Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The following have been accomplished:

The bovine high fecundity allele, Trio, results in overexpression of SMAD6 and a 3-fold increase in ovulation rate. Once activated, Trio carrier follicles, have reduced progression through the primary stage, hence the larger oocyte and greater number.

The effect of unilateral ovariectomy (ULO, D0) on antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and ovulation rate in carriers and non-carriers of the Trio allele (n = 9/group) was evaluated. Unique observations were: 1) ULO decreased AFC and AMH to ~50%, 2) AFC eventually returned to pre-ULO values by 2 (Trio carriers) to 4 (non-carriers) months, and 3) ovarian compensation, based on AMH, occurred in Trio carriers (~8 months) but not in non-carriers by conclusion of the study (D230).

Induced embryo demise results in luteolysis, through ill-defined mechanisms, and is associated with timing of conceptus expulsion. The induction of embryonic demise may be a valuable model to investigate the mechanisms regulating luteolysis or CL maintenance during the second month of gestation.

Found evidence of presence of a continuous mechanism for CL maintenance beyond the classical maternal recognition period in cattle.  

Previous research has shown that induction of an accessory CL by administration of GnRH on d5 increases circulating progesterone and reduces pregnancy loss between d33 and d60 in heifers receiving IVP embryos.  Treatment with GnRH caused ovulation, formation of an accessory CL, however, there was no effect of timing of treatment on pregnancies per ET nor pregnancy loss.

Found that the removal of the initial GnRH from a 5-day FTET protocol resulted in a slight but significant reduction in the utilization rate, however, there was no detrimental effect on fertility. As a result, the overall cost of the FTET program can be reduced by eliminating the need for the initial GnRH treatment without compromising fertility.

Determined that pregnancies per artificial insemination (P/AI_ was similar (P=0.35) between heifers receiving a Single (43.6%; 65/149) or a Double (38.7%; 58/150) dose of GnRH at initiation of the protocol. Similarly, in cows neither estrous expression [57.1% (313/548) vs 56.0% (310/553)] nor P/AI [49.5% (271/548) vs 49.6% (274/553)] were different (P>0.60) between Single and Double GnRH treated, respectively. In heifers, increasing the dose of GnRH, resulted in a greater (P=0.04) ovulation rate in heifers in the Double dose group (40.9%; 36/88) than those in the Single dose group (26.1%; 23/88), while in cows ovulation to the initial GnRH was not different (P=0.35) between cows treated with a Single or Double dose of GnRH [66.5% (189/284) vs 68.4% (195/285)].  Finally, heifers that did ovulate after the initial GnRH had greater (P=0.04) P/AI (52.5%) than heifers that did not ovulate (40.2%), while P/AI did not differ between cows that did (54.9%) or did not (57.0%) ovulate to the initial GnRH.  

Found that treatment with GnRH at the time of AI is a suitable strategy to improve P/AI in heifers that fail to exhibit estrous after an estradiol-based FTAI protocol.  Likewise, cows that did not exhibit estrous and received GnRH at the time of AI had greater (P<0.01) P/AI than those that did not exhibited estrous and remain untreated (43.9% vs 32.5%). Pregnancy loss was not different between any of the groups (P>0.10).

Morphometric characteristics of the female reproductive tract are primarily determined during prenatal development and may have the potential when assessed to aid in the prediction of fertility in beef cattle.  Marked variation of morphometric characteristics of the reproductive tract among individuals was observed, however, total ovarian area was the only factor associated with pregnancy outcomes to FTAI.  

Early pregnancy detection has the potential to improve reproductive efficiency of embryo transfer (ET) programs by identifying non-pregnant animals and allowing their prompt reutilization.  Sensitivity was lowest (89.8%) for uterine endometrial thickness (UET) and was different (P<0.01) from the other three tests. Specificity was greatest (P<0.01) for serum P4 (67%), lowest for UET (33.9%), and intermediate for CL volume (55.4%) and Color Doppler (58.9%). Serum P4, CL volume and CL Color Doppler showed excellent NPV (>97%) indicating that each of these values accurately predicted non-pregnant heifers. However, PPV was moderate (70 to 75%) indicating the potential for false positive results either due to pregnancy loss between d 21 and d 28 or, alternatively, inaccuracy of the method.

Found that pregnancy diagnosis by color Doppler ultrasonography at d 22 after FTAI coupled with the use of a CIDR may be an effective strategy to identify non-pregnant heifers and attempt their prompt re-synchronization.  Color Doppler ultrasonography had less Specificity (59.1% compared with 90.2%) and PPV (75% compared with 89.3%) in heifers than cows. In conclusion, color Doppler ultrasonography settings that were evaluated did not affect the diagnostic performance for pregnancy diagnosis at d21.

Ewes administered PG-600 near the end of a CIDR-synchronization protocol displayed higher progesterone levels than controls despite similar number of CL in their subsequent estrous cycle. This was accompanied by a downregulation of follicle stimulating hormone receptors in the glandular epithelium and high expression of MUC-1 in luminal epithelium in early diestrus (7 days post-treatment). This is postulated to explain the subfertility of ewes synchronized with this regimen of CIDR/PG-600.

Culture systems to support development of isolated follicles from preantral to antral stages have many applications, ranging from basic ovarian biology to assisted reproductive techniques for women and valuable mammalian species. Unfortunately, a standard, “best practices” protocol does not exist for many species of interest. A 3D, matrix-free low attachment culture system was identified which supported growth of multilayer bovine follicles to small antral stage. Addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) appears to support survival, antrum formation and growth of follicles to greater sizes than previously reported with matrix-based methods (~2 mm vs 0.5 mm). Addition of EGF+Kit Ligand improved growth of some follicles, while addition of EGF+LIF showed modest improvement. However, follicles have yet to reach sizes associated with oocytes capable of in vitro maturation (3-6 mm).   

