covered by germinal epithelium. Exploiting the unique structure of the ovary in this species has great potential to advance our understanding of how primordial follicles are formed, maintained in a quiescent state, and activated, as well as the role of the germinal epithelium in folliculogenesis and ovulation. The regulation and expression of PPAR³ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) in the ovary suggests that it may be involved in cellular development and growth. Development of assays to measure preimplantation factor (PIF) in blood and/or urine will lead to an easy, on-farm assay to determine and monitor pregnancy in both dairy and beef cattle. Ohio: We have used laser capture microdissection of sheep ovaries and successfully performed reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on isolated tissues to identify mRNA that is specific to various ovarian cell types. Progress has been made on the identification of the message for SVCT 2 (a vitamin C transport protein) in the sheep corpus luteum. Michigan: The effect of timing of AI relative to ovulation was studied to determine if increasing the time of AI to ovulation (from 12 to 36 hr) affects the gender ratio of resulting calves. The percentage of female calves was increased when AI was 36 hr prior to ovulation. Size of the ovulatory follicle, days in milk, parity, AI number and milking frequency did not alter gender ratio. Service sire may affect gender ratio. Service sires that had poorer conception rates and greater embryonic losses from 28 to 56 days post-AI had greater percentages of female calves. Body condition scores of cows at time of AI had a trend towards altering gender ratio with more female calves from thin cows. A major drawback of AI at 36 hr prior to ovulation is a decrease in CR. Service sires that improved fertility at this time-point had greater percentages of bull calves. It seems that even though timing of AI relative to ovulation affects gender ratio, situations that minimize embryonic loss overcome this increase. Future Plans: Collaborative Studies: Contributing stations plan to continue their work on experiments designed to address Objectives 1 and 2. Individual Stations: Minnesota: A multi-location-state project is underway to determine the effect of the CIDR on overall pregnancy rates in a bull-breeding herd and to determine whether a CIDR alters the average calving date and calving distribution in a bull-breeding herd. Work is ongoing to obtain preliminary data to determine whether transferring sexed whole, half, or quarter embryos will yield acceptable pregnancy rates in nulliparous Holstein heifers at a fixed time embryo transfer. An experiment is planned to determine whether the superovulatory response to exogenous FSH in beef cows is enhanced by the administration of inhibin antibody. Kanasas: We will begin testing various different Presynch-like treatments with the objective to increase the proportion of cows on days 5 to 10 of the estrous cycle at a time when the Ovsynch protocol is then applied before first postpartum inseminations (TAI). We are testing various post-insemination treatments that should increase progesterone in vivo with the hypothesis that increasing progesterone during the early luteal phase will improve fertility by sparing early embryonic death. Purdue: We continue to examine oocyte competency. We plan to use bovine EST microarrays to examine gene expression differences reflective of developmental competence in ovine oocytes. We also will use a proteomics approach to look at these differences in porcine oocytes. Illinois: Technology stacking research will continue in attempt to further improve pregnancy rates and reduce the associated problems. Iowa: We plan to further develop models to investigate follicular development and growth, and to continue investigation of PIF and the potential for utilizing this factor to determine pregnancy status in dairy and beef cattle. Ohio: We intend to complete studies on the effect of intrabursal VEGF on preantral follicular growth, examine the effect of intrabursal treatment with VEGF antibody on populations of preantral follicles, and identify the source of ovarian VEGF and the specific ovarian targets for VEGF. We also plan to sequence large parts of the messages for ovine SVCT 1 & 2. Michigan: We will continue to test hypotheses that may lead to improvement of fertility, synchronization rates of Ovsynch, and alter the gender ratio of calves in favor of females.

Publications

Minnesota: Journal Articles and Abstracts Arthington, J.D., G.C. Lamb, and F.M. Pate. 2004. Effect of supplement type on growth and pregnancy rate of yearling, Brahman-crossbred heifers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 20:282-285. Dahlen, C.R., C.M. Zehnder, K.A. Hachmeister, M.E. Dikeman, A. DiCostanzo, G.C. Lamb, L.R. Miller, and H. Chester-Jones. 2004. Effects of Including Malting Industry Byproducts in Feedlot Diets on Performance and Beef Quality. Prof. Anim. Sci. Accepted (# 04-282). Lamb, G.C., J.A. Cartmill, and J.S. Stevenson. 2004. Effectiveness of Select Synch (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2[alpha]) for synchronizing estrus in replacement beef heifers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 20:27-33. Lamb, G.C. D.R. Brown, R.C. Wasson, J.E. Larson, C.R. Dahlen, and A. DiCostanzo. 2004. Effect of Trace Mineral Nutrition on Follicular Response, Ovulation, and Embryo Production in Superovulated Angus Heifers. J. Reprod. Fertil. 16(1,2):289 Larson, J.E., G.C. Lamb, T.W. Geary, J.S. Stevenson, S.K. Johnson, M.L. Day, D. J. Kesler, J.M. DeJarnette, and D. Landblom. 2004. Synchronization of estrus in replacement beef heifers using GnRH, prostaglandin F2a (PG), and progesterone (CIDR): a multi-location study. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl. 1):368. Larson, J.E., G.C. Lamb, J.S. Stevenson, S.K. Johnson, M.L. Day, T.W. Geary, D. J. Kesler, J.M. DeJarnette, F.N. Schrick, and J.D. Arseneau. 2004. Synchronization of estrus in suckled beef cows using GnRH, prostaglandin F2a (PG), and progesterone (CIDR): a multi-location study. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl. 1):369. Wasson, R., J.E. Larson, D.R. Brown, A. DiCostanzo, J.D. Arthington, and G.C. Lamb. 2004. Cow and calf performance in a management system including twinning and early weaning. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl. 1):59. Conference Proceedings: Lamb, G.C. 2004. Estrus synchronization systems CIDR. In: Proc. Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. Northe Platte NE. Pp 75-85. Lamb, G.C. 2004. Beef estrous synchronization systems. In: Proc. NAAB 58th Technical Conference (In press). Lamb, G.C. 2004. Synchronization of estrus in embryo transfer recipients using CIDRs and GnRH. In: Proc. AETA Annual Conference (In press). Lamb, G.C. 2004. Factors influencing reproductive efficiency in beef herds. In: Proc. VIII Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. Pp 161-173. Lamb, G.C. 2004. Estrous synchronization using the CIDR and GnRH. In: Proc. VIII Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. Pp 215-224. Lamb, G.C. 2004. Donor and recipient factors affecting embryo transfer programs. In: Proc. VIII Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. Pp 247-255. Lamb, G.C. and P.M. Fricke. 2004. Ultrasound Early Pregnancy Diagnosis and Fetal Sexing. In: Proc. Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. Northe Platte NE. Pp 219-229. Kansas: Books and Articles Within Edited Books: Stevenson, J. S., and D. L. Davis. 2004. Estrus Synchronization: Cattle. Page xxx in Encyclopedia of Animal Science, A. W. Bell and W. G. Pond (Ed.), Marcel Dekker Inc., New York. Stevenson, J. S., and D. L. Davis. 2004. Estrus Synchronization: Horses, Pigs, Sheep, and Goats. Page xxx in Encyclopedia of Animal Science, A. W. Bell and W. G. Pond (Ed.), Marcel Dekker Inc., New York. Handbooks, Technical Bulletins, Theses, Dissertations, and Circulars: Blevins, C. A. 2004. Effect of milking frequency, estradiol cypionate, and bST on lactation and reproductive outcomes in dairy cows. M.S. Thesis, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan. Journal Articles and Abstracts: Stevenson, J. S., and A. P. Phatak 2004. Inseminations at estrus induced by presynchronization before application of synchronized estrus and ovulation. J. Dairy Sci. In press (JDS-04-0404). Stevenson, J. S., and S. M. Tiffany. 2004. Resynchronizing estrus and ovulation in Holsteins after not-pregnant diagnosis and various ovarian states. J. Dairy Sci. In press (JDS 04-0320). El-Zarkouny, S. Z., and J. S. Stevenson. 2004. Resynchronization of estrus with progesterone or progesterone plus estrogen in lactating dairy cows of unknown pregnancy status. J. Dairy Sci. 87:3306-3321. Stevenson, J. S., S M. Tiffany, and M. C. Lucy 2004. Use of estradiol cypionate as a substitute for GnRH in protocols for synchronizing ovulation in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 87:3298-3305. El-Zarkouny, S. Z., J. A. Cartmill, B. A. Hensley, and J. S. Stevenson. 2004. Presynchronization of estrous cycles before Ovsynch and progesterone in dairy cows: Ovulation, pregnancy rates, and embryo survival. J. Dairy Sci. 87:1024-1037. Lamb, G. C., J. A. Cartmill, and J. S. Stevenson. 2004. Effectiveness of Select Synch (gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2a) for synchronizing estrus in replacement beef heifers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 20:27-33. Stevenson, J. S. and S. M. Tiffany. 2004. Resynchronization of ovulation in Holsteins after not pregnant diagnosis. J. Dairy. Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):256 (Abstr.). Portaluppi, M. A. and Stevenson, J. S.. 2004. Variations in the Ovsynch protocol after presynchronization of estrous cycles alter pregnancy rates in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy. Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):256 (Abstr.). Johnson, S. K., K.R. Harmoney, and J.S. Stevenson. 2004. Addition of ECP or calf removal to a modified MGA + CO-Synch protocol for synchronization of ovulation in beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):372 (Abstr.). Conference Proceedings: Stevenson, J. S. 2004. Puberty and anestrus: Dealing with non-cycling females. Page 117 in Proc. of Appl. Reprod. Strategies in Beef Cattle. North Platte, NE. Purdue: Journal articles: Herrick, J.R., P. Bartels, and R.L. Krisher. 2004. Cryopreservation and post-thaw evaluation of in vitro function in epididymal spermatozoa from four species of free-ranging African bovids. Biol. Reprod. 71:948-958. Herrick, J.R., E. Behboodi, E. Memili, S. Blash, Y. Echelard, and R.L. Krisher. 2004. Effect of macromolecule supplementation during in vitro maturation of goat oocytes on developmental potential. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69:338-346. Abstracts: Herrick, J.R., E. Behboodi, E. Memili, S. Blash, Y. Echelard, and R.L. Krisher. 2004. Effect of macromolecule supplementation during in vitro maturation on the developmental competence of goat oocytes. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 16:276 (abstr. 314). Brad, A.M., T. Spies, F. Olivier, M. Lane, D.K. Gardner, P. Bartels, and R.L. Krisher. 2004. Timing of In Vitro Oocyte Maturation in Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), Black Wildebeest (Connechaetes gnu), Blesbok (Damaliscus dorcus phillipsi), and Reedbuck (Redunca arundinum). Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 16:223 (abstr. 203). Conover-Sparman, M.L., and R.L. Krisher. 2004. Ion composition of culture medium influences mitochondrial distribution and blastocyst development of preimplantation porcine embryos. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 16:195 (abstr. 147). Swanson, W.F., J.B. Bond, H.L. Bateman, A.L. Manharth, R.L. Krisher, and J.R. Herrick. 2004. Effects of extracellular ion concentrations on in vitro development of domestic cat IVF embryos. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 16:202 (abstr. 160). Krisher, R.L. In Press. Inhibition of the pentose phosphate pathway results in meiotic arrest in porcine oocytes that can be overcome by the addition of pathway cofactors and end products. Reprod. Fert. Dev. Tubman L., A. Peter, and R. Krisher. In Press. Effect of energy substrates on metabolism, nuclear maturation, and development of gilt and sow oocytes during in vitro maturation. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. Illinois: Conference Proceedings: Kesler, D.J. and Marika Constantaras. 2004. Estrus synchronization systems: GnRH. Proc. Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Symposium. pp. 41-52. Wisconsin: Journal Articles: Wilson, R. D., K. A. Weigel, P. M. Fricke, J. J. Rutledge, M. L. Leibfried-Rutledge, D. L. Matthews, and V. R. Shutzkus. In vitro production of Holstein embryos using sex-sorted sperm with ova recovered from selected cull cows on commercial dairy farms. J. Dairy Sci. (In press). Navanukraw, C., L. P. Reynolds, J. D. Kirsch, A. T. Grazul-Bilska, D. A. Redmer, and P. M. Fricke. 2004. A modified presynchronization protocol improves fertility to timed artificial insemination in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 87:1551-1557. Fricke, P. M., D. Z. Caraviello, K. A. Weigel, and M. L. Welle. 2003. Fertility of dairy cows after resynchronization of ovulation at three intervals after first timed insemination. J. Dairy Sci. 86:3941-3950. Wilson, R. D., P. M. Fricke, M. L. Leibfried-Rutledge, J.J. Rutledge, C. M. Syverson Penfield, and K. A. Weigel. In vitro production of bovine embryos using sex-sorted sperm. Theriogenology (In press). Book Chapters: Fricke, P. M. and G. C. Lamb. In press. Potential Applications and Pitfalls of Reproductive Ultrasonography in Bovine Practice. In: Vet Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice. G. Frazier (Ed.). Elsevier Inc., Philadelphia, PA. Fricke, P. M. In press. Methods for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Pregnancy in Dairy Cattle and their Implementation. In: Bovine Theriogenology. R. L. de la Sota and G. A. Bo (Eds.). Abstracts: Fricke, P. M. and M. L. Welle. 2003. Resynchronization of ovulation using Ovsynch to induce second timed artificial insemination service in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):52. Fricke, P. M. 2003. Invited: Systems for early identification of nonpregnancy and resynchronization of ovulation in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 86:3805. (Midwest Branch ADSA Meetings, Des Moines, IA, Abstract 63). Navanukraw, C., L. P. Reynolds, A.T. Grazul-Bilska, D. A. Redmer, and P.M. Fricke. 2002. Effect of presynchronization on pregnancy rate to a timed artificial insemination protocol in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):263. Wilson, R. D., K. A. Weigel, P. M. Fricke, M. L. Leibfried-Rutledge, D. L. Matthews, J. J. Rugledge, and V. R. Schutzkus. 2004. In vitro production of Holstein embryos using Beltsville method sex-sorted sperm. J. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):366. Wilson, R. D., K. A. Weigel, P. M. Fricke, M. L. Leibfried-Rutledge, D. L. Matthews, and V. R. Schutzkus. 2004. System for in vitro production with sexed sperm in commercial dairy herds. J. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):258. Wilson, R. D., K. A. Weigel, P. M. Fricke, M. L. Leibfried-Rutledge, D. L. Matthews, and V. R. Schutzkus. 2004. In vitro production of Holstein embryos using sex-sorted semen. Proc. International Embryo Transfer Society (accepted). Wilson, R. D., K. A. Weigel, P. M. Fricke, M. L. Leibfried-Rutledge, D. L. Matthews, and V. R. Schutzkus. 2003. Combining in vitro embryo production and sexed semen technologies. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):118. Extension Proceedings: Fricke, P. M. 2004. Potential applications and pitfalls of ultrasound for managing reproduction in dairy cattle. Proc. Southeast Dairy Herd Management Conference, November 16-17, Macon, GA, pp. 39-52. Fricke, P. M. 2004. Getting lactating dairy cows pregnant: Are problem cows really the problem? Proc. Southeast Dairy Herd Management Conference, November 16-17, Macon, GA, pp. 93-103. Fricke, P. M. 2004. Systematic resynchronization of lactating dairy cows failing to conceive to first postpartum timed artificial insemination. Proc. 20th National Association of Animal Breeders Technical Conference, September 17-18, Milwaukee, WI. Fricke, P. M., D. Z. Caraviello, K. A. Weigel, and M. L. Welle. 2004. Fertility of dairy cows after resynchronization of ovulation at three intervals following first timed insemination. Proc. DIGAL Conference, September 9-10, Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico, pp. 81-102. Fricke, P. M. 2004. Scanning the Future Ultrasonography as a reproductive management tool for dairy cattle. Proc. DIGAL Conference, September 9-10, Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico, pp. 103-123. Fricke, P. M. 2004. The implementation and evolution of timed artificial insemination protocols for reproductive management of lactating dairy cows. Proc. Monsanto Eastern Regional Science Symposium, April 14, Harrisburg, PA, 16 pages. Fricke, P. M. 2004. Synchronization and resynchronization systems for lactating dairy cows. Proc. 4-State Dairy Management Seminars, February 16-19, Norwood Young America, MN; Sheldon, IA; Breese, IL, Arlington, WI. Fricke, P. M. 2004. Synchronization and resynchronization systems for lactating dairy cows. Proc. Leading Producers Conference, January 21, Wisconsin Dells, WI. Fricke, P. M. 2003. Ovsynch, Presynch, Resynch, the Kitchen Synch: An Overview of Timed AI Protocols for Lactating Dairy Cows. Proc. Mid-Atlantic Extension Inservice, June 13, Wilkes-Barre, PA, pp. Fricke, P. M. 2003. Scanning the future: Ultrasound as a reproductive management tool for dairy cattle. Proc. Mid-Atlantic Extension Inservice, June 13, Wilkes-Barre, PA, pp. Fricke, P. M. 2003. Monitoring reproduction from the starting gate. Proc. Western Dairy Management Conference, March 12-14, Reno, NV, pp. 77-87. Fricke, P. M. 2003. Reproductive management - how to conceive and maintain a pregnancy in high genetic merit/liveweight cows on low input systems. Proc. South African Large Herds Conference, February 3-5, Drakensburg, South Africa, pp. 169-183. Fricke, P. M. 2003. USA results - optimizing reproductive efficiencies using practical information on the latest techniques. Proc. South African Large Herds Conference, February 3-5, Drakensburg, South Africa, pp. 99-112. Iowa: Conference Proceedings: Vislisel, J. and Komar, C. (2004) PPAR³ expression in the neonatal rat ovary. Merck Veterinary Summer Scholar Research Program Meeting, Auburn, Alabama. Abstracts: Banerjee, J., Vislisel, J. and Komar, C. M. (2004) Mechanisms involved in the effect of LH on mRNA and protein corresponding to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ³ in the periovulatory rat ovary. Biology of Reproduction. (Suppl 1) 37th meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction. British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Komar, C. M. and Rasweiler IV, J. J. (2004) Highly polarized ovaries of the long-tongued bat a novel model system for studying ovarian development, long-term oocyte storage, folliculogenesis, and ovulation. Serono Symposium: XV Ovarian Workshop, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Tinfo, N. S. and Komar, C. M. (2004) PPAR³ is not a major player in luteal steroidogenesis in the rat. Serono Symposium: XV Ovarian Workshop, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Ohio: Journal Article: Wiltbank, M.C. and J.S. Ottobre. 2003. Regulation of intraluteal production of prostaglandins. Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol. 1:91. Michigan: Journal Articles: Bakke, L.B., Q. Li, C.A. Cassar, M.P.D. Dow, J.R. Pursley and G.W. Smith. 2004. Gonadotropin surge induced differential upregulation of collagenase-1 (MMP-1) and collagenase-3 (MMP-13) mRNA and protein in bovine preovulatory follicles. Biol. Reprod. 71:605-612. Peters, M.W., J.R. Pursley and G. W. Smith. 2004. Inhibition of intrafollicular PGE2 synthesis and ovulation following ultrasound-mediated intrafollicular injection of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor NS-398 in cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 82:1656-1662. Peters, M.W. and J.R. Pursley. 2003. Timing of final GnRH injection of Ovsynch affects ovulatory follicle size, subsequent progesterone concentrations, and fertility. Theriogenology 60:1197-1204.

