Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The following has been accomplished:

Investigated the effect of supplementing cattle with a vitamin-mineral mix containing sodium selenite, an organic form, or an isomolar 1:1 mix of ISe and OSe (MIX), and demonstrated that the MIX form (versus OSe or ISe alone) increases early luteal phase systemic progesterone (P4), which advances embryonic development. Investigated the mechanism responsible for this MIX-induced increase in P4.  Overall, it appears that the MIX-induced increase in early luteal phase P4 is not directly mediated by an increase in the expression of key steroidogenic transcripts, but by an increase in cholesterol uptake, through at least the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR).

Widespread regions of the southeast United States have soils deficient in selenium (Se), necessitating Se supplementation to grazing cattle. Thus, investigated the effect of form of supplemental Se on the transcriptome of the bovine corpus luteum (CL) with a goal of elucidating form of Se-regulated luteal processes affecting fertility. Our results suggested that the MIX-induced increase in early luteal phase P4 is due to an increase in cholesterol availability and that the form of dietary Se affects immune function of the CL.

Completed a study on impact of brief vitamin A and D supplementation during synchronization protocols in lactating dairy cows. While we did successfully elevate serum vitamin D, no differences were observed in pregnancy rates following timed artificial insemination. A parallel in vitro study of 25(OH) vitamin D in presence and absence of low level trans-retinoic acid (vitamin A, both active forms) supplementation in vitro found vitamin D alone at low concentrations improved embryo characteristics in culture. However, vitamin D and A combined improved fertilization rates in vitro.

Compared follicle selection during endogenous gonadotropin pulses versus during ablation of pulses with Acyline (GnRH antagonist) and luteinizing hormone (LH) action replaced with nonpulsatile human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment in Trio carriers (n = 28) versus noncarriers (n = 32). Acyline +hCG decreased (P< 0.0001) the number of DFs from 2.7 ± 0.2 to 1.3 ± 0.2 in Trio carriers, with most heifers having only one DF. This demonstrates the necessity for LH in acquisition of dominance in Trio carriers (∼6.5 mm) and noncarriers (∼8.5 mm) and provides evidence for a role of GnRH-induced FSH/LH pulses in selection of multiple DFs in Trio carriers and possibly other physiologic situations with increased ovulation rate.

Tested the hypotheses that luteolysis after induced pregnancy loss (IPL) will be temporally associated with a decrease in ipsilateral uterine artery vascular perfusion and an increase in PGFM pulse frequency and amplitude. Pregnant non-lactating beef cows were randomly assigned to undergo IPL at day 35 of gestation (IPL, n=10) or remain untreated (CON, n=6). Corpus luteum (CL) volume and embryo/fetal viability were evaluated by transrectal B-mode ultrasonography daily from gestation day 34 until luteolysis has been identified. Luteolysis was defined as the day before serum progesterone decreased to ≥50% less than the average for the four maximum progesterone concentrations. Uterine artery vascular perfusion will be evaluated using spectral-doppler ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected at bihourly intervals and quantification of plasma progesterone and PGFM is currently being performed.

Determined the effect of (i) Pre-synchronization (Presynch) prior to a 6-d CO-Synch protocol and (ii) circulating P4 on ovulatory response, estrous expression and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in beef heifers. Presynch heifers had larger follicle diameter at GnRH treatment, greater ovulatory response, greater estrus expression and expressed estrus earlier compared to controls. There was a treatment by CIDR interaction on estrous expression, whereas a lesser percentage of control heifers with new CIDR showed estrus compared to all other groups. Heifers treated with a used P4 device tended to have greater P/AI (52.1%; 61/117) than those with a new CIDR (40.5%; 47/116). Thus, Pre-synchronization prior to initiation of a 6-d CO-Synch increased follicle diameter, ovulatory response, and estrous expression, however, did not affect fertility. The earlier onset of estrus in Presynch heifers warrants further study on timing of AI.