Bull fertility is the ability of the sperm to fertilize and activate the egg and support embryo development. Sperm freezability or cryopreservability if the post-thaw viability of sperm following freezing and thawing. Research shows that there are significant differences in fertility and sperm freezability among breeding bulls.  Outcomes of the research enhance fundamental science and technology on sperm production, function, and cryopreservation-discerning bull fertility and sperm freezability.

Treatment of bull sperm with ionophore A23187 in standard TALP medium rapidly immobilized bull sperm. Important, when A23187 was washed away 10 minutes later, bull sperm rapidly regained general motility, and these sperm displayed parameters consistent with hyperactive motility such as decrease linearity, increased VCL (curvilinear velocity) and ALH (lateral head displacement).

When ionophore A23187-treated bull sperm were functionally tested for in vitro fertilization rates, ionophore treated sperm performed better than control sperm, but not better than heparin-treated sperm. However, the combined treatment of ionophore A23187+ heparin, produced significantly better results than either of the treatments alone, especially when the outcomes were evaluated as total number of blastocysts and total number of hatched blastocysts.

“Sperm Energy Recovery after starvation” (SER) treated bull sperm, just as mouse sperm treated by the same procedure, responded to the restoration of energy with better motility patterns, and increased rates of pre-implantation of embryo development.

“Sperm Energy Recovery after starvation” (SER)-treated bull sperm also resulted in better fertilization rates following ICSI, greater percentages of sperm induced oscillations, the rates of blastocysts development changed dramatically.

“Sperm Energy Recovery after starvation” (SER)-treated sperm seem to undergo differential re-localization of sperm PLCzeta, the sperm molecule responsible for the initiation of oscillations at fertilization in all mammals.

Gilts were treated as follows to determine an additive impact of thermal stress on the ovarian response to chemical exposure: 1) Thermal Neutral ad libitum feed intake, 2) Thermal Neutral ad libitum feed intake plus Zearalenone, 3) Thermal Neutral feed intake paired to heat stressed gilts (group 5 and 6), 4) Thermal Neutral feed intake paired to heat stressed gilts plus Zearalenone, 5) Heat Stressed ad libitum feed intake, 6) Heat Stressed ad libitum feed intake plus Zearalenone. Tissues have been collected and molecular analysis is underway (Goal #1).

The impact of thermal stress on the ovarian prolactin signaling pathway has been evaluated in gilts who were heat stressed during the follicular phase of their estrous cycle. This is potentially an important mode of heat stress-altered ovarian function since prolactin is elevated in heat stressed production animals (Goal #1).

Using LC-MS/MS, we have completed proteomic analysis of ovaries from mice who were exposed to perfluorooctonic acid (PFOA), or Zearalenone (ZEA) or Glyphosate (GLY). We have collected phenotypic data from each of these separate experiments. In addition, both lean and obese mice were included in each study and the impact of altered metabolic status has been determined (Goal #1).

Completed immunological staining to investigate the location and abundance of ovarian connexin 37 and 43 to understand communication between somatic cells and the female gamete.  This staining was performed in ovarian sections from lean or obese mice who were exposed to vehicle control or PFOA (Goal #2).

Utilized DNA repair protein deficient mice as well as obese mice to investigate whether obesity alters the capacity of the ovary to discard damaged follicles (Goal #1).

Fecal DNA, which largely represents bacterial DNA, was isolated and whole genome shotgun sequencing performed.  A total of 36 samples were sequenced as follows: Control/unstimulated (), High A4/unstimulated (), Control/FSH stimulated, High A4/FSH stimulated (). The analyses will determine representation of microbe families in each experimental group and similarities or differences in the presence of functional genes between experimental groups.

Blood plasma was assayed to detect subclinical inflammation. A cytokine array panel was interrogated and the upper and lower quartile of cows based on their TNFα concentrations were identified.  TNFα concentration was also positively correlated to several other pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines indicating a systemic inflammatory response.

Follicular fluid and theca cells from Large (> 7mm) and small (< 5mm) follicles was collected at ovariectomy. Samples were classified based on control vs. high TNFa (circulating).  Androstenedione but not progesterone was decreased in follicular fluid in both large and small follicles. We performed preliminary BODIPY staining in theca sections. It increases as theca undergo luteinization

Determined that TNFa was higher in cows that were acyclic prior to their first breeding (delayed puberty). This suggests that the subclinical inflammatory response may be chronic and this enhanced response to stress could be programmed prior to puberty.

Using a mouse model, we have collected oocytes and cumulus granulosa cells from conventional and germ-free mice fed a control or high fat/high sugar diet. Analyses will be carried out in 2020.

Expression of ZIM2 in bovine oocytes and early embryos was characterized. A potential ZIM2 binding element (ACGTTACCCT) was identified and the interaction between ZIM2 protein and KAP1 (co-repressor) was confirmed.

Differential expression of bovine long noncoding RNAs in oocytes derived from small and large follicles was identified.

Expression of agouti signaling protein (ASIP) gene in ovarian tissues and early embryos was characterized. 

Chronic exposure to ergot alkaloids decreases the utero-ovarian blood vessels, thus reducing blood flow to the ovary.

Chronic exposure to ergot alkaloids in addition to heat stress disrupts folliculogenesis, thus hindering the transition from recruited to preovulatory follicles.