Impact Statements

Collaborative research has the potential to increase reproductive efficiency in dairy and beef cattle, which will prevent lost income associated with reproductive losses for the producer and increase profitability.
Use of artificial insemination in the beef industry remains low (between 5 and 8% of producers) because of factors such as labor, time, and convenience. We have developed two short (less than 10 days) estrus-synchronization systems that can be utilized by producers with exceptional pregnancy rates. One of those systems (CO-Synch+CIDR) is a fixed-time AI system that requires no detection of estrus, thus providing a protocol that reduces time associated with detection of estrus in beef herds.
Resynchronizing estrus and ovulation in cows detected not pregnant ensures that they are re-inseminated promptly after their not-pregnant status is verified. This practice, which saves time and labor, can be done with a variety of approaches that we are studying.
Results from current and ongoing research have been used to make recommendations to stakeholders and their consultants regarding implementation of systematic synchronization and resynchronization systems for lactating dairy cows.
An alternative method to achieve maximal pregnancy rates with more desirable calves for profitability is to stack technology and transfer embryos of the desired sex.
Increasing percentages of female calves born enhances genetic progress, allows for greater voluntary culling of marginally profitable cows, and may reduce the dependence on purchasing replacements. This could amount to as much as $100,000 per year for a 500-cow dairy herd.

Date of Annual Report: 11/29/2005

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/29/2005 - 09/30/2005
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2004 - 09/01/2005

Participants

Carolyn Komar (Iowa State)ckomar@iastate.edu; Dave Patterson (Missouri) PattersonD@missouri.edu; Rick Funston (Nebraska) rfunston2@unlnotes.unl.edu; George Perry (South Dakota State) george_perry@sdstate.edu; Richard Pursley (Michigan State) pursleyr@pilot.msu.edu; Jeff Stevenson (Kansas State) jstevens@oznet.ksu.edu; Joe Ottobre (Ohio State) ottobre.2@osu.edu; Bob Cushman (USDA MARC) cushman@email.marc.usda.gov; Cliff Lamb (Minnesota) clamb@umn.edu; Carl Dahlen (Minnesota); Rebecca Krisher (Purdue) rkrisher@purdue.edu; Jim Kinder (Ohio State, Dept. Head representative) kinder.15@osu.edu; Sandy Johnson (Kansas State) sandyj@ksu.edu; Deb Hammernik (USDA representative) DHAMERNIK@CSREES.USDA.GOV; Milo Wiltbank (Wisconsin) wiltbank@wisc.edu.

Also present Dave Prentiss (ABS Global).

Brief Summary of Minutes

Summary of Minutes
2005 Annual Meeting of NC1006

December 1, 2006 is our deadline for the rewrite. During this meeting, we must talk about how to handle the rewrite.

I. Discussion of Dairy Project.
Jeff Stevenson discussed the dairy project data, presented on page 5 of his station report.
Analysis of the data is problematic. Kansas data suggests that Kamar overestimates cycling cows (false positives) and underestimates non cycling cows. By ultrasound, we overestimate cows not cycling. By blood progesterone, 9% of cows were not cycling in the Kansas data set.
There are three complete data sets, from Missouri, Kansas and Michigan. About another 300 cattle will be added to the data set, for a grand total of about 1100 cows.
The analysis problem has to do with the model to use. Model = (time of AI)(CIDR). What to do with the cows that were identified incorrectly? Throw them out? Could analyze as 2 experiments, not cycling and cycling. Analyze those incorrectly identified separately.
Well never have enough numbers to look at CIDR in what are truly anestrous cows, partly because we did not reach our goal of 1600 cows in this study.
The other data published is not consistent about this question. There is so much variability between herds that contributes to the variable results. Sometimes the CIDR is beneficial, and sometimes not.

Jeff reported that the first dairy study (NC113) is soon to be submitted.

II. What topics do we want to address in our plan for the next 5 years? What is the most important information to get out there? What is the most critical problem?
Dr. Prentiss presented to us a wish list of things that he sees at ABS that producers need. He sees compliance with the protocol as a major problem. Milo talked about time of breeding post partum. If we delay breeding post partum to 90d, it might be attractive. If we looked at the % pregnant at 150 days, would it be different if cows were bred at 40 or 90 days post partum? But, it is hard to talk people into delaying breeding due to economics.
Are there sire differences in capacitation time that might affect pregnancy rates using heat detection and ovsynch?
Discussion of putting together a protocol sheet like the beef cow/heifer sheet that Dave presented.
Cliff felt like a major problem was what do with open cows after the first AI. How do we get the open cows pregnant? If they are open, do they automatically go into an ovsymch protocol? How do we work these cows back into the schedule? Do you start to resynch before you preg check? We discussed heat check versus resynch after the first breeding. Some pregnant cows get bred. Why are conception rates lower on resynch breedings? Selecting low fertility animals, but why are they low fertility? Why are resynch conception rates so low? Can we improve them?
Richard suggested that for the next application we take advantage of our basic and applied researchers. Do different studies than breeding and preg checking experiments.
Why do we accept 30% preg rate on first breeding?

III. Group Classification.
Do we want to be a NC or NCR group? We have to put our accomplishments into the rewrite with convincing the reviewers in mind. We must emphasize our collaborative and extension components. Many of us have research and extension components of our programs.

IV. Bill Ravlins report.
The rationale of impact statements is because federal dollars are threatened. President proposed complete elimination of hatch funds. Need to demonstrate a return on federal investment to sustain federal dollars. We need to show what we have accompliushed. Demonstrate the potential leveraging of funds that go into the project. We should be able to use impact statements from our annual report in the future. Bill suggested we look at how to write impact statements. We need to include all of our outside funding garnered by the group members, not only federal.
Our rewrite must be done in time for the directors meeting in March 2007.Must be to regional directors office by the end of December, 2006.
The group felt that we fit best with NC.

V. Deb Hammerniks report.
RFA is not yet out. Not a lot of new monies. If the RFA is not out by the end of next week, the deadline will be pushed back. There will be a minimum of 6 weeks between the RFA and the deadline. There has been a narrowing of program priorities. If a proposal does not fit the priorities, it may be returned without review. Talking about a collaboration with NIH, a white paper has been written about agricultural species as biomedical models.

VI. Bill Kinders report.
Talked to us a little more about the type of group we should consider.

VII. Part II of Dairy Study.
Cliff presented. CIDR post AI. Data is presented in the Minnesota station report. Minnesota, Illinois, and Kansas participated. They will publish.

VIII. Beef study.
Cliff presented. Early versus late calving cows, with CIDRs. CIDR helped early cows but controls caught up over the first 30 days. No difference overall in pregnancy rate. Date to conception was different, in that CIDR cows became pregnant earlier. CIDR probably has no effect on non-cycling cows, although in theory there should be. It could be that there is an effect of holding the cows out of estrous. Could be 2 offsetting effects.
All the data is in for the beef project except the progesterone. Then it will be written up. The data needs to be broken into cycling and non cycling cows.
For the next rewrite in beef, what are the questions? For bull bred herds, what is the main concern? Bunching up the calving season. Also advancing the calving age at weaning. Percent pregnant at the end is fine, no need to work on that. The goal is to move it up. Alter the calving distribution. More cows calving at the beginning of the calving season is advantageous. If CIDR advances the calving age only 3 days? Is that beneficial? Considering the labor and hassle of using a CIDR? Would PG do more than a CIDR?

X. Project rewrite.
The consensus is 2 objectives, 1 basic and one applied. Basic objective is to understand the underlying deficiencies. Applied objective includes both dairy and beef.

XI. Station reports
Rick, George, Joe, Rebecca, Milo, Bob, Richard.

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Develop breeding protocols to maximize fertility in lactating cattle. Based on 4 different timings of AI after a CO-Synch + CIDR protocol, inseminations greater than 48 h after PGF2± seemed to produce the greatest conception rates. Although overall pregnancy outcomes after a not-pregnant diagnosis were similar depending on timing of GnRH and AI after PGF2±, the numerically greatest conception rates were achieved when GnRH was administered at 48 h after PGF2± and insemination occurred 24 h later. The ability of estradiol treatment to improve conception rates in cows appears to depend on the expression of estrus, parity, body condition score, and size of the ovultory follicle. Objective 2: Determine the efficacy of using the CIDR to enhance pregnancy rates at a synchronized breeding in cattle and to resynchronize the first eligible estrus in non-pregnant cows after a previous insemination. No fertility advantage was achieved by post insemination administration of progesterone via the CIDR insert. The NC-1006 dairy project shows no advantage for using the CIDR in cows identified to be noncycling based on one ultrasonographic ovarian evaluation. Best conception rates were achieved when GnRH was administered at 48 h after PGF2± and inseminations occurred 24 h later. Insertion of a CIDR between 5 and 21 days or 14 and 21 days after TAI in suckled beef cows enhances the percentage of cows that express estrus during a shorter duration. However, conception rates to the return estrus appears to be compromised compared to controls. Overall pregnancy rates after two AI services was similar among treatments regardless of whether cows received a CIDR between 5 and 21 days after TAI. Insertion of a CIDR prior to the breeding season in suckled beef cows does not enhance overall pregnancy rates, but does alter the average fetal age and the percentage of females pregnant within the first 10 days of the breeding season. Treatment of beef cows with CIDR at about 40 days post-partum provides an approach to reduce the herd calving interval, gain a more uniform calf-crop, and to breed more cows earlier during the following breeding season. Additional treatment wtih GnRH or ECP does not appear to improve the ovulatory response of that of CIDR alone. Objective 2A. The follicle from which an oocyte is derived influences developmental competence of the mammalian oocyte. We are just beginning to understand mechanisms occurring within the oocyte that impact development of the subsequent embryo. We hypothesize that in cattle, synchronization and superovulation regimens may affect not only ovarian dynamics but oocyte quality as well. In addition, implementation of these regimens must take oocyte viability into consideration as a major factor influencing subsequent embryo development, pregnancy rate and maintenance of pregnancy. We propose to examine the relationship of follicular development under the influence of the Ovsynch protocol on resultant oocyte and embryo quality. We have further elucidated the mechanisms of meiosis and cytoplasmic maturation in porcine oocytes. Glucose metabolism is critical for both the initiation of nuclear maturation, and is also reflective of developmental potential. We have isolated and identified 5 proteins that are differentially present in oocytes of low and high developmental potential, possibly reflecting mechanisms involved in the acquisition of developmental competence. We have begun efforts to identify differentially expressed genes in oocytes of low and high quality as well. This research will allow scientists to develop markers of oocyte quality that can be used to identify oocytes before embryo transfer that will be more likely to result in healthy offspring. Objective 2C. The relationship between reproduction and nutrition has been well documented. However, little is understood about the micro effects of nutrition on embryo quality and production or on follicle development in cattle during superovulation. A 3-yr study was conducted with spring-born heifers (n = 240) to determine the effects of developing heifers to either 55 or 60% of mature BW at breeding on reproduction and calf production responses. Cow and calf production variables were evaluated through the third gestation. Spring-born heifers reached 53 or 58% of mature BW at breeding and had similar reproduction and first calf production traits. Developing spring-born heifers to 53% of mature BW did not adversely affect reproduction or calf production traits compared to developing heifers to 58% of mature BW and decreased development costs. A 3 yr experiment evaluated the effects of maternal nutrition on growth and reproductive performance of heifer calves. Supplementing cows with protein during late gestation resulted in heifers that were heavier at weaning and breeding, had higher pregnancy rates (93 vs. 80%), and calved earlier. Allowing cows to graze meadows after calving improved calf weaning weight but not heifer reproductive performance. Heifers from cows that were fed hay after calving had reduced DMI and improved residual feed intake if their dams were supplemented with protein during gestation, but ADG and G:F were not affected by dam supplementation or spring feeding strategies. Objective 2D. In addition to development of new treatments to control follicular development, a better understanding of the basic mechanisms controlling follicular development will provide future insight to new improved treatment regimens. Studies will be conducted to examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling ovarian follicular development We have sequenced a 296 base pair portion of the message for ovine SVCT1 and a 1860 base pair portion of the message for ovine SVCT2. This information will allow for the complete sequencing of ovine SVCT1 and 2, and investigation if the role of SVCT2 in luteal function and regression. Period 1 (Per1) is a clock gene thought to be involved in circadean rhythms; however, Per1 was recently identified in mouse oocyte, although no role for Per1 in ovarian function is known. We have generated primers for bovine Per1 and using real-time RT-PCR evaluated its expression in the ovine and bovine ovary and mapped it to BTA 19 where there is an ovulation rate QTL. Per1 maps 20 cM from the ovulation rate QTL and its expression is not increased in Twinner cows or Romanov sheep. Its expression in the ovary does not change with day of the estrous cycle or during activation in the bovine cortical culture. In situ hybridization confirmed that Per1 localizes to the oocyte in cattle. In a preliminary study with a very small number of seasonally anestrous ewes, Per1 expression was greatly decreased as compared to in the cycling ewe.We plan to pursue the Per1 expression work in anestrous and cycling cows and ewes with an eye toward understanding what further oocyte-specific factors might be influenced in the anestrous ruminant (i.e MATER, GDF-9, BMP-15, ZAR1). Conception rates were not improved by the addition of an injection of GnRH at time of insemination following detection in standing estrus. Therefore, there is no benefit to the addition of an injection of GnRH at time of insemination when animals have been detected in standing estrus. Preovulatory concentrations of estradiol may not only initiate standing estrus, but may play a role in fertility through regulation of the uterine environment at the time of insemination. FUTURE WORK (MN) Obtain preliminary date regarding whether tranferring sexed whole, half, or quarter embryos will yield acceptable pregnancy rates at a fixed time embryo transfer in nulliparous Holstein heifers. (MN) Determine if the superovulatory response to exogenous FSH in beef cows is enhanced by the administration of an anti-inhibin antibody. (SD) Continue to investigate how follicle size and preovulatory concentrations of estradiol can influence the uterine environment around the time of insemination. (OH) Complete the sequencing of ovine SVCT1 and 2 and compare concentrations of mRNA for SVCTs between CL before and after acquisition of luteolytic capacity. (IA) To determine if agonists/antagonists of PPAR³ can influence follicular and/or luteal development in cattle, and investigate how activation of PPAR³ via dietary nutrients may affect the ovarian cycle and early embryonic survival. (NE MARC) Pursue the Per1 expression in anestrous and cycling cows and ewes with an eye toward understanding what further oocyte-specific factors might be influenced in the anestrous ruminant (i.e MATER, GDF-9, BMP-15, ZAR1). We (KS) have begun testing various different Presynch-like treatments with the objective to increase the proportion of cows on days 5 to 10 of the estrous cycle at the time the Ovsynch protocol is then applied. We (KS) have a study ongoing in which we are examining ovarian and fertility responses in replacement heifers presynchronized to five stages of the estrous cycle and then treated with various CIDR-based systems with and without upfront GnRH injections and Lutalyse injections at 0 or 24 h before CIDR insert removal. We (KS) have completed testing of various treatments after more than 2800 inseminations that should increase progesterone in vivo with the hypothesis that increasing progesterone during the early luteal phase will improve fertility. Our station (IN) plans to continue to examine oocyte competency. We plan to continue our metabolic, genomic and proteomic approached to further elucidate mechanisms of oocyte developmental competence. We also plan to use mice as a model organism in our genomic work. (NE) Research is currently being conducted to determine if feeding MGA to heifers before placing with bulls will increase pregnancy rates when heifers are developed to 50% of mature weight at breeding. Research is continuing on the effect of late gestation dam nutrition and subsequent growth and reproductive performance in heifer calves. Cows will be either grazed on winter range or cornstalks with or without protein supplementation in late gestation. Subsequent growth and reproductive performance of heifer calves will be evaluated. Research is being planned to evaluate low input heifer development systems and subsequent reproductive performance. Heifer calves will be developed on winter range or cornstalks with protein supplementation, or in the feedlot. Target breeding weights for heifers developed in the feedlot will be approximately 65% of mature weight, heifers developed on cornstalks and winter range are expected to be lighter. Heifers will be synchronized with MGA/PGF, observed for estrus and artificially inseminated. Heifers will be placed with bulls for approximately 45 d after AI. (MI) Develop a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for quantification of Y-chromosome bearing sperm in cattle.