Evaluated the effect of increasing progesterone (P4) device insertion from 5 to 6 days during a TAI protocol on ovarian dynamics and fertility in suckled beef cows (n=867) at six locations. Cows in the 6-day group tended (P=0.09) to have a larger maximum follicle diameter (16.2±0.4mm) than cows in the 5-day group (15.0±0.6mm). In addition, CL volume on d7 was greater (P=0.01) in the 6-day (4302±495mm3) than 5-day (2406±455mm3) group. There were, however, no differences (P=0.15) in the interval between CIDR removal and ovulation. Cows assigned to the 6-day group had greater (P < 0.05) estrus expression [56.1% (215/385) vs 41.5% (161/388)] and pregnancy rate [54.6% (236/438) vs 47.4% (207/435)] than cows in the 5-day group. In conclusion, extension of the period of P4 device insertion in a prolonged proestrus protocol increases preovulatory follicle size, estrous expression, and fertility to TAI.  

Evaluated the effect of FSH dose and circulating P4 on ovarian superstimulation responses, before ovum pick-up (OPU) on IVP in pregnant heifers. Heifers treated with 300 mg of p-FSH had a greater (P < 0.05) number of medium size follicles, total number of follicles, total COCs recovered, number of viable COCs, and number of blastocysts produced than heifers treated with 160 mg of p-FSH. In addition, heifers treated with 300 mg of p-FSH had greater cleavage rate (P = 0.03). Circulating P4 did not affect (P > 0.10) any of the outcomes evaluated nor was there an FSH dose by circulating P4 interaction (P > 0.05). In conclusion, increasing the dose of p-FSH prior to OPU from 160 to 300 mg results in improved embryo production in pregnant donors, regardless of progesterone concentrations at the time of OPU.  

Determined the effect of length of the superstimulatory treatment period prior to OPU on ovarian response and IVP in Holstein heifers. Lengthening the FSH treatment period resulted in greater (P = 0.01) number of large follicles, however, the number of small, medium and total follicles was not different between groups. Number of total recovered oocytes, viable oocytes, cleaved oocytes, as well as recovery rate, percent viable oocytes and cleavage rate were not affected. Similarly, number of blastocysts produced per heifer and blastocyst rate were not different (P > 0.9) among groups. In conclusion, lengthening the period of FSH treatment by 1 d increases the number of large follicles at OPU, however, does not improve overall ovarian response, oocyte recovery nor embryo production.

 Evaluated the effect of length of the FSH superstimulatory treatment on ovarian response and embryo production in sheep. Embryo yield were not affected by FSH administration in either 6 or 8 doses during the first follicular wave in sheep.

Compared the performance of beef cattle submitted to resynchronization for 2nd service at 16 or 25 d after 1st service. Resynchronization at d25 in beef cattle resulted in improved reproductive performance compared to resynchronization at d16, however, it involves a greater interval between 1st and 2nd service, 34 vs 25 d, respectively.

Gilts have been treated to determine an additive impact of thermal stress on the ovarian response to chemical exposure. Phenotypic and endocrine data has been generated. LC-MS/MS to identify alterations in the ovarian proteome have been completed, western blotting to investigate specific target proteins have been completed. Two manuscripts are in preparation.

Investigated the impact of thermal stress on the ovarian prolactin signaling pathway in heat stressed gilts.

Completed proteomic analysis of ovaries from mice exposed to perfluorooctonic acid (PFOA) or dimethylbenz[a]anthracene or Glyphosate (GLY). 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.

Similar to OVCAR8 cells, CCN1 expression in two other cancer cell lines (SK-OV-3 and OVCAR3) that have constitutively active STAT3 was induced by serum. Further, CCN1 expression was increased by treatment with calcium ionophore and STAT3 siRNA.

In OVCAR8 cells, the constitutive activation of STAT3 negatively affects CCN1 expression. However, when STAT3 is knocked down with a STAT3 siRNA, CCN1 expression is increased. Thus, could the constitutive (high) STAT3 environment play a role in the ability of PGF2α to regulate CCN1? When OVCAR 8 cells were treated with STAT3 siRNA, two concentrations of PGF2α (0.1 and 0.5μM) decreased CCN1 expression. More experiments are needed to determine the cellular mechanisms by which this decrease in CCN1 occurs.