Exposure to ergot alkaloids during the second trimester of gestation does not hinder subsequent heifer growth and reproductive performance. No differences in primordial, recruited, selected or preovulatory follicles were observed.

Chronic exposure to ergot alkaloids reduces corpus luteum area and progesterone production compared to control animals.

Presence of a functional CL at the start of a FTAI protocol improves pregnancy success in postpartum beef cows, thus incorporating a presynchronization program prior to FTAI will increase pregnancy rates.

The slick hair mutation, found in Senepol cattle, appears to aid in offsetting the physiological symptoms associated with fescue toxicosis and helps to improve reproductive performance.

Determined the effects of calcium ionophore (0.1, 0.5 and 1 uM) and ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA; 2 mM) on CCN1 expression in ovarian adenocarcinoma (OVCAR8) cells.

Determined the effects of calcium ionophore (0.1, 0.5 and 1 uM) on CCN1 expression in OVCAR8 cells treated with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA).

Determined the effects of calcium ionophore on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB1) expression in OVCAR8 cells.

Determined the effects of CREB1 siRNA on CCN1 expression in OVCAR8 cells.

Performed a pilot experiment to determine the effects of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1; 50, 100 ng/mL) and phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate (PMA; 1, 10 nM) on CCN1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) expression in granulosa cells obtained from large, dominant bovine follicles.

O-GlcNAcylation is readily evident in bovine granulosa cells (GCs) of both small and large follicles. The GCs of small follicles exhibit greater expression of O-GlcNAcylation than large follicles.  Conversely, the follicular fluid of small follicles contains less glucose and greater lactate than large follicles. Exogenous inhibition of O-GlcNAcylation impairs proliferation of GC in vitro.

Determined the most abundant miRNA in extracellular vesicles released from luteal cells, and changes in luteal-resident T cell proteins during luteolysis.

The switch in the most abundant miRNA in the CL between days 4 and 6 are those that regulate luteal cell calcium homeostasis and susceptibility to apoptosis, clearly implicating miRNA in acquisition of luteolytic capacity.

Profiled temporal, molecular changes in the CL during early pregnancy that provide clues about pathways that are important for continued luteal function. 

Developed microfluidic device for high content screening of compounds that block cumulus expansoin, oocyte maturaiton or fertilization.

Screened a FDA library of drugs (Prestwick) and found potentially novel pathways involved in cumulus expansion.

Determined early pregnancy was accompanied by an increase monocytes in peripheral blood as well as mediators of immune tolerance in dairy heifers.

Determined that supplemental omega-3 fatty acids fed to transition dairy cows on a commercial farm improved conception rates in primiparous heifers and milk yield in multiparous dairy cows.

The SNP in TNFα had significant effects on fertility; Combining the effects of SNPs in TNFα + IGFI, cows carrying more favorable alleles (AA for each gene) had fewer DIM to pregnancy than cows having BB genotype for both (AAAA=112±8, BBBB=126±10; Linear effect P=0.019).

SNPs in PON1 promoter at positions -221 and -392 were significantly associated with both plasma PON1 activity and a reduced calving to conception interval (P<0.05) with no significant effect on calving to first ovulation interval. These SNPs provide novel genetic markers for improved fertility in future studies in dairy cows.

Preliminary results confirm significant effects on fertility in lactating dairy cows of a SNP in COQ9. 

Identification and level of expression of a family of glycan binding proteins (galectins; LGALS1, 3, 4, 7, 7b, 8, 9, 13L and 15) considered essential for pregnancy establishment in mammals, was characterized for both cattle and sheep conceptuses during the time of early embryonic loss.

Galectin-1 (LGALS1) promotes endometrial expression of genes considered essential for pregnancy establishment in cattle and other species including FOXP3, ISG15, CXCR4 and IL6.

Bovine endometrial epithelial and fibroblast specific expression of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), factors considered essential for pregnancy establishment in ruminants, was characterized during the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy and early embryonic loss in cattle.

Explored ways to develop induced pluripotent stem cells from cattle and identify biomarkers in bovine serum that can be used in the diagnosis of pregnancy and pregnancy failures.

Transvaginal oocyte aspiration of medium-sized follicles every third day for 30 days does not disrupt ovarian follicular development of early lactation dairy cattle.  Likewise, collection of uterine biopsies alongside every other transvaginal oocyte aspiration does not affect cyclicity.

The cytokine, interleukin-6, serves as an embryokine in bovine embryos during embryo culture. Its primary actions are to 1) enable development of embryos cultured individually, 2) improve development of the inner cell mass (ICM) through a JAK-dependent mechanism, and 3) promote primitive endoderm development through a JAK-dependent mechanism.  

Selective medium supplements can improve ICM cell numbers during in vitro bovine embryo culture.

Modifications in early fetal development are observed after transfer of in vitro-produced bovine embryos with interleukin-6. These changes appear to be positive as fetus size more closely resembles fetuses from AI-generated pregnancies rather than fetuses from non-treated in vitro-produced embryos. 

We are understanding the mechanisms involved in selection of a single dominant follicle in cattle. This will be key for the rational design of new reproductive management strategies and reproductive biotechnologies.

We have discovered the mechanism that produces increased ovulation rate in carriers of the Trio allele.  This mechanism may also underlie double ovulation in dairy cattle and in other species.  This should allow us to manipulate the ovulation rate in cattle and perhaps other species. 