Publications

OHIO Conference Proceedings Ceddia, R.P., M.P. Wick, and J.S. Ottobre. 2005. Sodium dependent vitamin C transporter in the sheep corpus luteum: sequence analysis. In: Society for the Study of Reproduction 38th Annual Meeting. Biol. Reprod. Special Issue. July 24-27, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Abstract W513. p.195. NEBRASKA Handbooks, Technical Bulletins, Theses, Dissertations, and Circulars Harris, H.L. 2005. Utilization of soybeans or corn milling co-products in beef heifer development diets. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Nebraska, Lincoln. Stalker, L.A. 2005. Protein and energy supplements in range beef production systems. Ph.D. Diss., Univ. Nebraska, Lincoln. Harris, H.L., A.S. Cupp, K.W. Creighton, R.L. Davis, J.R. Teichert, and R.N. Funston. 2005. Reproductive response in heifers fed soybeans during post weaning development. NE Beef Report. Martin, J.L., K.A.Vonnahme, G.P. Lardy, D.C. Adams, R.N. Funston. 2006. Effects of dam nutrition on growth and reproductive performance of heifer calves. NE Beef Report (in press) Journal Articles and Abstracts Funston, R.N. and G.H. Deutscher. 2004. Comparison of target breeding weight and breeding date for replacement beef heifers and effects on subsequent reproduction and calf performance. J. Anim. Sci. 82:3094. Funston, R.N., R.J. Lipsey, T.W. Geary, and R.P. Ansotegui. 2004. Evaluation of three estrous synchronization protocols in beef heifers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 20:384. Harris, H.L., A.S. Cupp, and R.N. Funston. 2004. Altered reproductive response in beef heifers fed soybeans during late pubertal development. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (Suppl. 2):86. Funston, R.N., R.J. Lipsey, T.W. Geary, and A.J. Roberts. 2005. Effect of administration of human chorionic gonadotropin after artificial insemination on concentrations of progesterone and conception rates in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 83:1403. Conference Proceedings Olson, J.L., A.J. Roberts, R.P. Ansotegui, J.A. Paterson, and R.N. Funston. 2004. Efficacy of an intravaginal progesterone insert and an injection of PGF2± to advance date of breeding in postpartum beef cows while utilizing natural service. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 55:11. Funston, R.N. 2004. Nutrition and reproduction interactions. Proc. Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. North Platte, NE. Pp. 132-146. Stalker, L.A., D.C. Adams, T.J. Klopfenstein, and R.N. Funston. 2005. Effects of pre- and postpartum nutrition on reproduction in spring calving cows and calf feedlot performance. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:40. Harris, H.L., A.S. Cupp, and R.N. Funston. 2005. Utilization of whole soybeans or corn milling co-products in beef heifer development diets. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 56:317. Electronic Publications Funston, R.N. 2004. Fat supplementation and reproduction in beef females. J. Anim. Sci. 82(E. Suppl): E154-E161. INDIANA Journal Articles Herrick, J.R., Behboodi, E., Memili, E., Blash, S., Echelard, Y., Krisher, R.L. In press. Metabolism, protein content and in vitro embryonic development of goat cumulus-oocyte complexes matured with physiological concentrations of glucose and L-lactate. Mol. Reprod. Dev. Abstracts Krisher, R.L. 2005. Inhibition of the pentose phosphate pathway results in meiotic arrest in porcine oocytes that can be overcome by the addition of pathway cofactors and end products. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 17:293 (abstr. 287). Tubman, L., Peter, A., Krisher, R.L. 2005. Effect of energy substrates on metabolism and meiosis of porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 17:301 (abstr. 301). Paczkowski, M., Terry, D., Krisher, R. 2005. Differential Protein Expression of In Vitro Matured Porcine Oocytes Derived from Gilts and Sows. Biol. Reprod. Special Issue 2005 abstr. 526:197. Tubman, L., Peter, A., Krisher, R.L. In Press. Pentose phosphate pathway activity controls nuclear maturation of porcine oocytes. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. KANSAS Books and Articles Within Edited Books Stevenson, J. S., and D. L. Davis. 2004. Estrus Synchronization: Cattle. A. W. Bell and W. G. Pond (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Animal Science, Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, pp. 349-352. Davis, D. L. and J. S. Stevenson. 2004. Estrus Synchronization: Horses, Pigs, Sheep, and Goats. A. W. Bell and W. G. Pond (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Animal Science, Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, pp. 353-355 Stevenson, J. S. 2005. Breeding strategies to optimize reproductive efficiency in dairy herds. Vet. Clinics No. Amer. Food Anim. Pract. 21(2):349-365. Handbooks, Technical Bulletins, Theses, Dissertations, and Circulars Portaluppi, M. A. 2004. Pregnancy rates in lactating dairy cows after presynchronization of estrous cycles and variations of the Ovsynch protocol. M.S. Thesis, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan. Journal Articles and Abstracts Portaluppi, M. A., and J. S. Stevenson. 2005. Pregnancy rates in lactating dairy cows after presynchronization of estrous cycles and variations of the Ovsynch protocol. J. Dairy Sci. 88:914-921. Stevenson, J. S., and A. P. Phatak. 2005. Inseminations at estrus induced by presynchronization before application of synchronized estrus and ovulation. J. Dairy Sci. 88:399-405. Stevenson, J. S., and S. M. Tiffany. 2004. Resynchronizing estrus and ovulation after not-pregnant diagnosis and various ovarian states including cysts. J. Dairy Sci. 87:3658-3664. IOWA Journal Articles and Abstracts SCANES, C.G., S. JEFTINIJA, A. GLAVASKI-JOKSIMOVIC, J. PROUDMAN, C. ARÁMBURO and L.L. ANDERSON. 2005. The anterior pituitary gland: lessons from livestock. Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Farm Animal Endocrinology, July 4-6, 2004, Budapest, Hungary. DOMESTIC ANIMAL ENDOCRINOLOGY 29:23-33. ANDERSON, L.L., S. JEFTINIJA, C.G. SCANES, M.H. STROMER, J.-S. LEE, K. JEFTINIJA and A. GLAVASKI-JOKSIMOVIC. 2005. Physiology of ghrelin and related peptides. Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Farm Animal Endocrinology, July 4-6, 2004, Budapest, Hungary. DOMESTIC ANIMAL ENDOCRINOLOGY 29:111-144. WILHELMS, K.W., S.A. CUTLER, J.A. PROUDMAN, L.L. ANDERSON and C.G. SCANES. 2005. Effects of atrazine on sexual maturation in female Japanese quail induced by photostimulation or exogenous gonadotropin. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY (In press). WILHELMS, K.W., S.A. CUTLER, J.A. PROUDMAN, L.L. ANDERSON and C.G. SCANES. 2005. Atrazine and the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in the sexually maturing precocial bird: studies in male Japanese quail. TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES 86:152-160. BOHAN, M.M., G. JANDA, L. ANDERSON, A. TRENKLE and D. BEITZ. 2005. Effect of dietary macronutrients on appetite-related hormones in blood on body composition of lean and obese rats. FASEB J. 19:A76. (San Diego) ANDERSON, L.L., A. GLAVASKI-JOKSIMOVIC, K. JEFTINIJA, C.G. SCANES and S. JEFTINIJA. 2005. Effect of motilin on calcium transient in isolated porcine pituitary cells. 35th Annual Meeting of the SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE, November 12-16, 2005. PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE Abstract 433. (Washington, D.C.) LEE, J.-S., M.H. STROMER, S. JEFTINIJA, K. JEFTINIJA, C.G. SCANES and L.L. ANDERSON. 2005. Immunocytochemical distribution of somatotrophs, mammotrophs and mammosomatotrophs in porcine anterior pituitary. 45th Annual Meeting of the AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CELL BIOLOGY, December 10-14, 2005, Moscone Convention Center. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL 14:Suppl.1: (San Francisco) Tinfo, Nicole and Komar, Carolyn M. (2005) A role for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor in cell survival, not steroid production, in luteal tissue from the rat. In preparation. Banerjee, J., Long, M. J. and Komar, C. M. (2005) Effects of LH on PPAR in the rat ovary before and after the gonadotropin surge. Reproduction. In press Komar, C. M. (2005) Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and ovarian function - implications for regulating steroidogenesis, differentiation, and tissue remodeling. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 31: 41 Komar, C. M. (2005) Initiation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor expression in the neonatal rat ovary. Biology of Reproduction. 73 (Suppl 1) #463. Conference Proceedings Pugh, M.L., M.B. Moreira, G.R. Gilbert and C.R. Youngs. 2004. Influence of prostaglandin F2a synthesis inhibitors on pregnancy rate of embryo transfer recipient heifers. Proc. 15th Int'l. Cong. Anim. Reprod. 2:399. Youngs, C.R., A.M. Powers-Meyer, M.G. Wonderlich and M.B. Moreira. 2004. The effect of cloprostenol or dinoprost, administered at two different sites, on the expression of estrus in postpartum dairy cattle. Proc. 15th Int'l. Cong. Anim. Reprod. 1:60. Electronic Publications Godke, R.A. and C.R. Youngs. 2004. Biotechnology: Embryo Technology for Cattle. In (W. Pond, Ed.) Encyclopedia of Animal Science (on-line). Marcel Dekker, New York, NY, DOI:10.1081/E-EAS 120019483, pp. 136-138. MICHIGAN Books and Articles Within Edited Books Pursley, J. R. and Bello, N. M. 2004. Synchronization of ovulation strategies in dairy cattle using PGF2a and GnRH. Submitted. Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenolgy. Journal Articles and Abstracts Li, Q., L. J. Baake, J. R. Pursley, and G. W. Smith. 2004. Localization and temporal regulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 3 and 4 in bovine preovulatory follicles. Reproduction, Nov; 128(5): 555-564. Bakke, L.B., Q. Li, C.A. Cassar, M.P.D. Dow, J.R. Pursley and G.W. Smith. 2004. Gonadotropin surge induced differential upregulation of collagenase-1 (MMP-1) and collagenase-3 (MMP-13) mRNA and protein in bovine preovulatory follicles. Biol. of Reprod. 71:605-612. Peters, M.W., J.R. Pursley and G. W. Smith. 2004. Inhibition of intrafollicular PGE2 synthesis and ovulation following ultrasound-mediated intrafollicular injection of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor NS-398 in cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 82:1656-1662. Macfarlane, M., B. Macfarlane, and J. R. Pursley. 2004. Effect of prolonged in vivo incubation of sperm from high and low fertility bulls on pregnancy survival in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):368. (Abstr.) Macfarlane, M., B. Macfarlane, and J. R. Pursley. 2004. Prolonged in vivo incubation of sperm affects fertility of lactating dairy cows and gender ratio of resulting offspring. J. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):370. (Abstr.) Pursley, J. R. 2004. Deep uterine horn AI improves fertility of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):372. (Abstr.) M.G .Diskin1, R Pursley2, D.A. Kenny3 J.F Mee4 and J.M. Sreenan1. 2004. The effect of deep intrauterine placement of semen on conception rate in dairy cows. Teagasc Research Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland. 2Dept. of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1225, USA. 3Faculty of Agriculture, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. 4Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy Co. Cork, Ireland. J. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):257. (Abstr.) Conference Proceedings Pursley, JR. 2004. Preventing pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows. Michigan Veterinary Conference. Electronic Publications Pursley, JR. 2004. Ovsynch: Common Questions Answered. Michigan Dairy Review. Volume 9, No. 2. Pursley, JR. 2004. Seven Surefire Ways to Improve Fertility of Dairy Cows. Michigan Dairy Review. Volume 9, No. 4. NEBRASKA / MARC Journal Articles and Abstracts Cushman, R. A., M. F. Allan, G. D. Snowder, R. M. Thallman, and S. E. Echternkamp. 2005. Evaluation of ovulation rate and ovarian phenotype in puberal heifers from a cattle population selected for increased ovulation rate. J Anim Sci 83: 1839-1844. Gigli, I., R. A. Cushman, C. M. Wahl, and J. E. Fortune. 2005. Evidence for a role for anti-mullerian hormone in the suppression of follicle activation in mouse ovaries and bovine ovarian cortex grafted beneath the chick chorioallantoic membrane. Mol Reprod Dev 71: 480-488. Cushman RA, Allan MF, Christenson RK, Echternkamp SE. Differential gene expression in the ovarian cortex of cattle selected for multiple ovulations. Biol Reprod 2005; 72(Suppl 1):483. Echternkamp SE, Cushman RA, Christenson RK. Increased mRNA expression for FSH receptor in small antral follicles in the ovarian cortex of twin-producing cattle. Biol Reprod 2005; 72(Suppl 1):53. Cushman RA, Allan MF, Snowder GD, Thallman RM, Echternkamp SE. Evaluation of ovulation rate and ovarian phenotype in puberal heifers from a cattle population selected for multiple births. J Anim Sci 2005; 83(Suppl 1):229. Snowder GD, Cushman RA, Allan MF, Thallman, Echternkamp SE. Heritability estimates for bilateral ovulations in heifers. J Anim Sci 2005; 83(Suppl 1):18. SOUTH DAKOTA Journal Articles Perry, G. A., M. F. Smith, M. C. Lucy, J.A. Green, Parks, T. E., A. J. Roberts, M. D. MacNeil and T. W. Geary. 2005. Relationship between follicle size at ovulation and pregnancy success in beef cattle. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 102(14):5268-5273. Perry, G. A., W. V. Welshons, R. C. Bott and M. F. Smith. 2005. Basis of melengestrol acetate action as a progestin. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 28(2):146-161. Abstracts Perry, G. A., and D. C. Busch. 2005. Effect of ovulatory follicle size and standing estrus on estradiol concentrations, LH surge, and ovulation. J. Anim. Sci. 83(suppl 1): 217 (abstr 306) Salverson, R. R., H. H. Patterson, G. A. Perry, and M. L. Gibson. 2005. Evaluation of performance and costs of two heifer development systems. J. Anim. Sci. 83 (Suppl 2): 128 (abstr 111) Patterson H. H., P. S. Johnson, G. A. Perry, and R. N. Gates. 2005. Effects of sulfates in water on performance of cow-calf pairs. J. Anim. Sci. 83 (Suppl. 2):130 (abstr 117) Burkhart M. N., H. A. Garverick, J. L. Juengel, P. Smith, D. A. Heath, G. A. Perry, and M. F. Smith. 2005. Localization of proteins encoding estrogen receptors (ER) ± and ² during later development of bovine fetal ovaries. Bio. Reprod. abstr 463 Garverick H. A., J. L. Juengel, P. Smith, D. A. Heath, M. N. Burkhart, J. L. Schenk, M. F. Smith, G. A. Perry, and K. P. McNatty. 2005. mRNA and protein expression of P450 aromatase (arom) and estrogen receptors (ER) ± and ² during early development of bovine fetal ovaries. Bio. Reprod. abstr 467 Conference Proceedings Salverson, R. R., H. H. Patterson, G. A. Perry, and M. L. Gibson. 2005. Evaluation of performance and costs of two heifer development systems. Proceedings of the Western Section American Society of Animal Science. La Cruces, NM, June 22-24 2005 56:409-412. Patterson H. H., P. S. Johnson, G. A. Perry, and R. N. Gates. 2005. Effects of sulfates in water on performance of cow-calf pairs. Proceedings of the Western Section American Society of Animal Science. La Cruces NM, June 22-24 2005 56:451-453. Perry, G. A. Fertility of natural vs synchronized estrus. Proceedings of the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop. North Platte, NE. September 1-2, 2004. p. 86-98. Patterson, D. J., F. N. Kojima, J. E. Stegner, G. A. Perry, D. J. Schafer, and M. F. Smith. 2004. Review of estrus synchronization systems: MGA. Proceedings of the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop. North Platte, NE. September 1-2, 2004. p. 53-73. WISCONSIN Journal articles Lopez H, Caraviello DZ, Satter LD, Fricke PM, Wiltbank MC. Relationship between level of milk production and multiple ovulations in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2005;88:2783-2793. Lopez H, Sartori R, Wiltbank MC, 2005. Reproductive hormones and follicular growth during development of one or multiple dominant follicles. Biology of Reproduction 72:788-795. Gumen A, Wiltbank MC, 2005. Length of progesterone exposure needed to resolve large follicle anovular condition in dairy cows. Theriogenology 63:202-218. Rastani RR, Grummer RR, Sertics SJ, Gumen A, Wiltbank MC, Mashek DG, Schwab MC, 2005. Reducing dry period length to simplify feeding transition cows: Milk production energy balance, and metabolic profiles. Journal of Dairy Science 88:1004-1014. Diaz FJ, Wiltbank MC, 2005. Acquisition of luteolytic capacity involves differential regulation by prostaglandin F2a of genes involved in progesterone biosynthesis in the porcine corpus luteum. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 28:172-189. Lopez H, Satter LD, Wiltbank MC, 2004. A brief report on the relationship between level of milk production and estrous behavior of lactating diary cows. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 88:359-363. Mattos R, Staples CR, Arteche A, Wiltbank MC, Diaz FJ, Jenkins TC, Thatcher WW, 2004. The effects of feeding fish oil on uterine secretion of PGF2a, milk composition, and metabolic status of periparturient Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science 87:921-932. Sartori R, Haughian JM, Shaver RD, Rosa GJM, Wiltbank MC, 2004. Comparison of ovarian function and circulating steroids in estrous cycles of Holstein heifers and lactating cows. Journal of Dairy Science 87:905-920. Gibson TC, Phernetton TM, Wiltbank MC, Magness RR, 2004. Development and use of an ovarian synchronization model to study the effects of endogenous estrogen and nitric oxide on uterine blood flow during ovarian cycles in sheep. Biology of Reproduction 70:1886-1894. Lopez H, Satter LD, Wiltbank MC, 2004. Relationship between level of milk production and estrous behavior of lactating dairy cows. Animal Reproduction Science 81:209-223. Haughian JM, Ginther OJ, Kot K, Wiltbank MC, 2004. Relationships between FSH patterns and follicular dynamics and the temporal associations among hormones in natural and GnRH-induced gonadotropin surges in heifers. Reproduction 127:23-33. Lopez H, Wu Z, Satter LD, Wiltbank MC, 2004. Effect of dietary phosphorus concentration on estrous behavior of lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology 61:437-445. Lopez H, Kanitz FD, Moreira VR, Wiltbank MC, Satter LD, 2004. Effect of dietary phosphorus on performance of lactating diary cows: Milk production and cow health. Journal of Dairy Science 87:139-145. Lopez H, Kanitz FD, Moreira VR, Satter LD, Wiltbank MC, 2004. Reproductive performance of dairy cows fed two concentrations of phosphorus. Journal of Dairy Science 87:146-157. Diaz FJ, Wiltbank MC, 2004. Acquisition of luteolytic capacity: Changes in prostaglandin F2a regulation of steroid hormone receptor and estradiol biosynthesis in pig corpora lutea. Biology of Reproduction 70:1333-1339. MINNESOTA Journal Articles: Larson, J.E., G.C. Lamb, J.S. Stevenson, S.K. Johnson, M.L. Day, T.W. Geary, D.J. Kesler, J.M. DeJarnette, F.N. Schrick, A. DiCostanzo, and J.D. Arseneau. 2005. Synchronization of estrus in suckled beef cows for detected estrus and artificial insemination and (or) timed AI using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), prostaglandin F2a (PG), and progesterone (CIDR): J. Anim. Sci. 83 (In Press #E2005-333). Lamb, G.C., J.A. Cartmill, and J.S. Stevenson. 2004. Effectiveness of Select Synch (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2a) for synchronizing estrus in replacement beef heifers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 20:27-33. Wheaton, J.E., G.C. Lamb. 2005. Induction of cyclicity in postpartum anestrous beef cows using progesterone, GnRH and estradiol cypionate (ECP). Theriogenology (Submitted). Book Chapters Fricke, P.M. and G.C. Lamb. 2005. Potential Applications and Pitfalls of Reproductive Ultrasonography in Bovine Practice. In: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice pp 419-436. Elsevier Inc. Philadelphia, PA. Conference Proceedings Lamb, G.C. 2004. Estrus synchronization systems CIDR. In: Proc. Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. North Platte, NE. Pp 75-85. Lamb, G.C. 2004. Beef estrous synchronization systems. In: Proc. NAAB 58th Technical Conference. Lamb G.C. 2004. Synchronization of estrus in embryo transfer recipients using CIDRs and GnRH. In: Proc. AETA Annual Conference (In press). Lamb, G.C. 2004. Factors influencing reproductive efficiency in beef herds. In: Proc. VIII Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. Pp 161-173. Lamb, G.C. 2004. Estrous synchronization using the CIDR and GnRH. In: Proc. VIII Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. Pp 215-224. Lamb, G.C. 2004. Donor and recipient factors affecting embryo transfer programs. In: Proc. VIII Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. Pp 247-255. Lamb, G.C. and P.M. Fricke. 2004. Ultrasound Early Pregnancy Diagnosis and Fetal Sexing. In: Proc. Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. North Platte, NE. Pp 219-229.

Impact Statements

Developing spring-born heifers to 53% of mature BW did not adversely affect reproduction or calf production traits compared to developing heifers to 58% of mature BW and decreased development costs. Reducing target breeding weight by 5% while maintaining pregnancy rates can potentially lower a producers feed costs by $27 per female. Supplementing pregnant females at the optimum time with a correctly balanced and cost efficient supplement can eliminate excess feed costs.
An increased understanding of oocyte competence will allow us to design estrous synchronization and superstimulation protocols to best support high oocyte quality, resulting in increased reproductive efficiency.
Timing of AI after CO-Synch + CIDR to maximize fertility can range from 56 to 64 h.
Resynchronizing estrus and ovulation in cows detected not pregnant ensures that they are re-inseminated promptly after their not-pregnant status is verified.
Defining ovine sequences for vitamin C transporters are important in furthering studies of the regulation of SVCT proteins and vitamin C concentrations in the CL of the sheep.
Identification of genes expressed by oocytes will elucidate the mechanisms involved in follicle/oocyte maturation which is critical to developing methods to induce ovulation resulting in the release of a fertile gamete. In addition, determining the oocyte-specific genes involved in early embryonic development in cattle will help to improve management of the postpartum cow.
It is estimated that more than 50 % of dairy farms in the U.S. use Ovsynch as a tool to manage dairy cow reproduction. The dissemiation of our research regarding these protocols to veterinarians, dairy producers, AI and pharmaceutical industry consultants have led to the acceptance of Ovsynch and other synchronization programs in the dairy industry.
The expression of PPAR has been detected in ovarian tissue from cattle. This transcription factor can mediate the effect of diet on gene expression. Therefore, understanding the role of PPAR may elucidate how diet and metabilic status influences female fertility.
Insemination of cows that have not seen a preovulatory rise in estradiol may have decreased pregnancy rates as a result of improper uterine environment at time of insemination.
We have developed two short estrous synchronization systems that can be utilized by producers with exceptional pregnancy rates. One system is a fixed-timed AI system that requires no detection of estrus, therefore reducing the time associated with heat detection in beef herds.
We have demonstrated that non-pregnant cows can be effectively resynchronized wih a CIDR and inseminated within a short window of time after CIDR removal which will reduce the time associated with daily estrus detection.

Date of Annual Report: 09/30/2006

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/14/2006 - 09/15/2006
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2005 - 09/01/2006

Participants

Representatives from 11 stations were present at the Annual Meeting. E-mail addresses are provided in the minutes.

1. Kansas State University Jeff Stevenson
2. University of Nebraska Rick Funston
3. USDA-MARC Robert Cushman
4. South Dakota State University George Perry
5. University of Minnesota Cliff Lamb and Karl Thielen (Graduate Student)
6. Iowa State University Carolyn Komar
7. University of Missouri Allen Garverick
8. University of Illinois Darrel Kesler
9. University of Kentucky Bill Silvia
10. Purdue University Rebecca Krisher
11. University of Wisconsin Paul Fricke
12. USDA Representative Deb Hamernik
13. Department Head Advisor Jim Kinder

Not Present were
1. Michigan State University Richard Pursley
2. The Ohio State University Joe Ottobre
3. Administrative Advisor Bill Ravlin (Bill Koshar joined us on a conference call)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Jeff Stevenson reported on the progress of the dairy collaborative project. There are still a few stations that need to get data to Jeff and a few that need to further define the data that Jeff has received. Jeff also presented his station report because of prior commitments to attend the NAAB meeting; he would not be available to present his report on Friday.

Cliff Lamb reported on the progress of the Beef collaborative project. Data has been collected and summarized and was presented at the 2006 annual ASAS meeting. The manuscript is being prepared.

Discussion turned to whether the group wanted to submit a new proposal to continue as a NC group. For the dairy side of the project, Milo Wiltbank has decided to leave the NC-1006 group and Allen Garverick will not be continuing in the group after the current proposal ends in 2007.

A lengthy discussion occurred over the insensitivity of the last collaborative projects and the last rewrite. In performing collaborative projects there is a tremendous amount of graduate student labor that is committed, but graduate students cannot use these projects as their thesis work creating addition work for the student and the advisor. Expectations from the last rewrite varied from the different review groups, and a tremendous amount of detail was required for the collaborative projects.

After a lengthy discussion on whether the group wanted to continue and the potential effect on funding to individual stations if NC-1006 did not continue, the group eventually decided to submit a new five-year project proposal (Cliff Lamb made a motion that NC-1006 submit a new five-year project/Rebecca Krisher seconded the motion/the motion passed unanimously). It was decided that we need 1 person to compile all the sections of the proposal. However, everyone will contribute a description of their collaborative projects to the proposal. Cliff Lamb and Paul Fricke volunteered to take the lead on the assembly of the proposal and Jeff Stevenson volunteered to write the justification.

The next few hours were spent on developing 2 objectives. These objectives were agreed on 1) Elucidation of mechanisms effecting reproductive efficiency in cattle and 2) Development of reliable, efficient, and economical breeding protocols for cattle. It was decided by the group that instead of having 1 project that was replicated over several stations, several stations would team together to complete more specific projects for the proposed objectives.

Deb Hamernik gave a report on USDA and changes that are occurring this year with NRI proposals.

Jim Kinder gave a report over the submission and review process for the new NC-1006 proposal.

Before adjourning for the evening the group decided to meet next year in St. Louis on September 6th and 7th at any hotel beside the current one. Allen Garverick volunteered to find a better hotel and to make the reservations for about 15 rooms. To facilitate station reports, Allen volunteered to bring a LCD projector next year.

Friday, September 15:
The group continued its meeting Friday morning with station reports.

Station Reports need to be emailed to Paul Fricke by Friday September 22.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 am.

Name - Station - email address
George Perry, South Dakota, george.perry@sdstate.edu
Allen Garverick, Missouri, garverickh@missouri.edu
Deb Hamernik, USDA-CSREES, dhamernik@csrees.usda.gov
Rebecca Krisher, Indiana, rKrisher@purdue.edu
Cliff Lamb, Minnesota, clamb@umn.edu
Paul Fricke, Wisconsin, pmfricke@wisc.edu
Bob Cushman, USDA-MARC, cushman@email.marc.usda.gov
Jeff Stevenson, Kansas, jss@ksu.edu
Bill Silvia, Kentucky, wsilvia@uky.edu
Darrel Kesler, Illinois, djkesler@uiuc.edu
Carolyn Komar, Iowa, ckomar@iastate.edu
Jim Kinder, Ohio, kinder.15@osu.edu
Rick Funston, Nebraska, rfunston2@unl.edu

This group represents 5.95 FTEs of research, 1.85 FTEs of teaching, and 2.20 FTEs of extension.

Accomplishments

Collaborative studies: Cooperative Dairy Project (Station participants: Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) Hypotheses 1. Noncycling dairy cows can be identified by heat-detection patches (Kamar), or 1 or 2 transrectal ultrasonographic ovarian exams. 2. Noncycling dairy cows have improved pregnancy rates after treatment with progesterone and GnRH. 3. Altering timing of AI relative to an Ovsynch-like protocol will maximize pregnancy rates in noncycling and cycling dairy cows. Objectives 1. To determine whether noncycling dairy cows: a. Can be identified accurately by use of a heat-detection patch (Kamar). b. Can be identified accurately by 1 (10 days before timed AI or TAI) or 2 (3 and 10 days before TAI) ultrasonographic exams. c. Pregnancy rates can be improved by insertion of an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR) in conjunction with an Presynch + Ovsynch ovulation-synchronization breeding protocol. d. Pregnancy rates can be improved by altering timing of AI to occur concurrent with GnRH or 24 h after GnRH injection. e. Pregnancy loss may be reduced by previous exposure to the CIDR or altered timing of TAI. 2. To ascertain whether pregnancy rates and pregnancy loss of cycling dairy cows are improved by altering timing of AI to occur concurrent with GnRH or 24 h after GnRH injection. Experimental Approach All cows will receive 2 injections of PGF2± 14 days apart, with the second injection given 14 days before initiating the Ovsynch protocol [first Presynch injections should begin between 30 and 40 days postpartum so first services (TAI) occur from 67-68 to 80-81days]. Noncycling cows. One-half of the noncycling cows verified by ultrasound ovarian exam on day 28 of the protocol (first injection of GnRH) will be treated for 7 days with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR) during the first 7 days of the Ovsynch protocol and one-half will serve as controls without the CIDR insert. Within each group of noncycling cows (CIDR vs. no CIDR), cows will be re-randomized to be inseminated: 1) concurrently with the injection of GnRH at 48 h after the PGF2± injection of Ovsynch; or 2) 24 h after the injection of GnRH (GnRH given at 48 h after PGF2± of Ovsynch). Thus, 4 treatments of noncycling cows will be formed: GnRH48 + TAI48 + CIDR; GnRH48 + TAI48 + No CIDR; GnRH48 + TAI72 + CIDR; and GnRH48 + TAI72 + No CIDR. Control cows. Control cycling cows will be treated with the Ovsynch protocol, but inseminated (as noncycling cows): 1) concurrently with the injection of GnRH at 48 h after the PGF2± injection of Ovsynch; or 2) 24 h after the injection of GnRH (GnRH given at 48 h after PGF2± of Ovsynch). Thus, 2 treatments of control cycling cows will be formed (GnRH48+TAI48 and GnRH48+TAI72). Results Kamar patches in place during 4 wk before the initiation of the Ovsynch protocol overestimated the proportion of cows, whose status was later verified by serum concentrations of progesterone, which have had previous estrous cycles (gold standard is based on 3 blood samples collected before the 2 Presynch injections and the first GnRH injection of Ovsynch). Ultrasound underestimated the proportion of cycling cows probably by classifying proestrous, estrous (not detected), and metestrous cows not having a CL as noncycling or anestrous cows. For control cows (those classified as cycling by ultrasound and serum progesterone), Kamars overestimated cycling activity by ultrasound and slightly underestimated cycling activity in cows verified by serum progesterone. Pregnancy rates at day 33, day 61, and pregnancy losses did not differ (P > 0.20) between cows classified as anestrous that received a CIDR insert compared with those anestrous cows that did not received a CIDR. Although pregnancy rates at days 33 and 61 were numerically greater for control cycling cows inseminated 24 h after GnRH, no differences were detected (P > 0.020). Further, timing of AI in anestrous cows did not seem to differ, but cows receiving a CIDR insert always had numerically better fertility. Cows classified as anestrous had reduced (P < 0.01) pregnancy rates at days 33 and 61 compared with cycling control cows. Pregnancy losses were numerically smaller in those cows previously treated with a CIDR insert, but did not differ from those losses detected in previously cycling control cows. Pregnancy rate at day 31 is shown when categorized by cycling status that was determined by serum progesterone. Accomplishments: 1. In lactating dairy cows whose estrous cycles were presynchronized before applying a TAI protocol (Ovsynch), delaying the PGF2a injection of Ovsynch by 24 h, had little effect on outcomes, but delaying by 48 h might reduce conception rates. 2. In lactating dairy cows, Kamar patches in place during 4 wk before initiating a TAI protocol (Ovsynch) overestimated previous estrual activity in cows subsequently classified as anestrus. Kamars overestimated previous estrual activity compared with 1 ultrasound exam conducted before the first GnRH injection of Ovsynch. Kamars slightly underestimated previous estrual activity in cows later classified as cycling. Fertility (pregnancy rate or pregnancy loss) was not improved significantly by addition of the CIDR insert to cows identified as anestrus. Cows previously identified as anestrus, however, had reduced pregnancy rates at days 33 and 61 (regardless of whether they received a CIDR insert) compared with control cows classified as cycling.