We now have clearly demonstrated that the corpus luteum is maintained during early pregnancy by suppression of pulses of prostaglandin F2a by interferon-tau, based on our measurements of PGFM surges. We have also discovered that there is a second period of corpus luteum maintenance after Day 25 when interferon-tau secretion ends and PGF pulses are initiated. The resolution of the mechanisms that allow maintenance of the corpus luteum during this second period will be key for reducing pregnancy loss in cattle.

We found that increasing circulating progesterone can reduce pregnancy loss in recipients of in-vitro produced embryos. This provides an easy method to reduce pregnancy loss by treatment with either GnRH or hCG.

Peer-reviewed journal articles reporting research from this project

Abedal-Majed MA, Kurz SG, Springman SA, McNeel AK, Freetly HC, Largen V, Magamage M, Sargent KM, Wood JR, Cushman RA, Cupp AS (2019) Vascular endothelial growth factor A isoforms modulate follicle development independent of diet in peri-pubertal heifers through diverse signal transduction pathways. Biol Reprod 102: 680-692, PMID: 31723977 

Akin, E.E., Johnson, A.K., Ross, J.W., Millman, S.T., Jass, C.D., Stinn, J.P., Stalder, K.J. 2019. Modified wean-to-finish mat as an alternative handling tool for moving grow-finish pig cadavers: A pilot study. Journal of Swine Health and Production 27:278-283.

Aldrigde EM, Fearon JE, Haynes PB, Miller HM, Sanford KY, Scott RR, Anglin WW, Blolack LS, Burkes BL, Cohn-White OL, Franks BR, Giles HM, Greene AL, Hanby RD, Holliman AG, Kirby JM, Klein AU, Lehman CA, Lloyd GJ, Lore CT, McMurray TB, Moody ZV, Palmer BN, Pansano LV, Pickle RM, Schaeffer LM, Sidl JR, Smith JD, Stepp HF, Satrio FA, Kutchy NA, Dechert E, Rutherford C, Brown K, Purwantara B, Memili E. (2019) Solutions for grand challenges in goat and sheep production. BIOTROPIA. 26(1): 56-64.

Basavaraja, R., S. T. Madusanka, J. N. Drum, K. Shrestha, S. Farberov, M. C. Wiltbank, R. Sartori, and R. Meidan. 2019. Interferon-Tau Exerts Direct Prosurvival and Antiapoptotic Actions in Luteinized Bovine Granulosa Cells. Sci Rep 9:14682.

Bidne, K.L., Romoser, M.R., Ross, J.W., Baumgard, L.H., Keating, A.F. 2019. Heat stress during the luteal phase decreases luteal size but does not impact circulating progesterone in gilts. Journal of Animal Science. 97(10):4314-4322.

Boettcher, A.N., Kiupel, M., Adur, M.K., Cocco, E., Santin, A.D., Bellone, S., Charley, S.E., Blanco-Fernandez, B., Risinger, J.I., Ross, J.W., Tuggle, C.K., Shapiro, E.M. 2019. Human Ovarian Cancer Tumor Formation in Severe Combined Immunodeficient (SCID) Pigs.  Front Oncol.

Bonometti S, Menarim BC, Reinholt BM, Ealy AD and Johnson SE. Growth factor modulation of equine trophoblast mitosis and prostaglandin gene expression. J Anim Sci. 2019 Feb 1;97(2):865-873. doi: 10.1093/jas/sky473.

Carlisle LD, Memili E, Linford BL, Slater KA, Nicodemus MC. (2019) Relationship Between Gait Mechanics and the Speed of the Trot in the Weimaraner Dog Breed. Topics in Companion An Med. 35:26-30.

Clark, K.L., Talton, O.O., Ganesan, S., Schulz, L.C., Keating, A.F. 2019. Developmental Origins of Ovarian Disorder: Impact of Maternal Lean Gestational Diabetes on the Offspring Ovarian Proteome in Mice. Biology of Reproduction. 101(4):771-781.

Dickson, M.J., Kvidera, S.K., Horst, E.A., Wiley, C.E., Mayorga, E.J., Ydstie, J., Perry, G.A., Baumgard, L.H., Keating, A.F. 2019. Impact of chronic and increasing lipopolysaccharide exposure on production and reproductive parameters in lactating Holstein dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science. 102(4):3569-3583.

Dolecheck KA, Garcia-Guerra A, Moraes LE. 2019 Quantifying the effects of mastitis on the reproductive performance of dairy cows: A meta-analysis. Journal of Dairy Science, 102 (9): 8454–8477.

Ealy AD and Seekford ZK. Symposium Review: Predicting pregnancy loss in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2019; 102:11798-11804. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-17176.

Ealy AD, Wooldridge LK and McCoski SR. Board Invited Review: Post-transfer consequences of in vitro-produced embryos in cattle. J Anim Sci. 2019 May 30;97(6):2555-2568. doi: 10.1093/jas/skz116.

El Debaky HA, Kutchy NA, Ul-Husna A, Intriastuti R, Akhter S, Purwantara B, Memili E. (2019) Potential of water buffalo in world agriculture: challenges and opportunities. Applied Animal Science. 35:255-268.

Evans H, Jousan D, Memili E, Beckman L, Nicodemus H. (2019) Life skill development and financial impact associated with a youth livestock sales program. Journal of Youth Development 14(3).

Figueroa-Morales N, Dominguez-Rubio L, Ott TL, Aranson IS. 2019. Mechanical shear controls bacterial penetration in mucus. Sci Rep. 4;9(1):9713. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-46085-z. PubMed PMID: 31273252; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6609767.

Fontes PL, Oosthuizen N, Ciriaco FM, Sanford CD, Canal LB, Pohler KG, Henry DD, Mercadante VR, Timlin CL, Ealy AD, Johnson SE, DiLorenzo N and Lamb GC. Impact of fetal vs. maternal contributions of Bos indicus and Bos taurus genetics on embryonic and fetal development. J Anim Sci. 2019 Apr 3;97(4):1645-1655. doi: 10.1093/jas/skz044.

Garcia-Guerra A, Sala RV, Carrenho-Sala L, Baez GM, Motta JCL, Fosado M, Moreno JF, Wiltbank MC. 2019 Postovulatory treatment with GnRH on day 5 reduces pregnancy loss in recipients receiving an in vitro produced expanded blastocyst. Theriogenology, 141: 202-210.

Gomes FP, Diedrich JK, Saviola AJ, Memili E, Moura AA, Yates JR. (2020) EThcD and 213 nm UVPD for Top-Down Analysis of Bovine Seminal Plasma Proteoforms on Electrophoretic and Chromatographic Time Frames. Anal Chem. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b03856.

Gomez-Leon, V. E., O. J. Ginther, E. R. Araujo, J. D. Guimaraes, and M. C. Wiltbank. 2019. Hormonal mechanisms regulating follicular wave dynamics I: Comparison of follicle growth profiles under different physiological conditions in heifers. Theriogenology 123:194-201.

Gomez-Leon, V. E., O. J. Ginther, J. D. Guimaraes, and M. C. Wiltbank. 2020. Hormonal mechanisms regulating follicular wave dynamics II: Progesterone decreases diameter at follicle selection regardless of whether circulating FSH or LH are decreased or elevated. Theriogenology 143:148-156.

Habeeb et al. Effect of different dosages of PG-600 on ovulation and pregnancy rates in ewes during the breeding season. Transl. Anim. Sci. 2019.3:429–432.

Habeeb et al. Ovulation, pregnancy, and lambing rates during nonbreeding season with or without exogenous gonadotropin stimulation. Clinical Theriogenology 2020.12:23-28. 

Habeeb et al. Endometrial estrogen receptor, follicle stimulating hormone receptor, and mucin-1 expression during early diestrus in ewes following PG-600 administration. In review, Reproduction in Domestic Animals, April 30, 2020.

Harl A, Westfall-Rudd D and Rhoads ML. 2019. Increased utilization of tactile activities in reproductive physiology laboratory sections to improve cognitive learning. NACTA J. 2019 63(2):341-343. 

Harper MT, Oh J, Melgar A, Nedelkov K, Räisänen S, Chen X, Martins CMMR, Young M, Ott TL, Kniffen DM, Fabin RA, Hristov AN. 2019. Production effects of feeding extruded soybean meal to early-lactation dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 102(10):8999-9016. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-16551. Epub 2019 Aug 14. PubMed PMID: 31421886.

Hines, E.A., Romoser, M.R., Kiefer, Z.E., Keating, A.F., Baumgard, L.H., Niemi, J., Haberl, B., Williams, N.H., Kerr, B.J., Touchette, K.J., Ross, J.W. 2019. The impact of dietary supplementation of arginine during gestation in a commercial swine herd: II. Offspring performance. Journal of Animal Science. 97(9):3626-3635. 

Hines, E.A., Romoser, M.R., Kiefer, Z.E., Keating, A.F., Baumgard, L.H., Niemi, J., Gabler, N.K., Patience, J.F., Haberl, B., Williams, N.H., Kerr, B.J., Touchette, K.J., Ross, J.W. 2019. The impact of dietary supplementation of arginine during gestation in a commercial swine herd: I. Gilt reproductive performance. Journal of Animal Science. 97(9):3617-3625.

Horst, E.A., Kvidera, S.K., Dickson, M.J., McCarthy, C.S., Mayorga, E.J., Al-Qaisi, M., Ramirez, A.A., Keating, A.F., Baumgard, L.H. 2019. Effects of continuous and increasing lipopolysaccharide infusion on basal and stimulated metabolism in lactating Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science. 102(4):3584-3597.

Hughes CHK, Inskeep EK, Pate JL. 2020. Temporal changes in the corpus luteum during early pregnancy reveal regulation of pathways that enhance steroidogenesis and suppress luteolytic mechanisms. Biology of Reproduction. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioaa047.

Hughes CK, Pate JL. 2019. Luteolysis and the Corpus Luteum of Pregnancy. In: The Ovary 3rd Edition, PCK Leung and EY Adashi, eds., Academic Press, Elsevier, pp. 270-295.  ISBN 978-0-12-813209-8

Hughes CK, Maalouf SW Liu W-S, Pate JL. 2019. Molecular profiling demonstrates modulation of immune cell function and matrix remodeling during luteal rescue. Biology of Reproduction, 2019, 100(6), 1581–1596 doi:10.1093/biolre/ioz037

Hughes CHK, Bosviel R, Newman JW, Pate JL. 2019. Luteal lipids regulate progesterone production and may modulate immune cell function during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Front. Endocrinol. 10:662.  doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00662

Jaskiewicz NJ, Townson DH (2019) Hyper-O-GlcNAcylation promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in endometrial cancer cells. Oncotarget 10(30):2899-2910

Khanal, P., Sanglard, L.P., Mayberry, K., Sommer, J., Poore, M.H., Poole, D.H., Serão N.V.L. 2019 Identification of differentially expressed genes for fescue toxicosis in high and low tolerant Angus cows. Epigenetics & Genomics DOI: 10.21203/rs.2.9998/v1

Kshitiz, Afzal J, Maziarz JD, Hamidzadeh A, Liang C, Erkenbrack EM, Kim HN, Haeger JD, Pfarrer C, Hoang T, Ott T, Spencer T, Pavličev M, Antczak DF, Levchenko A, Wagner GP. Evolution of placental invasion and cancer metastasis are causally linked. Nat Ecol Evol. 2019 Dec;3(12):1743-1753. doi: 10.1038/s41559-019-1046-4. Epub 2019 Nov 25. PubMed PMID: 31768023.