Publications

Minnesota: Journal Articles Lamb, G.C., J.E. Larson, T.W. Geary, J.S. Stevenson, S.K. Johnson, M.L. Day, R. P. Ansotegui, D. J. Kesler, J.M. DeJarnette, and D. Landblom. 2004. Synchronization of estrus and artificial insemination in replacement beef heifers using GnRH, PGF2a and progesterone. J. Anim. Sci. (In press). Santos, N.R., G.C. Lamb, H.B. Roman, R.O. Gilbert. Postpartum endometrial cytology in beef cows. Theriogenology (In press). Larson, J. E., G. C. Lamb, J. S. Stevenson, S. K. Johnson, M. L. Day, T. W. Geary, D. J. Kesler, J. M. DeJarnette, F. N. Schrick, A. DiCostanzo, and J. D. Arseneau. 2006. Synchronization of estrus in suckled beef cows for detected estrus and artificial insemination and timed artificial insemination using gonadotropin-releasing hormone, prostaglandin F2alpha, and progesterone. J. Anim. Sci. 84:332-342. Conference Proceedings Lamb, G.C. 2005. A case for fall calving. 2005 MN Cow/Calf Day Report 21-27. Lamb, G.C. 2005. The nutritional needs of the first calf heifer. 66th Minnesota Nutrition Conference Proceedings 245-254. Lamb, G.C. 2005. How to Get Cows Pregnant for the Purebred and Commercial Sectors of the Beef Industry Using GnRH and CIDRs. 37th Beef Improvement Federation Annual Conference Proceedings 11-23. Lamb, G.C. 2005. Donor and recipient factors affecting an embryo transfer program. 2005 American Embryo Transfer Association and Canadian Embryo Transfer Association Joint Convention Proceedings 76-83. Lamb, G.C., J.E. Larson, G. Marquenzini, J Vasconcelos. 2005. Factors Affecting Pregnancy Rates in an IVF Embryo Transfer Program. 2005 American Embryo Transfer Association and Canadian Embryo Transfer Association Joint Convention Proceedings 31-36. Lamb, G.C. and J.E. Larson. 2005. Review of Estrous Synchronization Systems:CIDR. 3rd Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, Reno, NV pp 83-94. Lamb, G.C. and J.E. Larson. 2005. Review of Estrous Synchronization Systems - CIDR. 4th Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, Lexington, KY pp 92-104. Lamb, G.C. and J.E. Larson. 2005. Review of Estrous Synchronization Systems - CIDR. 5th Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, College Station, TX pp 95-105. Lamb, G.C. 2005. Factors affecting and embryo transfer program. 3rd Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, Reno, NV pp 223-232. Lamb, G.C. 2005. Factors affecting and embryo transfer program. 4th Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, Lexington, KY pp 257-267. Lamb, G.C. 2005. Ultrasound early pregnancy diagnosis and fetal sexing. 3rd Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, Reno, NV pp 253-262. Lamb, G.C. 2005. Ultrasound early pregnancy diagnosis and fetal sexing. 4th Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, Reno, NV pp 268-278. Abstracts Santos, N.R., G. C Lamb, H. B. Roman, R. O. Gilbert. 2005. Postpartum endometrial cytology in beef cows. Society for Theriogenology (Abstract). Carriquiry, M., W. J. Weber, C. R. Dahlen, G. C. Lamb, and B. A. Crooker. 2005. Effects of bST and dietary fat in early lactation on lactational performance of Holstein cows. J. Anim. Sci. 83 (Suppl. 1):179. Dilorenzo, N., C.R. Dahlen, A. DiCostanzo, and G.C. Lamb. Feedlot performance response by steers to oral doses of polyclonal antibody preparations against Streptococcus bovis or Fusobacterium necrophorum. J. Anim. Sci 83 (Suppl. 1):369. Thielen, K. N., J. E. Larson, B. J. Lovaas, D. J. Kesler, J. S. Stevenson, T. T. Martson and G. C. Lamb. 2006. Influence of CIDR insert after a fixed-time AI on pregnancy rates and return to estrus of nonpregnant cows. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):432. Lamb, G. C., C. R. Dahlen, K. A. Vonnahme, G. R. Hansen, J. D. Arseneau, G. A. Perry, J. Clement, and J. D. Arthington. 2006. Effects of estrous synchronization with a CIDR prior to the breeding season in bull-breeding herds on pregnancy rates. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):433. Wheaton, J.E. and G.C. Lamb. 2006. Induction of cyclicity in postpartum anestrous beef cows using progesterone, GnRH and estradiol cypionate (ECP). J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):48. Carriquiry, M., C. R. Dahlen, W. J. Weber, G. C. Lamb, and B. A. Crooker. 2006. Bovine somatotropin and dietary fat enriched with omega-3 fatty acids in dairy cows: III. Postpartum ovarian activity. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):346. Kansas: Journal Articles Blevins, C. A., J. E. Shirley, and J. S. Stevenson. Milking frequency, estradiol cypionate, and somatotropin influence lactation and reproduction in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89: In press. Stevenson, J. S., M. A. Portaluppi, D. E. Tenhouse, A. Lloyd, D. R. Eborn, S. Kacuba, and J. M. DeJarnette. Post-AI Interventions: Conception rates, pregnancy survival, and ovarian responses to GnRH, hCG, and progesterone. J. Dairy Sci. 89: In press. Stevenson, J.S., J.R. Pursley, H.A. Garverick, P.M. Fricke. D.J. Kesler, J.S. Ottobre, and M.C. Wiltbank. 2006. Treatment of cycling and noncycling lactating dairy cows with progesterone during Ovsynch. J. Dairy Sci. 89:2567-2578. Larson, J.E., G.C. Lamb, J.S. Stevenson, S.K. Johnson, M.K. Day, T.W. Geary, D.J. Kesler, J.M. DeJarnette, F.N. Schrick, A. DiConstanzo, and J.D. Arseneau. 2006. Synchronization of estrus in suckled beef cows for detected estrus and artificial insemination and timed artificial insemination using gonadotropin-releasing hormone, prostaglandin F2", and progesterone. J. Anim. Sci. 84:332-342. Abstracts: Stevenson, J. S., M.A. Portaluppi, and D.E. Tenhouse. 2006. Delaying injection of prostaglandin F2"alpha in an Ovsynch protocol. J. Dairy. Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):149 (Abstr.). Stevenson, J. S., D.E. Tenhouse, M.A. Portaluppi, and A. Lloyd. 2006. Post-AI interventions in lactating dairy cattle. I. Ovarian responses to GnRH, hCG, and exogenous progesterone (CIDR). J. Dairy. Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):47 (Abstr.). Stevenson, J. S., D.E. Tenhouse, M.A. Portaluppi, D.R.Eborn, S. Kacuba, and J.M. DeJarnette. 2006. Post-AI interventions in lactating dairy cattle II. Conception rates and pregnancy survival in response to GnRH, hCG, and exogenous progesterone (CIDR). J. Dairy. Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):48 (Abstr.). Portaluppi, M.A., J.S. Stevenson, and D.E. Tenhouse. 2006. Timed AI conception rates after variations of the Ovsynch protocol in dairy cattle. J. Dairy. Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):435 (Abstr.). Dobbins, C.A., D.E. Tenhouse, D.R.Eborn, K.R. Harmoney, S.K. Johnson, and J.S. Stevenson,. 2006. Conception rates after altered timing of AI associated with the CO-synch + CIDR protocol. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):50 (Abstr.). Thielen, K.N., J.E. Larson, B.J. Lovaas, D.J. Kesler, J.S. Stevenson, T.T. Marston, and G.C. Lamb. 2006. Influence of a CIDR insert after a fixed-time AI on pregnancy rates and return to estrus of nonpregnant cows. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):432 (Abstr.). Purdue: Journal Articles Herrick, J.R., Behboodi, E., Memili, E., Blash, S., Echelard, Y., Krisher, R.L. (2006) Metabolism, protein content and in vitro embryonic development of goat cumulus-oocyte complexes matured with physiological concentrations of glucose and L-lactate. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 73:256-266. Published Online: 25 Oct 2005. Herrick, J.R., Brad, A.M., Krisher, R.L. (2006) Chemical Manipulation of Glucose Metabolism in Porcine Oocytes: Effects on Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Maturation In Vitro. Reprod. 131: 289-298. Abstracts Krisher, R.L. (2005) Inhibition of the pentose phosphate pathway results in meiotic arrest in porcine oocytes that can be overcome by the addition of pathway cofactors and end products. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 17:293 (abstr. 287). Tubman, L., Peter, A., Krisher, R.L. (2005) Effect of energy substrates on metabolism and meiosis of porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 17:301 (abstr. 301). Paczkowski, M., Terry, D., Krisher, R. (2005) Differential Protein Expression of In Vitro Matured Porcine Oocytes Derived from Gilts and Sows. Biology of Reproduction Suppl. Biol. Reprod. Special Issue abstr. 526:197. Tubman, L., Peter, A., Krisher, R.L. (2006) Pentose phosphate pathway activity controls nuclear maturation of porcine oocytes. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 18:279 (abst 344). Paczkowski, M., Terry, D., Bidwell, C., Krisher, R. (2006) Differential Gene and Protein Expression in Gilt and Sow Derived Oocytes. Proceedings, Midwestern ASAS. Krisher, R., Wulster-Radcliffe, M., Spurlock, M., Sturek, M. (2006) The Ossabaw Pig as a Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Experimental Biology; abst. 490.3. Krisher, R., Auer, A., Clark, K., Emsweller, K., Rogers, S., Thomas, K., Chatiza, F., Bartels, P. (2007) In vitro production of springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) embryos. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. Accepted. Illinois: Journal Articles Larson, J.E., G.C. Lamb, J.S. Stevenson, S.K. Johnson, M.L. Day, T.W. Geary, D.J. Kesler, J.M. DeJarnette, F.N. Schrick, A. DiCostanzo, and J.D. Arseneau. 2006. Synchronization of estrus in suckled beef cows for detected estrus and artificial insemination and time artificial insemination using gonadogropin-releasing hormone, prostaglandin F2", and progesterone. J. Anim. Sci. 84:332-342. Stevenson, J.S., J.R. Pursley, H.A. Garverick, P.M. Fricke, D.J. Kesler, J.S. Ottobre, and M.C. Wiltbank. 2006. Treatment of cycling and noncycling lactating dairy cows with progesterone during ovsynch. J. Dairy Sci. 89:2567-2578. Wisconsin: Journal Articles Silva del Río, N., S. Stewart, P. Rapnicki, Y. M. Chang, and P. M. Fricke. An observational analysis of twin births, calf sex ratio, and calf mortality in Holstein dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. (In press). Caraviello, D. Z., K. A. Weigel, P. M. Fricke, M. C. Wiltbank, M. J. Florent, N. B. Cook, K. V. Nordlund, N. R. Zwald, and C. M. Rawson. Survey of management practices related to the reproductive performance of dairy cattle on large commercial farms in the United States. J. Dairy Sci. (In press). Chang, Y. M., O. González-Recio, K. A. Weigel, and P. M. Fricke. Genetic analysis of pregnancy rate with unknown voluntary waiting period in U.S. Holsteins using a threshold model. J. Dairy Sci. (In press). Caraviello, D. Z., K. A. Weigel, M. Craven, D. Gianola, N. B. Cook, K. V. Nordlund, P. M. Fricke, and M. C. Wiltbank. Analysis of the reproductive performance of lactating Holstein cows on large dairy farms using machine learning algorithms. J. Dairy Sci. (In press). Caraviello, D. Z., K. A. Weigel, M. Craven, D. Gianola, N. Cook, K. Nordlund, P.M. Fricke, and M.C. Wiltbank. Predicting reproductive performance in Holstein cows using machine learning methods. J. Dairy Sci. (In press). Sterry, R. A., M. L. Welle, and P. M. Fricke. 2006. Treatment with GnRH after first timed AI improves fertility in noncycling lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (In press). Roberts, A. J., M. J. Al-Hassan, P. M. Fricke, and S. E. Echternkamp. 2006. Large variation in steroid concentrations and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins exists among individual small antral follicles collected from within cows at various stages of estrous cycle. J. Anim. Sci. 84:2714-2724. Rivera, H., R. A. Sterry, and P. M. Fricke. 2006. Presynchronization with GnRH does not improve fertility to synchronization of ovulation and timed artificial insemination in Holstein heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 89:3810-3816. Silva del Río, N., B. W. Kirkpatrick, and P. M. Fricke. 2006. Observed frequency of monozygotic twinning in Holstein dairy cattle. Theriogenology 66:1292-1299. Stevenson, J. S., J. R. Pursley, P. M. Fricke, H. A. Garverick, D. J. Kesler, J. S. Ottobre, and M. C. Wiltbank. 2006. Treatment of cycling and noncycling lactating dairy cows with progesterone during Ovsynch. J. Dairy Sci. 89:25672578. Sterry, R. A., M. L. Welle, and P. M. Fricke. 2006. Effect of interval from timed AI to initiation of resynchronization of ovulation on fertility of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89:2099-2109. Wilson, R. D., P. M. Fricke, M. L. Leibfried-Rutledge, J.J. Rutledge, C. M. Syverson Penfield, and K. A. Weigel. 2006. In vitro production of bovine embryos using sex-sorted sperm. Theriogenology 65:1007-1015. Refereed Abstracts Sterry, R. A., P. Jardon, B. Ryzebol, and P. M. Fricke. 2006. Effect of timing of the second GnRH injection of a timed AI protocol on fertility of lactating Holstein cows after first postpartum and Resynch AI services. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):49. Silva, E. B. P., R. A. Sterry, D. Kolb, N. Mathialagan, M. F. McGrath, J. M. Ballam, and P. M. Fricke. 2006. Accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis in Holstein cows using transrectal ultrasonography based on a serum pregnancy associated glycoprotein (PAG) ELISA. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):204. Silva, E. P. B., R. A. Sterry, and P. M. Fricke. 2006. Assessment of a practical method for identifying anovular dairy cows synchronized for first postpartum timed artificial insemination. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):205. Fricke, P. M. 2006. Invited: ADSA Southern Section Symposium - Practical and Applied Approaches to Managing Dairy Businessis in the Future: Future Challenges for Reproductive Management of Dairy Cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):271. Watters, R. D., M. C. Wiltbank, P. M. Fricke, J. N. Guenther, A. E. Kulick, and R. R. Grummer. 2006. Effect of dry period duration on reproductive measures during the subsequent lactation in Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):271. Jordan, E. R., J. S. Stevenson, P. M. Fricke, and M. Overton. 2006. Invited: ADSA Production Division, Dairy Reproduction Terminology Workshop. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):382. Fricke, P. M., R. A. Sterry, and E. P. B. Silva. 2006. Invited: Systematic Synchronization and Resynchronization Systems for Managing Reproduction in Lactating Dairy Cows. Midwest Branch ADSA Meetings, Des Moines, IA, Abstract 279, p. 88-89. Sterry, R. A., E. P. B. Silva, D. Kolb, M. L. Welle, and P. M. Fricke. 2006. Administration of GnRH 5 days after first timed artificial insemination improves fertility in anovular lactating dairy cows. Midwest Branch ADSA Meetings, Des Moines, IA, Abstract 209, p. 66. Sterry, R. A., M. L. Welle, and P. M. Fricke. 2005. Effect of GnRH or CIDR inserts administered early after first timed insemination on fertility of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):87. Conference Proceedings Fricke, P. M. 2006. Synch Programs and Ultrasound Are We Getting in There Too Early? Proc. Am. Assoc. Bovine Pract., September 23, St. Paul, MN. Sterry, R. A., M. L. Welle, and P. M. Fricke. 2006. Post-Breeding Treatments to Improve Fertility in Lactating Dairy Cows, Proc. Am. Assoc. Bovine Pract., September 23, St. Paul, MN. Watters, R., P. M. Fricke, M. C. Wiltbank, P. Clark, and R. R. Grummer. 2006. Impact of dry period length. Proc. Four-State Nutrition and Management Conference, June 14, Dubuque, IA. MWPS-4SD19, pp. 49-54. Fricke, P. M. 2006. When to Preg Check and Why. Proc. Four-State Nutrition and Management Conference, June 14, Dubuque, IA. MWPS-4SD19, pp. 55-64. Fricke, P. M. 2006. Reproduction research update. University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine Spring Dairy Conference May 16, St. Paul, MN. Iowa: Journal Articles Bridges, P. J., Komar, C. M., and Fortune, J. E. (2006) Gonadotropin-induced expression of mRNA for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and secretion of prostaglandins E and F2± in bovine preovulatory follicles are regulated by the progesterone receptor. Endocrinology. In press. Banerjee, J., Long, M. J. and Komar, C. M. (2006) Effects of LH on PPAR³ in the rat ovary before and after the gonadotropin surge. Reproduction. 131:93-101. Abstracts Luense, L. J., Hopkins, S. M., and Komar, C. M. (2006) Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ³ (PPAR³) expression in the bovine ovary and its role in luteal progesterone production. Biology of Reproduction. (Suppl 1) 39th meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction. Omaha, Nebraska. #67. Komar, C. M. and Long, M. J. (2006) The role of FSH in the initiation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR³) expression in the neonatal rat ovary. The Endocrine Societys 88thAnnual Meeting, Boston, MA. Abstract # P1-386. Journal Articles Stevenson JS, Pursley JR, Garverick HA, Fricke PM, Kesler DJ, Ottobre JS, Wiltbank MC. Treatment of cycling and noncycling lactating dairy cows with progesterone during Ovsynch. 2006. J Dairy Sci. 897:2567-78. South Dakota: Journal Articles MacNeil, M. D., T. W. Geary, G. A. Perry, A. J. Roberts, and L. J. Alexander. 2006. Genetic partitioning of variation in ovulatory follicle size and probability of pregnancy. Journal of Animal Science 84:1646-1650. Abstracts Perry, G. A., and B. L. Perry. 2006. Influence of preovulatory concentrations of estradiol on interval to ovulation and uterine pH. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):149 Abstr. 201 Nelson, J. R., B. L. Perry, and G. A. Perry. 2006. Effects of standing estrus and concentrations of estradiol on uterine pH. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):451 Abstr. 637 Engel, C. L., H. H. Patterson, B. L. Perry, and G. A. Perry. 2006. Evaluation of reproduction and blood metabolites in heifers fed dried distillers grains plus solubles or soybean hulls during late gestation. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):126 Abstr. W163 Engel, C. L., H. H. Patterson, and G. A. Perry. 2006. Evaluation of dried distillers grains plus solubles compared to soybean hulls as a feedstuff for heifers during the last trimester of gestation. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):351 Abstr. 219 Daniel, J. A., G. A. Perry, and A. E. Wertz-Lutz. 2006. Impact of exogenous ghrelin administration on circulating concentrations of luteinizing hormone in steers. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):205 Abstr. T141 Lamb, G. C., C. R. Dahlen, K. A. Vonnahme, G. R. Hansen, J. D. Arseneau, G. A. Perry, J. Clement, and J. D. Arthington.Effects of estrous synchronization with a CIDR prior to the breeding season in bull-breeding herds on pregnancy rates. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):433 Abstr. 580 Conference Proceedings Pruitt, R. J., J. A. Clapper, W. B. Epperson, and G. A. Perry. 2006. Corn germ as a source of supplemental fat for cows in late gestation. . Proceedings of the Western Section American Society of Animal Science. Logan, Utah, June 20-22 2006 56:409-412. Smith, M. F., G. A. Perry, J. A. Atkins, D. C. Busch, and D. J. Patterson. 2005. Physiological principals underlying synchronization of estrus. Proceedings of the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop. St. Joseph, Missouri, August 30-31, 2006 pp. 9-32. Perry, G. A. 2005. Factors that influence fertility in natural and synchronized breeding programs. Proceedings of the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop. St. Joseph, Missouri, August 30-31, 2006 pp. 145-162. USDA MARC: Journal Articles Allan MF, Thallman RM, Cushman RA, Echternkamp SE, White SN, Kuehn LA, Casas E, Smith TPL. Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in SPP1 with growth traits and twinning in a population selected for twinning rate. (In press, J Anim Sci). Cushman RA, Allan MF, Jones SA, Rupp GP, Echternkamp SE. Localization of Period 1 mRNA in the ruminant oocyte and investigations of its role in ovarian function. (In press, Anim Reprod Sci). Abstracts Echternkamp SE, Cushman RA, Allan MF. Relationship of circulating progesterone concentrations to ovulation rate and fertility in cattle selected for twin ovulations. Biol Reprod 2006; (Special Issue):301. Cushman RA, Allan MF, Clopton DT, Echternkamp SE, Cupp AS. Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling blocks primordial follicle activation in bovine ovarian cortical cultures. Biol Reprod 2006; (Special Issue):325. Echternkamp SE, Cushman RA, Allan MF, Gregory KE. Effects of ovulation rate and fetal number on fertility in twin-producing cattle. J Anim Sci 2006; 84(Suppl 1):209. Cushman RA, Allan MF, Jones SA, Rupp GP, Echternkamp SE. Localization of Period 1 mRNA in the ruminant oocyte and investigations of its role in ovarian function. J Aim Sci 2006; 84 (Suppl 1):641. Bennett GL, Allan MF, Cushman RA, Echternkamp SE. Observed and predicted numbers of single, twin, and triplet births in a cattle population selected for increased twinning. J Anim Sci 2006; 84(Suppl 1):135. Cushman R, Allan M, Christenson R, Echternkamp S. Comparison of pregnancy rate, luteal characteristics, and luteal function between unilateral and bilateral double ovulations. J Anim Sci 2006; (Midwest Animal Science Abstracts):301. Echternkamp SE, Green JA, Vonnahme KA, Cushman RA, Allan M. Relationship between pregnancy associated glycoproteins in maternal blood and fetal number and status in pregnant cows. J Anim Sci 2006; (Midwest Animal Science Abstracts):300. Kentucky: Journal Articles Kasimanickam, R., R.L. Nebel, I.D. Peeler, W.J. Silvia, K.T. Wolf, A.J. McAllister, B.G. Cassell. 2006. Breed differences in competitive indices of Holstein and Jersey bulls and their association with sperm DNA fragmentation index and plasma membrane integrity. Theriogenology 66:1307-1315. Hatler, T.B., S.H. Hayes, L.H. Anderson and W.J. Silvia. 2006. Effect of a single injection of progesterone on ovarian follicular cysts in lactating dairy cows. The Veterinary Journal 172: 329-333. Nebraska: Publications: Journal Articles Stalker, L.A., D.C. Adams, T.J. Klopfenstein, D.M. Feuz, and R.N. Funston . 2006. Effects of pre- and postpartum nutrition on reproduction in spring calving cows and calf feedlot performance. J. Anim Sci. 84:2582 Martin, J.L., K.A. Vonnahme, D.C. Adams, G.P. Lardy, and R.N. Funston. 2006. Effects of dam nutrition on growth and reproductive performance of heifer calves. J. Anim. Sci. (submitted) Abstracts Harris, H.L., A.S. Cupp, A.J. Roberts, and R.N. Funston. 2006. Utilization of soybeans or corn milling co-products in beef heifer development diets. J. Anim. Sci. (submitted) Martin J., A. Cupp, R. Rasby, and R. Funston. 2006. Utilization of dried distillers grains for developing beef heifers. Midwest Sec.ASAS Abst. 311 Martin, J.L., K.A. Vonnahme, D.C. Adams, G.P. Lardy, and R.N. Funston. 2006. Effects of dam nutrition on growth and reproductive performance of heifer calves. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci.57:280 Martin, J.L., R.N. Funston, D.T. Clopton, H.L Harris, and A.S. Cupp. 2006. Vascular endothelial Growth factor (VEGF) 120 but not VEGF164 expression is increased in granulose cells of bovine dominant follicles due to nutrition. Biol. Reprod. (Suppl.1):148

Publications Attachment:

Attachment

Impact Statements

Our collaborative research has the potential to increase reproductive efficiency in dairy and beef cattle, which will prevent lost income associated with reproductive losses for the producer and increase profitability. Improved procedures for estrous synchronization in beef heifers and lactating dairy cows will increase farm income by increasing milk production, through reduced days open and genetic improvement (widespread use of artificial insemination). The increase in milk production is conservatively valued at $100/cow.
Reports have indicated that the use of artificial insemination in the beef industry remains low (between 5 and 8% of producers) because of factors such as labor, time, and convenience. We have developed two short (less than 10 days) estrous synchronization systems that can be utilized by producers with 60 to 90 % pregnancy rates. One of those systems (CO-Synch+CIDR) is a fixed-time AI system that requires no detection of estrus, thus providing a protocol that reduces time associated with detection of estrus in beef herds.
Developing methods to enhance response of follicles to fixed-time AI protocols is critical to enhancing overall pregnancy rates to those protocols. Therefore, the potential for the use of hCG in heifer estrous synchronization protocols could enhance fertility to heifers exposed to fixed-time AI and result in a greater proportion of AI sired calves. In addition, improvement in fertility will generate more interest by beef producers to utilize fixed-time AI estrous synchronization systems, thus enhancing the overall use of AI.
Methods of concentrating the calving season and developing more uniform calf crops enhance the income generated for calves and also increase marketing opportunities of those calves. Therefore, altering the calving season through estrous synchronization of bull breeding herds has the potential to impact 90% of beef producers that do not utilize AI to alter their calving distribution.
Synchronization of the return estrus in non-pregnant cows has application in herds that utilize a second AI. Concentrating the percentage of non-pregnant cows returning to estrus within a short window reduce the time associated with daily estrus detection. Therefore, we have demonstrated that cows can be effectively resynchronized with a CIDR and inseminated within a short window of time after CIDR removal.
Applying an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert for 7 d beginning at 6 to 8 days after insemination or injecting hCG once during the same period resulted in an 4.5 to 5.3 percentage improvement in pregnancy rate. In other words, for every 100 cows inseminated, 4 to 5 more cows would become pregnant each week, if treated as described. When a cow that produces 100 pounds of milk per day (valued from $12/lb) and fails to conceive, an opportunity is lost for a minimum of 3 to 7 weeks. That loss is valued at $4 per day. Therefore, improving pregnancy rates would reduce lost income of $81 to 196 per cow. For a 100-cow dairy, this loss would range from $8,100 to 19,600 per year.
Improvement of in vitro embryo production techniques could improve reproductive efficiency in cattle by accelerating genetic progress on females vs. males. When combined with genetic selection of males using artificial insemination, increases in milk production per cow could increase dairy farm profitability.
These data suggest that a once-used CIDR may be used for resynchronization without compromising the conception rate. This would permit producers to increase AI calve production by roughly 25% and reduce the number of clean-up bulls needed allowing for increased profits and improved quality of life. Using a conservative published estimate of the greater value of AI calves, resynchronization could increase profits of a 100-cow herd by at least $3,350.
Results from current and ongoing research have been used to make recommendations to over 1,200 stakeholders and their consultants in Wisconsin and throughout the U.S. regarding implementation of systematic synchronization and resynchronization systems for lactating dairy cows as well as timing and methods for pregnancy diagnosis. Data generated in these projects has been published in scientific journals and included in numerous extension proceedings.
PPAR has been detected in ovarian tissue from cattle and activation of PPAR in late stage luteal tissue inhibited progesterone production. PPARgamma is activated by factors in an animals diet (fatty acids) and environment (phytoestrogens). Therefore, this transcription factor may mediate the influence of nutrition on ovarian gene expression, affecting female fertility.
Genistein, a phytoestrogen found in various cattle feedstuffs, can alter the expression of enzymes involved in steroidogenesis. This may be one mechanism by which feeds high in phytoestrogens cause reproductive problems such as irregular estrus, cystic ovaries, and decreased conception rates.
There may be regional specificity within the pituitary regarding the differentiation and transformation of mammotrophs as the animal ages to control PRL and growth hormone secretion. These findings indicate coordinated development of somatomammotrophes with animal growth. Interruption of this relationship may delay growth and decrease production efficiency.
Completion of the cooperative proposal will define optimum breeding time relative to GnRH injection and the ability to identify anestrus during the postpartum period with heat detection devices.
Insemination of cows that have not seen a preovulatory rise in estradiol may have decreased pregnancy rates as a result of improper uterine environment at time of insemination.
Total pounds of calf weaned influences profitability for the cow-calf producer. We have validated a polymorphism in the Osteopontin gene as a genetic marker for birth weight and weaning weight in the USMARC Twinning population and examined its association with reproductive phenotypes (ovulation rate and twinning). Results show that the favorable allele increases birth weight and weaning weight in singletons without negatively affecting reproduction and could increase calf survival. In offspring homozygous for the positive allele, increasing weaning weight by 23 lbs could increase profits per cow substantially.
Improved procedures for estrous synchronization in heifers and lactating dairy cows will increase farm income by increasing milk production, through reduced days open and genetic improvement (widespread use of artificial insemination). The increase in milk production is conservatively valued at $100/cow.

Date of Annual Report: 09/20/2007

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/06/2007 - 09/07/2007
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2006 - 09/01/2007

Participants

Stevenson, Jeff - Kansas State University;
Vonnahme, Kim - North Dakota State University;
Cushman, Robert - USDA-MARC;
Perry, George- South Dakota State University;
Lamb, Cliff - University of Minnesota;
Anderson, Lloyd - Iowa State University;
Garverick, Allen - University of Missouri;
Kesler, Darrel - University of Illinois;
Silvia, Bill - University of Kentucky;
Ottobre, Joe - The Ohio State University;
Fricke, Paul - University of Wisconsin;
Weber, Jim - University of Maine;
Hamernik, Deb - USDA Representative;
Ravlin, Bill - Administrative Advisor - The Ohio State University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes of NC-1006 Meeting, September 6-7, 2007, St. Louis, Missouri

Thursday, September 6: The meeting was called to order by Chairman George Perry at 8:00 am.

Representatives from 12 stations were present:
1. Kansas State University Jeff Stevenson
2. North Dakota State University- Kim Vonnahme
3. USDA-MARC Robert Cushman
4. South Dakota State University George Perry
5. University of Minnesota Cliff Lamb
6. Iowa State University Lloyd Anderson
7. University of Missouri Allen Garverick
8. University of Illinois Darrel Kesler
9. University of Kentucky Bill Silvia
10. The Ohio State University-Joe Ottobre
11. University of Wisconsin Paul Fricke
12. University of Maine - Jim Weber
13. USDA Representative Deb Hamernik
14. Administrative Advisor- Bill Ravlin

Also in attendance was Gary Hansen (University of Florida)

Not Present were
1. University of Nebraska Rick Funston
2. Department Chairs Representative Jim Kinder

Several personnel changes from 2006 were noted. Kim Vonnahme (North Dakota State University) and Jim Weber (University of Maine) have joined the project. Carolyn Komar (formerly of Iowa State University) has taken a position at the West Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Iowa State is now again represented by Lloyd Anderson. Rebecca Krischer (formerly of Purdue University) has taken a position in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois. It has not been determined if she will continue as a member of NC-1006/NC-1038. Bill Silvia will contact appropriate faculty at Purdue about participation in NC-1038. This was Al Garvericks last year of participation in this regional project. Al is retiring from the University of Missouri in August 2008 before our next meeting. Bill Silvia will contact Mike Smith about representing Missouri in NC-1038.

Bill Silvia distributed the objectives for the S-1006 Regional project on Dairy Genetics. One of the major endpoints for this project is to determine how genetic approaches (selection or crossbreeding) can be used to improve reproductive performance. The S-1006 group is eager to work collaboratively with reproductive physiologists to identify genetic contributions to specific reproductive endpoints.

Jeff Stevenson reported on the progress of the dairy collaborative project. Jeff has received data from all cooperating stations, has completed a preliminary analysis of the data, and prepared a draft of the manuscript. There was a very detailed discussion of the results. Some constructive changes were suggested, primarily to clarify information presented in the tables. Responses from the coauthors are to be sent to Jeff as soon as possible. Bill Ravlin emphasized the importance of including impact statements, particularly in the final report. Major points of impact from this collaborative project include:

1.) Anestrous cows can be identified with about 84% accuracy using only ultrasound exam of ovaries.

2.) The timing of insemination (0 or 24 h after the last GnRH of Ovsynch) did not affect fertility.

3.) Improvement in fertility was observed in previously cycling cows receiving CIDRs, regardless of concentrations of progesterone before luteolysis was induced, before timed AI. Pregnancy rates in anovulatory cows treated with progesterone via the CIDR were not improved compared with non-CIDR treated, anovulatory cows.

On behalf of the whole group, Deb Hamernik thanked Jeff for the leadership and effort he put in to compiling and analyzing the data and preparing the manuscript.