Kutchy NA, Dogan S, Wang X, Topper E, Kaya A, Memili E. (2020) Application of Proteomics to Identify Fertility Markers in Angus Bull Sperm. In press; HAYATI Journal of Biosciences. 

Kutchy NA, Menezes ESB, Ugur MR, Ulhusna A, ElDebaky H, Evans HC, Beaty E, Santos F, Tan W, Wills RW, Topper E, Kaya A, Moura AA, Memili E. (2019) Sperm Cellular and Nuclear Dynamics Associated with Bull Fertility. Anim Reprod Sci. Dec;211:106203. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106203. Epub 2019 Oct 18. PMID: 31785643

Li H, Garner TB, Diaz FJ and Wong PK. A Multiwell Microfluidic Device for Analyzing and Screening Non-Hormonal Contraceptive Agents. Small. (2019) Jul;15(28):e1901910. 

Macedo, G. G., R. D. Mingoti, E. O. S. Batista, B. M. Monteiro, L. M. Vieira, R. V. Barletta, M. C. Wiltbank, G. P. Nogueira, F. P. Renno, J. R. Maio, and P. S. Baruselli. 2019. Profile of LH release in response to intramuscular treatment with kisspeptin in Bos indicus and Bos taurus prepubertal heifers. Theriogenology 125:64-70.

Mayorga, E.J., Kvidera, S.K., Horst, E.A., Al-Qaisi, M., Dickson, M.J., Seibert, J.T., Lei, S., Keating, A.F., Ross, J.W., Rhoads, R.P., Rambo, Z.J., Wilson, M.E., Baumgard, L.H. 2019 Effects of zinc amino acid complex on biomarkers of gut integrity and metabolism during and following heat stress or feed restriction in pigs.  Journal of Animal Science 96:4173-4185.

Mayorga, E.J., Kvidera, S.K., Seibert, J.T., Horst, E.A., Abuajamieh, M., Al-Qaisi, M., Lei, S., Ross, J.W., Johnson, C.D., Kremer, B., Ochoa, L., Rhoads, R.P., Baumgard, L.H.  2019. Effects of dietary chromium propionate on growth performance, metabolism, and immune biomarkers in heat-stressed finishing pigs. J Anim Sci. 97:1185-1197.

Mayorga E.J., Renaudeau, D., Ramirez, B.C., Ross, J.W., Baumgard, L.H. 2019.  Heat stress adaptation in pigs. Animal Frontiers 9:54-61.

Memili E, Moura A, Kaya A. (2020) Metabolomes of Sperm and Seminal Plasma Associated with Bull Fertility. Animal Reproduction Science. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106355.

Menezes E, Velho A, Santos F, Dinh T, Kaya A, Topper E, Moura A, Memili E. (2019) Uncovering Sperm metabolome to discover biomarkers for bull fertility. BMC Genomics. 20(1):714. doi:10.1186/s12864-019-6074-6.

Menezes ESB, Badial PR, El-Debaky H, Ulhusna A, Ugur MR, Kaya A, Topper E, Bulla C, Grant KE, Bolden-Tiller O, Moura AA, Memili E. (2019) Sperm miR-15a, miR-29b, miR-34a are associated with male fertility. doi: 10.1111/and.13412.

Mezera, M. A., C. S. Hamm, C. A. Gamarra, R. S. Gennari, A. B. Prata, R. Sartori, and M. C. Wiltbank. 2019. Profiles of prostaglandin F2alpha metabolite in dairy cattle during luteal regression and pregnancy: implications for corpus luteum maintenancedagger. Biol Reprod 101:76-90.

Monn, R. E., Mackey, J.C., Mayberry, K. J., Poole, R. K., Dudley, H., Alley, M., Poole, D. H. 2019. A two injection of Prostaglandin F2α pre-synchronization treatment decreases conception rates of developing replacement heifers. Translational Animal Science Volume 3, Issue 1, 1 January 2019, Pages 456–463, https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txy136

Navarrete FA, Aguila L, Martin-Hidalgo D, Tourzani DA, Luque GM, Ardestani G, Garcia-Vazquez FA, Levin LR, Buck J, Darszon A, Buffone MG, Mager J, Fissore RA, Salicioni AM, Gervasi MG, Visconti PE. Transient Sperm Starvation Improves the Outcome of Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2019 Nov 5;7:262. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00262.

Negron-Perez VM, Fausnacht DW and Rhoads ML. Invited Review: Management strategies capable of improving the reproductive performance of heat-stressed dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2019 Dec;102(12):10695-10710. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-16718.

Niles, A. M., H. P. Fricke, P. D. Carvalho, M. C. Wiltbank, L. L. Hernandez, and P. M. Fricke. 2019. Effect of treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin 7 days after artificial insemination or at the time of embryo transfer on reproductive outcomes in nulliparous Holstein heifers. J Dairy Sci 102:2593-2606.

Ozbek M, Hitit M, Ergun E, Ergun L, Beyaz F, Erhan F, Yildirim N, Kandil B, Ozgenc O, Memili E. (2020). Expression Profile of Toll-Like Receptor 4 in Rat Testis and Epididymis throughout Postnatal Development. Andrologia. doi:10.1111/and.13518.

Pereira, M. H. C., M. C. Wiltbank, T. G. Guida, F. R. Lopes, Jr., B. I. Cappellozza, and J. L. M. Vasconcelos. 2020. Evaluation of presynchronization and addition of GnRH at the beginning of an estradiol/progesterone protocol on circulating progesterone and fertility of lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology 147:124-134.

Pillai VV, Kei TG, Reddy SE, Das M, Abratte C, Cheong SH and Selvaraj V. (2019). Induced pluripotent stem cell generation from bovine somatic cells indicates unmet needs for pluripotency sustenance. Animal Science Journal. 90(9):1149-1160.

Plewes MR, Hou X, Zhang P, Wood JR, Cupp AS, Lu X, Wang C, and Davis JS (2019) Yes-associated protein (YAP) is required for proliferation and function of bovine granulosa cells. Biol Reprod 101: 1001-1017, PMID: PMC6877782 

Poole D.H. 2019 Impacts of fescue toxicosis on the success of reproductive technologies. Proceedings in Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef August 20-21, 2019

Poole RK, Womble CM, Poore MH, Poole DH, Pickworth CL. 2019 Effects of endophyte-infected tall fescue seed and protein supplementation on stocker steers: I. Growth performance and hemodynamic responses. J Anim Sci. 2019 Sep 3;97(9):3776-3785. doi: 10.1093/jas/skz249. PMID: 31359059

Poole RK, Brown AR, Poore MH, Pickworth CL, Poole DH. 2019 Effects of endophyte-infected tall fescue seed and protein supplementation on stocker steers: II. Adaptive and innate immune function. J Anim Sci. 2019 Oct 3;97(10):4160-4170. doi: 10.1093/jas/skz250. PMID: 31353402

Poole RK, Poole DH. 2019. Impact of Ergot Alkaloids on Female Reproduction in Domestic Livestock Species. Toxins (Basel). Jun 21;11(6):364. doi: 10.3390/toxins11060364. PMID: 31234268 Free PMC article. Invited Review.

Poole RK, Devine TL, Mayberry KJ, Eisemann JH, Poore MH, Long NM, Poole DH. 2019. Impact of slick hair trait on physiological and reproductive performance in beef heifers consuming ergot alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue. J Anim Sci. Apr 3;97(4):1456-1467. doi: 10.1093/jas/skz024.

Ramirez, B.C., Xin, H., Halbur, P.G., Beermann, D.H., Hansen, S.L., Linhares, D.C.L., Peschel, J.M., Rademacher, C.J., Reecy, J.M., Ross, J.W., Shepherd, T.A., Koltes, J.E. 2019. At the intersection of industry, academia, and government: How do we facilitate productive precision livestock farming in practice? Animals (Basel) 9(9).

Rhoads ML. Effects of periconceptional heat stress on primiparous and multiparous daughters of Holstein dairy cows. Theriogenology. 2020 Mar 11. pii: S0093-691X(20)30181-3. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.015.

Rister AL, Bidne KL, Wood JR, and Dodds ED (2019) Microscale serum extraction method for the simultaneous analysis of corticosterone and lipids. Anal Methods, 11: 5746-5749, PMID: 32148562

Schalich KM, Herren A and Selvaraj V. (2020). Analysis of differential strategies to enhance detection of low-abundance protein in the bovine serum proteome. Animal Science Journal. Accepted, In press.

Schultz, R., Serao, N.L., Ross, J.W. 2019.  Genetic improvement of livestock, from conventional breeding to biotechnological approaches. In: Animal Agriculture: Sustainability, Challenges and Innovations. Eds. Bazer, F.W., Wu, G.  In Press (Elsevier). 

Seibert, J.T., Adur, M.K., Schultz, R.B., Thomas, P.Q., Kiefer, Z.E., Keating, A.F., Baumgard, L.H., Ross, J.W. 2019. Differentiating between the effects of heat stress and lipopolysaccharide on the porcine ovarian heat shock protein response. Journal of Animal Science. 97(12):4965-4973. 

Silveira, P. A. S., W. R. Butler, T. C. da Silva, C. C. Barros, M. N. Correa, and A. Schneider. Association of polymorphisms in the IGF-I, GHR, and STAT5A genes with serum IGF-I concentration and reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows. Anim Reprod.Sci. 211(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106206):106206, 2019.

Snider AP and Wood JR (2019) Obesity induces ovarian inflammation and reduces oocyte quality. Reproduction 158: R79-R90, PMID: 30999278

Sun T and Diaz FJ. Ovulatory signals alter granulosa cell behavior through YAP1 signaling. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology: (2019) 17 (1), 113.

Timme KR and Wood JR (2019) Use of single molecule fluorescent in situ hybridization (SM-FISH) to quantify and localize mRNAs in murine oocytes. J. Vis. Exp. 146, PMID: 31081819

Tenley SC, Spuri-Gomes R, Rosasco SL, Northrop EJ, Rich J, McNeel AK, Summers AF, Miles JR, Chase CC, Lents CA, Perry GA, Wood JR, Cupp AS, Cushman RA (2019) Maternal age influences the number of primordial follicles in the ovaries of yearling angus heifers, Animal Reproduction Science 200:105-112

Ugur MR, Dinh T, Hitit M, Kaya A, Topper E, Didion B, Memili E. (2020) Amino Acids of Seminal Plasma Associated with Freezability of Bull Sperm. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 7(347): 1-14.

Ugur MR, Saber Abdelrahman A, Evans HC, Gilmore AA, Hitit M, Arifiantini RI, Purwantara B, Kaya A, Memili E. (2019) Advances in cryopreservation of bull sperm. Front Vet Sci. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00268.