Cliff Lamb summarized the results from the collaborative beef project. The data have been collected, summarized, and were presented at the 2006 annual ASAS meeting. The first draft of the manuscript is almost complete and will be distributed by Cliff to the coauthors soon. A prompt response by the coauthors is encouraged. Major impacts of this project include:

1.) Insertion of a CIDR 5 days after fixed-time AI failed to enhance pregnancy rates, indicating that producers gain little value by inserting a CIDR after AI to enhance pregnancy rates.

2.) Use of a CIDR from 14 to 21 days was an effective method for resynchronization of estrus, which reduces the amount of labor associated with detection of estrus; however, conception rates in resynchronized cows were reduced. Based on new data from IL removal of the CIDR on day 20 did not alter conception rates. Thus, resynchronization of estrus in nonpregnant cows from day 14 to 20 is a tool that reduces the time of estrus detection from 10 to 3 days.

Cliff is to be commended for his leadership on this project and the efforts he has put in to compiling and analyzing the data and preparing the manuscript.

In recognition of the impending retirement of Al Garverick from this regional project, Darrel Kesler and Jeff Stevenson gave brief testimonials. Al Garverick was the driving force behind the establishment of the original project (NC-113) in 1977 in addition to Drs. Ralph Erb (Purdue University) and Jack Britt (Michigan State University). Deb Hamernik presented Al with a plaque to commemorate his service and photographs were taken by Darrel Kesler.

Bill Ravlin reported that the new project (NC-1038) was well received by the review panel and approved easily. The projects strength was the emphasis on collaborative, multi-station efforts. Bill reemphasized the importance of impact statements. These need to show how the project efforts have resulted in a change(s) in knowledge, in action (management), or in conditions (policy, social, environmental, or economic).

Deb Hamernik gave a very thorough update on recent events within USDA including the proposed CSREES budgets for fiscal year 2008.

The meeting was adjourned for lunch at 12:15 PM.

The meeting resumed at 1:30 PM with station reports. The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 PM

September 7, 2007

The meeting resumed at 8:00 AM with the business meeting. Bob Cushman volunteered to serve as secretary for 2008 (and chairman in 2009). Kim Vonnahme volunteered to serve as secretary in 2009 (and chairman in 2010). Both offers were accepted unanimously without dissent. After some discussion, it was agreed to hold the next NC-1038 meeting in St. Louis on September 4 and 5, 2008. Everyone agreed that accommodations at the present venue (Drury Inn) were significantly better than at the previous venue and that the meeting should be held at the Drury Inn again next year. Use of the meeting room cost $267.61 (~$18.00/ person). Darrel Kesler agreed to bring a LCD projector for the 2008 meeting. Jeff Stevenson reminded all project participants that standard practice for this group is to bring hard copies of station reports to be distributed at the meeting. Everyone agreed that this facilitated discussion and that the practice should continue. Electronic copies of the reports are to be e-mailed to George Perry by Sept. 14, 2007.

After completion of the business meeting, the remaining station reports were given. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 AM.

Name Station email address
George Perry South Dakota george.perry@sdstate.edu
Allen Garverick Missouri garverickh@missouri.edu
Cliff Lamb Minnesota clamb@umn.edu
Paul Fricke - Wisconsin - pmfricke@wisc.edu
Bob Cushman - USDA-MARC - cushman@email.marc.usda.gov
Lloyd Anderson - Iowa - llanders@iastate.edu
Joe Ottobre - Ohio - ottobre.2@osu.edu
Jeff Stevenson - Kansas - jss@k-state.edu
Bill Silvia - Kentucky - wsilvia@uky.edu
Darrel Kesler - Illinois - djkesler@uiuc.edu
Rick Funston - Nebraska - rfunston2@unl.edu
Kim Vonnahme - North Dakota - kim.vonnahme@ndsu.edu
Jim Weber - Maine - jweber@umext.maine.edu
Jim Kinder - Ohio - kinder.15@osu.edu
Bill Ravlin - Ohio - ravlin.1@osu.edu
Deb Hamernik - USDA-CSREES - dhamernik@csrees.usda.gov

Accomplishments

Objective 1. To develop breeding programs to maximize pregnancy rates. Results from current and ongoing research of the NC-1006 Committee have been used to make recommendations to stakeholders and their consultants regarding implementation of systematic synchronization and resynchronization systems for lactating dairy cows and beef cows and heifers as well as timing and methods for pregnancy diagnosis. Data generated in these projects has been published in scientific journals and included in numerous extension proceedings. These data include: " Once-used CIDRs administered 14-20 days after the initial insemination can synchronize the return estrus without compromising the conception rate. " Inclusion of a GnRH injection at the administration of the resynch CIDR had no effect on synchrony or on the establishment of pregnancy. " A large percentage of non-pregnant cows were not detected estrus following resynchronization this was a result of non-detection, delayed estrus, and silent estrus. " heifers injected with 1,000 IU of hCG or 100 ug of GnRH had similar response in terms of corpus luteum regression and follicular growth when the PGF was administered on d 5 or 7 after treatment. However, there were differences in ovulation, and estrus detection responses to heifers receiving PGF at 5 or 7 days after hCG or GnRH treatment. " Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at 1,000 IU may substitute for GnRH, but it is slightly more costly and may reduce pregnancy rates in cycling suckled beef cattle when applied upfront 7 d before PGF2a in a CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. " In dairy cattle, hCG was equal to GnRH when applied upfront 7 d before PGF2a in a Resynch protocol for cows diagnosed not pregnant at the time of PGF2a injection. " A minimum of 1,000 IU of hCG (1 mL of Chorulon) is sufficient to induce ovulation of follicles in comparison with GnRH. Injection of hCG is especially more effective than GnRH when attempting to induce ovulation of follicles in pregnant than nonpregnant dairy cows. " Treatment of hCG prior to estrous synchronization with the CO-Synch + CIDR protocol may enhance fertility, but not if hCG replaces GnRH at TAI. " Calving distribution of suckled beef cows receiving a TAI followed by natural service was altered compared to cows exposed only to natural service. Average calving date favored those cows exposed to TAI. " An injection of GnRH following detection in standing estrus can positively or negatively influence luteal function dependent on the interval from initiation of standing estrus to the GnRH injection " Numerically, pregnancy rates at d 33 after AI were greater for nonCL cows (32.3%) treated with a CIDR than for nonCL cows not treated (24.1%), cows having a CL had significantly greater pregnancy rates than nonCL cows regardless of CIDR treatment. " Altering timing of AI relative to the second GnRH injection of Ovsynch failed to detect any differences in TAI pregnancy rates when cows were inseminated either concurrent with that injection or 24 h later. Objective 2. To characterize physiological mechanisms that regulate ovarian and uterine functions. Results from current and ongoing research of the NC-1006 Committee have furthered the scientific understanding of the physiological mechanisms that regulate ovarian and uterine functions. Data generated in these projects has been published in scientific journals and included in numerous extension proceedings. These data include: " The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR³) has been detected in ovarian tissue from cattle, indicating that this transcription factor may modulate gene expression allowing for the cyclic functioning of the ovary. The high expression of PPAR³ affects progesterone secretion and luteal formation. Increased ovarian progesterone secretion in cattle will prevent lost income associated with reproductive losses for the producer and increased profitability. " mRNA for the clock gene Period 1 (Per1) was significantly lower 6 days prior to the start of breeding in the white blood cells of beef cows that bred during a 54 day breeding season. This supports our hypothesis that clock genes may be a biomarker of reproductive status in the postpartum beef cow. " The bovine ovary from first forming (day 45) through day 105 of gestation expresses mRNA and protein for P450arom and the ERs. " In early luteal phase CL, PGF2± had no effect on VEGF and VEGFR1 mRNA expression. PGF2± decreased VEGFR2 mRNA expression at 2 hours, but VEGFR2 mRNA rebounded by 24 h after PGF2± treatment. During the mid luteal phase, VEGF, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2 mRNA expression were unchanged during the first two hours after PGF2± administration. In contrast, PGF2± dramatically inhibited (5-10 fold) VEGF, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2 message in CL collected 24 h after PGF2± treatment (P<0.01). " There was no effect of PGF2± on luteal concentrations of progesterone during the early luteal phase (P>0.05). This is consistent with the expected lack of response at this stage. In contrast, PGF2± decreased (P<0.03) luteal progesterone in mid-luteal phase CL, both at 2h and 24h after administration. This NC committee plans to continue to collaboratively address the development of breeding programs to maximize pregnancy rates and to characterize physiological mechanisms that regulate ovarian and uterine functions. This includes breeding trials to determine factors that influence pregnancy success, and molecular research that address the mechanisms that regulate ovarian and uterine functions that will influence pregnancy success.