Ugur MR, Kutchy NA, Menezes EBS, Ulhusna A, Haynes BP, Uzun A, Kaya A, Topper E, Moura AA, Memili E. (2019) Retained Acetylated Histone Four in Bull Sperm Associated with Fertility. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 6(23): 1-10.

Vailes MT, McCoski SR, Wooldridge LK, Reese ST, Pohler KG, Roper DA, Mercadante VR and Ealy AD. Post-transfer outcomes in cultured bovine embryos supplemented with epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 2, and insulin-like growth factor 1. Theriogenology. 2019 Jan 15;124:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.09.023.

Velho A, Wang H, Koenig L, Grant KE, Menezes E, Kaya A, Moura A, Memili E. (2019) Expression dynamics of Integrin Subunit Beta 5 in bovine gametes and embryos imply functions in male fertility and early embryonic development. Andrologia. 00:e13305. DOI: 10.1111/and.13305.

Wang L; Hand JM, Fu L, Smith GW and Yao J. 2019. DNA methylation and miRNA-1296 act in concert to mediate spatiotemporal expression of KPNA7 during bovine oocyte and early embryonic development. BMC Developmental Biology. 19 (1), 23. DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0204-x.

Wang J, Koganti PP and Yao J. 2020. Systematic identification of long intergenic non-coding RNAs expressed in bovine oocytes. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 18(1) 13. DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00573-4.

Wooldridge LK and Ealy AD. Interleukin-6 increases inner cell mass numbers in bovine embryos. BMC Dev Biol. 2019 Feb 1;19(1):2. doi: 10.1186/s12861-019-0182-z.

Wooldridge LK and Ealy AD. Zinc Supplementation during in vitro bovine embryo culture increases inner cell mass and total cell numbers in bovine blastocysts. J. Anim. Sci. 2019; 97(12):4946-4950. doi: 10.1093/jas/skz351.

Wooldridge LK, Johnson SE and Ealy AD. Interleukin-6 requires JAK to stimulate inner cell mass expansion in bovine embryos. Reproduction. 2019 Oct;158(4):303-312. doi: 10.1530/REP-19-0286.

Zhang Z, Zhao LD, Johnson SE, Rhoads ML, Jiang H and Rhoads RP. Oxytocin is involved in steroid hormone-stimulated bovine satellite cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Domest Anim Endocrinol. 2019 Jan;66:1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2018.07.003.

Theses/Dissertations

Battista SEB, Garcia-Guerra A. Associations between morphometric characteristics of the reproductive tract and fertility in beef cattle. OSU MS thesis.

Heather L. Baldwin. Investigation of bovine conceptus galectins and the effect of bovine conceptus secretory proteins on the endometrial epithelial transcriptome. (MS Thesis)

Francesca Anastasia Gambonini, M.S. Effects of an Extruded Flaxseed Supplement on Transition Cow Milk Production and Reproductive Function and Effects of Early Pregnancy on Mediators of Immune Tolerance in Dairy Heifers. Master of Science Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University.

Lindsay F. Grose. The effect of bovine galectin-1, a conceptus secretory protein, on the endometrial transcriptome. (MS Thesis)

James Hester, PhD.  The impact of zinc deficiency during oogenesis, follicle assembly and growth.

Camilla Hughes, Phd. Molecular Changes in the Corpus Luteum During Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy. PhD Dissertation. The Pennsylvania State University

Shaina Jachter, B.S. 06/2020. Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis: “Effects of Kit-Ligand on Survival and Growth of Bovine Multilayer Follicles in Culture.” Honors Thesis Advisor C. Bishop.

Lundberg, Townson DH (2019) Investigation of Transforming Growth Factor-α and its potential role in promoting ovarian follicular dominance. UVM MS Thesis

Zackary K. Seekford (2020). Interleukin-6 Supplementation Improves Post-Transfer Embryonic and Early Fetal Development of In Vitro Produced Bovine Embryos (MS Thesis).

Wilson Simmons, M.S. 06/2020. Master’s Thesis: “Epidermal Growth Factor and Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Supplementation in Matrix-free, Three-Dimensional Bovine Follicle Culture.” Major Professor C. Bishop.

Lydia K. Wooldridge (2020). Supplementing Bovine Embryo Culture Media to Improve the Production and Quality of In Vitro Produced Bovine Embryos (PhD Dissertation). 

Active collaboration within the group

OSU and WI:  evaluated the effect of dose of GnRH at initiation of a 5-day synchronization protocol for FTET.

NY, PA, NH, VT and WV:  Samples collected to investigate associations between fertility outcomes and SNP in candidate genes from dairy cows.

PA and WV: Samples shared for analysis of molecular regulators of luteal function.

In addition to Hatch Multistate Funds, these studies were supported by:

Lee Rumberger and Family Endowment to JLP

CFAES Honors Will C. Hauk Endowment Grant – Undergraduate student - The Ohio State University

Iowa Pork Producers Association           

Iowa State University Bailey Career Development Award

John L. Pratt Animal Nutrition Program

NIH  

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

National Institute of Environmental Health Science

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

National Pork Board

North Carolina Cattlemens Association Assessment

North Carolina Agricultural Foundation Inc.

OARDC SEEDS Early career investigator – The Ohio State University

OARDC SEEDS grant Competition – Graduate Student grant – The Ohio State University

OSU Agricultural Research Foundation

RTF funds from Dean to PI

RTF funds from PIs

Theriogenology Foundation Research Grant

USDA-NIFA-AFRI

Virginia Agricultural Council Research Funding