Publications

Publications: Iowa State Wilhelms, K.W., G.A. Kraus, J.D. Schroeder, J.W. Kim, S.A. Cutler, M.A. Rasmussen, L.L. Anderson and C.G. Scanes. 2006. Evaluation of corn-furan fatty acid putative endocrine disruptors on reproductive performance in adult female chickens. Poult. Sci. 85:1795-1797. Wilhelms, K.W., C.G. Scanes and L.L. Anderson. 2006. Lack of estrogenic or anti-estrogenic actions of soy isoflavones in an avian model: the Japanese quail. Poult. Sci. 85:1885-1889. Wilson, M.E. and L.L. Anderson. 2007. Mechanistic aspects of foetal development relating to postnatal health and metabolism in pigs. In: Managing Prenatal Development to Enhance Livestock Productivity. Edited by P. Greenwood and A. Bell. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria (In press). Bobe, G., B.N. Ametaj, J.W. Young, L.L. Anderson and D.C. Beitz. 2007. Exogenous glucagon effects on health and reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows with mild fatty liver. Anim. Reprod. Sci. (In press). Scanes, C.G., A. Glavaski-Joksimovic, S.A. Johannsen and L.L. Anderson. 2007. Sub-populations of somatotropes with differing intracellular calcium concentration responses to secretagogues. Neuroendocrinology 85:221-231. Anderson, L.L. 2007. Editorial Forward for Cell Secretion Review SeriesCell Secretion: an orchestra involving intracellular protein transport, the universal secretory machinery-porosome, and secretory vesicle swelling-induced content release. J. Cell. Molec. Med. (In press). Molina, J.R., A.M. Benoit, S. Lkhagvadorj and L.L. Anderson. 2007. Hypothalamic deafferentation in prepuberal beef heifers: effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and estradiol benzoate on luteinizing hormone secretion. Livestock Science (submitted for review). Benoit, A.M., J.R. Molina, S. Lkhagvadorj and L.L. Anderson. 2007. Prolactin secretion after hypothalamic deafferentation in beef calves: response to haloperidol, a-methyl-r-tyrosine, thyrotropin-releasing hormone and ovariectomy. Anim. Reprod. Sci. (submitted for review). Cho, S.-J., J.-S. Lee, E.D. Mathias, C. Chang, G.J. Hickey, S. Lkhagvadorj and L.L. Anderson. 2007. Intracerebroventricular and intravenous administration of growth hormone secretagogue, somatostatin, neuropeptide Y and galanin in pig: central and dose dependent effects on growth hormone secretion. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. (submitted for review). Lee, J., M.H. Stromer, S. Jeftinija, K. Jeftinija, C.G. Scanes and L.L. Anderson. 2007. Immunocytochemical patterns of somatotrophs, mammotrophs, and mammosomatotrophs in the porcine anterior pituitary. 10th International Pituitary Congress, June 5-7, 2007, The Fairmont Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, Abstract P61, pp. 51-52. (Chicago) Bohan, M.M., L.L. Anderson, A.H. Trenkle and D.C. Beitz. 2007. Nutrient regulation of plasma ghrelin concentration in lean and overweight male humans. Experimental Biology 2007. FASEB J. 21:(No. 4), A320, Abstract 534.11. (Washington, DC) Bohan, M.M., L.L. Anderson, A.H. Trenkle and D.C. Beitz. 2007. Effect of nutrient composition of the diet on the variation of plasma hormone concentrations during waking hours in lean and overweight humans. Experimental Biology 2007. FASEB J. 21:(No. 4), A321, Abstract 534.12. (Washington, DC) Bohan, M., L. Anderson, A. Trenkle and D. Beitz. 2007. Nutrient regulation of plasma ghrelin concentration in lean and overweight female humans. Animal Industry Report. A.S. Leaflet R-2214. Lkhagvadorj, S., L. Qu, W. Cai, O. Couture, Y. Wang, L. Anderson, J. Dekkers, D. Nettleson and C. Tuggle. 2007. Use of transcriptional profiling and assessment of blood parameters to understand biological mechanisms controlling feed intake and efficiency in pigs. Animal Industry Report. A.S. Leaflet R-2233. Tinfo, N.S. and C.M. Komar. 2007. A role for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor in cell survival, not steroid production, in luteal tissue from the rat. Reproduction 133:187-196. Bridges, P.J., C. M. Komar and J.E. Fortune. 2006. Gonadotropin-induced expression of mRNA for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and secretion of prostaglandins E and F2a in bovine preovulatory follicles is regulated by the progesterone receptor. Endocrinology 147:4713-4722. Tinfo, N.S., L.J. Luense, S.M. Hopkins and C.M. Komar. 2007. Effect of genistein on in vitro estradiol production by ovarian follicles from cows. 40th Meeting of the Midwestern Section of the ASAS and the ADSA, Des Moines, IA. #101. Luense, L. 2007. The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated-Receptor Gamma in Ovarian Function, M.S. Thesis, Iowa State University Library, pp. 1-77. Tinfo, N.S. 2007. The Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma in Ovarian Biology, Ph.D. Dissertation. Iowa State University Library pp. 1-103. Publications: Kansas State Journal Articles and Abstracts Stevenson, J. S., M.A. Portaluppi, and D.E. Tenhouse. 2007. Factors influencing upfront single and multiple ovulation incidence, progesterone, and luteolysis before a timed insemination resynchronization protocol. J. Dairy. Sci. 90: In press. Stevenson, J. S., M.A. Portaluppi, and D.E. Tenhouse. 2007. Ovarian traits after gonadotropin-releasing hormone-induced ovulation and subsequent delay of induced luteolysis in an Ovsynch protocol. J. Dairy. Sci. 90:1281-1288. Stevenson, J. S., D.E. Tenhouse, M.A. Portaluppi, D.R. Eborn, S. Kacuba, and J.M. DeJarnette. 2007. Interventions after artificial insemination: Conception rates, pregnancy survival, and ovarian responses to gonadotropin-releasing hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, and progesterone. J. Dairy. Sci. 90:331-340. G. C. Lamb, G. C., J. E. Larson, T. W. Geary, J. S. Stevenson, S. K. Johnson, M. L. Day, R. P. Ansotegui, D. J. Kesler, J. M. DeJarnette, and D. G. Landblom. 2006. Synchronization of estrus and artificial insemination in replacement beef heifers using gonadotropin-releasing hormone, prostaglandin F2a, and progesterone.. J. Anim. Sci. 84:3000-3009. Blevins, C. A., J. E. Shirley, and J. S. Stevenson. 2006. Milking frequency, estradiol cypionate, and somatotropin influence lactation and reproduction in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89:4176-4187. Buttrey, B. S., M. G. Burns, and J. S. Stevenson. 2007. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and GnRH influences pregnancy survival and resynchronized ovulation before timed AI in Holstein cattle. J. Dairy. Sci. 90(Suppl. 1):325 (Abstr.). Burns, M. G., B. S. Buttrey, D. R. Eborn, J. E. Larson, B. J. Lovaas, G. C. Lamb, KC Olson, and J. S. Stevenson. 2007. Failure of human chorionic gonadotropin as a replacement for GnRH in an ovulation-synchronization protocol before fixed time AI. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):320 (Abstr.). Theses Burns, M. G. 2007. Evaluation of human chorionic gonadotropin as a replacement for GnRH in an ovulation synchronization protocol before fixed time AI. M.S. thesis, Kansas State University, Manhattan, 43 pp. Buttrey, B. S. 2007. Human chorionic gonadotropin and GnRH influences pregnancy survival and resynchronized ovulation before timed artificial inseminate in Holstein cattle. M.S. thesis, Kansas State University, Manhattan, 60 pp. Publications: University of Ketucky Hatler, T.B., S.H. Hayes, D.L. Ray, P.S. Reames and W.J. Silvia. 2007. Effect of subluteal concentrations of progesterone on luteinizing hormone and ovulation in lactating dairy cows. The Veterinary Journal (doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.06.003) Publications: Minnesota Journal Articles: Lamb, G.C., C.R. Dahlen, K. A. Vonnehamme, G. R. Hansen, J. D. Arseneau, G. A. Perry, R.S. Walker, J. Clement, J. D. Arthington. 2007. Influence of a CIDR prior to bull-breeding on pregnancy rates and subsequent calving distribution. Anim. Reprod. Sci. (In press: ANIREP-D-07-988). Cooke, R. F., J. D. Arthington, C. R. Staples, W. W. Thatcher, and G. C. Lamb. 2007. Effects of supplement type on performance, reproductive, and physiological responses of Brahman-crossbred females. J. Anim. Sci. 85:(In press - E-2006-684). Galindo-Gonzalez, S., J.D. Arthington, J.V. Yelich, G.R. Hansen, G.C. Lamb, A. DeVries. 2007. Effects of cow parity on voluntary hay intake and performance responses to early calf weaning. Livestock Sci. 110:148-153. Santos, N.R., G.C. Lamb, D.R. Brown, H.B. Roman, R.O. Gilbert. 2007. Postpartum endometrial cytology in beef cows. Theriogenology (In press: THERIO-D-06-00210). Wheaton, J.E. and G.C. Lamb. 2007. Induction of cyclicity in postpartum anestrous beef cows using progesterone, GnRH and estradiol cypionate (ECP). Anim. Reprod. Sci. Nov. 19 [EPub ahead of print ANIREP-D-06-586]. Lamb, G.C., D.R. Brown, J.E. Larson, C.R. Dahlen, N. DiLorenzo, J.D. Arthington, and A. DiCostanzo. 2007. Effect of organic or inorganic trace mineral supplementation on follicular response, ovulation, and embryo production in superovulated angus heifers. Anim. Reprod. Sci. (In press: ANIREP3354) Lamb, G.C., J.E. Larson, T.W. Geary, J.S. Stevenson, S.K. Johnson, M.L. Day, R. P. Ansotegui, D. J. Kesler, J.M. DeJarnette, and D. Landblom. 2006. Synchronization of estrus and artificial insemination in replacement beef heifers using GnRH, PGF2± and progesterone. J. Anim. Sci. 84:3000-3009. 1.Conference Proceedings: Lamb, G.C. 2007. Current advances in assisted reproductive technologies. Proc. 2007 Wild West Veterinary Conference Proceedings, Reno, NV (In press). Lamb, G.C. 2007. Recommended estrus synchronization protocols and reproductive management of beef cows. Proc. 2007 Wild West Veterinary Conference Proceedings, Reno, NV (In press). Lamb, G.C. 2007. Estrus synchronization protocols for cows. 8th Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, Billings, MT (In press). Lamb, G.C. 2007. Factors affecting pregnancy rates in an embryo transfer program. In: Proc. XI Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. pp 128-134. Lamb, G.C. 2007. Resynchronization of estrus using a progestin. In: Proc. XI Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. pp 162-171. Lamb, G.C., J.E. Larson, and C.R. Dahlen. 2007. Fixed-time AI in beef cows and heifers with a CIDR plus GnRH and/or hCG. In: Proc. XI Conference Focusing on Production and Reproduction of Cattle. Uberlandia, Brazil. Pp 144-153. Lamb, G.C., and L. Schott. 2007. Targeting a branded beef program. 2007 MN Cow/Calf Day Report pp 1-5. Lamb, G.C. 2006. Donor and recipient factors affecting and embryo transfer program. 7th Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, Rapid City, SD pp 269-280. Lamb, G.C. 2006. Nutritional factors affecting reproduction in young beef cows. 2006 Tennessee Nutrition Conference Proceedings pp 22-33. Lamb, G.C., and A. DiCostanzo. 2006. Current and future trends of market cattle. 2006 MN Cow/Calf Day Report pp 6-14. Lamb, G.C. J.E. Larson, and C.R. Dahlen. 2006. Review of estrous synchronization systems:CIDR. 7th Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, Rapids City, SD pp 103-116. Lamb, G.C. J.E. Larson, and C.R. Dahlen. 2006. Review of Estrous Synchronization Systems:CIDR. 6th Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, St. Joseph, MO pp 105-120. Lamb, G.C. 2006. Review of Current Estrous Synchronization Protocols for Beef Cattle. Pfizer Veterinary Technical Conference, Galena, IL (03/12/2006). Lamb, G.C. 2006. Strategies to improve pregnancy rates in beef recipients. American Association of Bovine Practitioners Pre-Conference Seminar, St. Paul, MN (09/20/2006). Lamb, G.C. 2006. Nutritional management of donors and recipients. American Association of Bovine Practitioners Pre-Conference Seminar, St. Paul, MN (09/20/2006). Lamb, G.C. 2006. Up-date on the use of sexed semen. American Association of Bovine Practitioners Pre-Conference Seminar, St. Paul, MN (09/20/2006). Lamb, G.C. 2006. Physiological principles and hormonal control of the estrous cycle. American Association of Bovine Practitioners Pre-Conference Seminar, St. Paul, MN (09/20/2006). Lamb, G.C. 2006. Control of estrous cycle using CIDR and GnRH. American Association of Bovine Practitioners Pre-Conference Seminar, St. Paul, MN (09/20/2006). Lamb, G.C. 2006. Nutritional considerations for successful implementation. American Association of Bovine Practitioners Pre-Conference Seminar, St. Paul, MN (09/20/2006). Abstracts Presented at Scientific Meetings: Burns, M.G., B.S. Buttrey, D.R. Eborn, J.E. Larson, B.J. Lovaas, G.C. Lamb, K.C. Olson, J.S. Stevenson. 2007. Evaluation of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as a replacement for GnRH in an ovulation- synchronization protocol before fixed timed AI. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1):320. Dahlen, C.R., J.E. Larson, G. Marquezini, G.C. Lamb. 2007. Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) on follicle and corpus luteum dynamics and concentrations of progesterone in pre-pubertal Angus heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1):648. Lamb, G.C., J.E. Larson, C.R. Dahlen, G. Marquezini. 2007. Fixed-time artificial insemination in replacement beef heifers after treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone, and prostaglandin F2±. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1):321. Lamb, G.C., B.J. Lovaas, S.L. Bird, A. Martins, J.E. Larson, J.C. Rodgers, D.J. Frank, D.M. Williams. 2007. Artificial insemination of superovulated Angus cows using sexed or conventionally frozen semen. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1):322. Carriquiry, M., W. J. Weber, C. R. Dahlen, G. C. Lamb, B. A. Crooker. 2006. Bovine somatotropin and dietary fat enriched with omega-3 fatty acids in dairy cows: I. Lactation performance. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):63. Carriquiry, M., W. J. Weber, C. R. Dahlen, G. C. Lamb, S. R. Sanders, L. H. Baumgard, B. A. Crooker. 2006. Bovine somatotropin and dietary fat enriched with omega-3 fatty acids in dairy cows: II. Milk fatty acid compositionJ. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):63. Carriquiry, M., C. R. Dahlen, W. J Weber, G. C. Lamb, B. A. Crooker. 2006. Bovine somatotropin and dietary fat enriched with omega-3 fatty acids in dairy cows: III. Postpartum ovarian activity. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):346. Cooke, R. F., C. R. Staples, G. C. Lamb, and J. D. Arthington. 2006. Effects of supplement type on performance, reproductive and physiological parameters of yearling Brahman-crossbred heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 84(Suppl. 2):8 Lamb, G. C., C.R. Dahlen, K. A. Vonnahme, G. R. Hansen, J. D. Arseneau, G. A. Perry, J. Clement, J. D. Arthington. 2006. Effects of estrous synchronization with a CIDR prior to the breeding in bull-breeding herds on pregnancy rates. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):433. Thielen, K. N. J. E. Larson, B. J. Lovaas, D. J. Kesler, J. S. Stevenson, T. T. Marston, and G. C. Lamb. 2006. Influence of a CIDR insert after a fixed-time AI on pregnancy rates and return to estrus of nonpregnant cows. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1):432. Publications: North Dakota State University Lamb, G.C., C.R. Dahlen, K.A. Vonnahme, G.R. Hansen, J.D. Arseneau, G.A Perry, R.S. Walker, J. Clement, J.D. Arthington. 2007. Influence of a CIDR prior to bull-breeding on pregnancy rates and subsequent calving distribution. Animal Reproduction Science. In press ANIREP-D-07-988. Publications: The Ohio State University Danforth, D, Moritz, S, Nguyen, T, Arbogast, L, Ottobre, A, and Ottobre, J. 2007. Regulation of angiogenic factors by PGF2± in the ovine corpus luteum. Biol. Reprod. Special Issue, July 23-25, San Antonio, Texas. Abstract 175. p.117-118. Publications: South Dakota REFEREED SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS: G.C. Lamb, C.R. Dahlen, K. A. Vonnehamme, G. R. Hansen, J. D. Arseneau, G. A. Perry, R.S. Walker, J. Clement, J. D. Arthington. 2007. Influence of a CIDR prior to bull-breeding on pregnancy rates and subsequent calving distribution. Animal Reproduction Sciences. (In Press). Perry, G. A. Role of follicle size on fertility in cattle. 2007. CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources. 2:14. Perry, G. A., M. F. Smith, A. J. Roberts, M. D. MacNeil, and T. W. Geary. 2007. Relationship between size of ovulatory follicle and pregnancy success in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 85:684-689 MacNeil, M. D., T. W. Geary, G. A. Perry, A. J. Roberts, and L. J. Alexander. 2006. Genetic partitioning of variation in ovulatory follicle size and probability of pregnancy. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1646-1650. Abstracts: S. D. Fields, B. L. Perry, and G. A. Perry. 2007. Effect of GnRH at time of insemination on LH pulses and subsequent progesterone. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1): Abstr. 123. Perry, G. A., B. L. Perry, J. R. Nelson, and J. A. Walker. 2007. Influence of post-AI nutrition of blood urea nitrogen, progesterone, and pregnancy. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1): Abstr. W199. Nelson, J. R., B. L. Perry, and G. A. Perry. 2007. Influence of standing estrus and estradiol on time of uterine pH decline during a fixed-time AI protocol. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2): Abstr. 238. A. J. Bartosh, C. L. Wright, A. E. Wertz-Lutz, and G. A. Perry. 2007. Effect of supplemental fat from dried distillers grains with solubles or corn oil on cow performance, IGF-1, GH, and NEFA concentrations. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 2): Abstr. 273. NON-REFEREED SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS AND PROCEEDINGS: Perry, G. A. 2006. Factors that influence fertility in natural and synchronized breeding programs. Proceedings of the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop. Rapid City, South Dakota October 3-4. p. 149-164. Smith, M. F., G. A. Perry, J. A. Atkins, D. C. Busch, C.L. Johnson, and D. J. Patterson. 2006. Physiological principals underlying synchronization of estrus. Proceedings of the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop. Rapid City, South Dakota October 3-4. p. 7-28. Publications: USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center Journal Articles and Abstracts Echternkamp SE, Thallman RM, Cushman RA, Allan MF, Gregory KE. Increased calf production in cattle selected for twin ovulations and births. J Anim Sci 2007; (In press). Echternkamp SE, Cushman RA, Allan MF, Thallman RM, Gregory KE. Effects of ovulation rate and fetal numbers on fertility in twin-producing cattle. J Anim Sci 2007; (In press). Cushman RA, Allan MF, Thallman RM, Cundiff LV. Characterization of biological types of cattle (Cycle VII): Influence of postpartum interval and estrous cycle length on fertility. J Anim Sci 2007; 85:2156-2162. Cushman RA, Echternkamp SE, Allan MF, Freetly HC. Identification of indicator traits of fertility in the postpartum beef cow. Biol Reprod 2007; (Special Issue):443. Echternkamp SE, Cushman RA, Allan MF. Increasing ovulation rate reduced follicle size and increased blood progesterone concentrations but had no effect on fertility in cattle selected for twins. J Animal Sci 2007; 85(Suppl 1): 886. Cushman RA, Allan MF, Thallman RM, Cundiff LV. Evaluation of phenotypes influencing fertility in postpartum beef cows. J Anim Sci 2007; 85(Suppl 1):401. Allan MF, Thallman RM, Cushman RA, Echternkamp SE, Kuehn LA, Snelling WM. Fine mapping of QTL for twinning and ovulation rate using low density SNP map in conjunction with microsatellite maker information in the USMARC twinning population. Plant and Animal Genome XV Conference 2007:231. Publications: Wisconsin Refereed Journal Publications Silva, E., R. A. Sterry, D. Kolb, M. C. Wiltbank, and P. M. Fricke. 2007. Effect of pretreatment with prostaglandin F2± before resynchronization of ovulation on fertility of lactating Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. (In press). Silva, E., R. A. Sterry, D. Kolb, N. Mathialagan, M. F. McGrath, J. M. Ballam, and P. M. Fricke. 2007. Accuracy of a pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) ELISA to determine pregnancy status of lactating dairy cows 27 days after timed AI. J. Dairy Sci. (In press). Silva, E. P. B., R. A. Sterry, and P. M. Fricke. 2007. Assessment of a practical method for identifying anovular lactating dairy cows synchronized for first postpartum timed artificial insemination. J. Dairy Sci. 90:3255-3262. Sterry R. A., P. W. Jardon, and P. M. Fricke. 2007. Effect of timing of Cosynch on fertility of lactating Holstein cows after first postpartum and Resynch timed AI services. Theriogenology 67:1211-1216. Chang, Y. M., O. González-Recio, K. A. Weigel, and P. M. Fricke. 2007. Genetic analysis of the twenty-one-day pregnancy rate in US Holsteins using an ordinal censored threshold model with unknown voluntary waiting period. J. Dairy Sci. 90:1987-1997. Silva del Río, N., S. Stewart, P. Rapnicki, Y. M. Chang, and P. M. Fricke. 2007. An observational analysis of twin births, calf sex ratio, and calf mortality in Holstein dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 90:1255-1264. Abstracts Silva, E., R. A. Sterry, D. Kolb, M. C. Wiltbank, and P. M. Fricke. 2007. Effect of pretreatment with prostaglandin F2± 12 days before initiation of Resynch on fertility of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 90(Suppl. 1):160. Sterry, R. A., E. Silva, D. Kolb, and P. M. Fricke. 2007. Effect of GnRH administered four days after synchronization of ovulation and timed AI on fertility of anovular lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 90(Suppl. 1):326. Silva del Río, N., H. Lopez, R. R. Grummer, and P. M. Fricke. 2007. Effects of twin pregnancy and prepartum diet on postpartum ovarian activity in Holstein dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 90(Suppl. 1):533. Silva del Río, N., J. D. Colloton, and P. M. Fricke. 2007. Pregnancy loss in lactating Holstein cows diagnosed with twin versus singleton fetuses. J. Dairy Sci. 90(Suppl. 1):533. Silva del Río, N., R. R. Grummer, and P. M. Fricke. 2007. Effects of twin pregnancy and dry cow feeding strategy on milk production, energy balance and metabolic profiles in Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 90(Suppl. 1):615.

Impact Statements

1. NC-1006 research has defined optimum breeding time relative to GnRH injection and the ability to identify anestrus during the postpartum period with heat detection devices.
2. NC-1006 research has provided evidence for the role of estrogens in early fetal development and oocyte proliferation.
3. NC-1006 research has demonstrated that a once-used CIDR may be used for resynchronization without compromising conception rates. This would permit producers to increase use of AI and reduce the number of clean-up bulls needed allowing for increased profits and improved quality of life.
4. NC-1006 research has shown the potential for the use of hCG in heifer estrous synchronization protocols could enhance fertility to heifers exposed to fixed-time AI and result in a greater proportion of AI sired calves. In addition, improvement in fertility will generate more interest by beef producers to utilize fixed-time AI estrous synchronization systems, thus enhancing the overall use of AI.
5. NC-1006 research has been conducted to develop methods of concentrating the calving season and developing more uniform calf crops enhance the income generated for calves and also increase marketing opportunities of those calves. Therefore, altering the calving season through estrous synchronization of cow herds has the potential to impact numerous beef producers.
6. NC-1006 research has demonstrated that pregnancy success tended to be improved in feedlot developed heifers by supplementing heifer after they are moved to pasture immediately following artificial insemination.
7. NC-1006 research has demonstrated that an injection of GnRH following the onset of standing estrus influenced subsequent concentrations of progesterone and therefore may influence pregnancy success
8. NC-1006 research has improved procedures for estrous synchronization in heifers and lactating dairy cows that will increase farm income by increasing milk production, through reduced days open and genetic improvement (widespread use of artificial insemination). The increase in milk production is conservatively valued at $100/cow.
9. NC-1006 research has shown that applying a progesterone insert to cows identified to not have a corpus luteum is accurately (84%) done with one ultrasound exam before lactating cows are enrolled in a timed artificial insemination (Ovsynch) protocol. If 25 cows per 100 are treated with a progesterone insert as part of a timed artificial insemination (Ovsynch) protocol and pregnancy rates were increased by 8 percentage points, the cost per 100 cows inseminated would be $31.25 per pregnancy (25 ´ $10 per progesterone insert ¸ 8). When pregnancies are valued at $50 to $150, depending when they are initiated after calving, the payback on investment for use of the insert in cows not having a corpus luteum is very likely.