In steroidogenic bovine luteal cells, our previous findings suggest little to no involvement of the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway in the regulation of CCN1 expression. Evidence from studies in endothelial cells and a variety of cancer cells implicates RhoA as a regulator of CCN1 expression. Here, we showed that treatment with the Rho Activator II increased CCN1 expression in steroidogenic bovine luteal cells. Further, treatment with thrombin, an activator of RhoA, also increased CCN1 expression in these cells.

Evaluated if maternal nutrition during the second and third trimester of gestation and dietary energy intake during the juvenile period interact to affect concentrations of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the third ventricle cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after fasting (basal) and in response to peripheral leptin administration in heifer offspring. Treatment with leptin had no effect (P > 0.10) on NPY concentration in any group. Therefore, neither the interaction of pre- and postnatal nutrition nor exogenous leptin affected third ventricle NPY tone in an experimental model.

Identified 29 follicular fluid metabolites that had positive relationship with pre-ovulatory follicle diameter at the time of GnRH injection to induce ovulation (better understand metabolic impacts of induced ovulation in beef cows).

Identified 1,387 and 2,765 mRNA transcripts with unique expression and 2,553 and 1,745 mRNA transcripts with upregulated expression in in vivo matured bovine oocytes or cumulus cells, respectively (improve understanding of oocyte and cumulus function during in vivo maturation).

Identified progesterone stimulated bovine endometrial epithelial and stroma fibroblast cell specific mRNAs (better understand uterine support of early embryonic development).

Tested for an advantage of progesterone stimulated bovine endometrial epithelial and stroma fibroblast cell conditioned media on in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryo development.

Identified 21 serum metabolites from blood collected in the pre-ovulatory time period, that differed among beef cows with thin, moderate, and obese body condition scores. This will help better understand the impact of body condition on fertility.

Demonstrated that O-GlcNAcylation is readily evident in bovine granulosa cells (GCs) of both small and large follicles. Also, disruption of O-GlcNAcylation in granulosa cells impairs cell proliferation.

Demonstrated that granulosa cells from small follicles have greater glycolytic capacity than GCs from large follicles; but disruption of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway and O-GlcNAcylation has little to no effect on GC metabolic activity.

Demonstrated that 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 role of interleukin-6 as an embryokine has been further established by observing that treating bovine embryos with this factor will alter the early development of the fetus so these pregnancies more closely resemble pregnancies from cows that were artificially inseminated.              

Generated evidence that the primary actions of IL-6 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.

Identified profiles of gut microbial families that are associated with increased ovarian inflammation and reduced reproductive performance in beef cows.

Determined the mechanistic effects of inflammation and oxidative stress on bovine somatic cell steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation and pre-implantation embryo development.

Maternal factors are essential aspects of oocyte competence, which orchestrate early embryonic development. ZNFO is a Krüppel-associated box domain (KRAB) containing zinc finger transcription factor, which is exclusively expressed in bovine oocyte. Previous studies have demonstrated that ZNFO is essential for early embryonic development. We identified ZNFO as the core promoter of an oocyte-specific maternal effect gene.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate various cellular processes including modulation of gene expression and epigenetic status. We identified differential expression of oocyte-specific lncRNAs in oocytes derived from small and large follicles.

Factors present in the oocyte and surrounding follicular cells aid in the attainment of oocyte competence. Agouti-signaling protein (ASIP) is a known regulator of melanocyte function through binding to melanocortin receptors including MC1R and MC4R. We characterized expression of ASIP gene in ovarian tissues, and during oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis.

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 have now determined how to practically utilize Trio to reliably produce bilateral twins in beef cattle. This may be of great practical value to beef cattle producers in the future.

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.

We demonstrated that an ear-attached automated estrus detection system (Smartbow; Zoetis Inc.) monitored physical activity and rumination time was effective at detecting cows in estrus and generated few false positive alerts when accounting for ovulation.

Documented differences in behavioral, physiological, and performance parameters monitored by automated wearable and non-wearable sensor before insemination in lactating dairy cows that become pregnant or not to first service, but differences are parity-specific.

Developed and evaluated models to predict the likelihood of pregnancy at first service in multiparous cows. These models could be approximated by using early lactation health records, body condition, hormone concentrations, and calving season data.

We created and tested an intravaginal hormone releasing device prototype that can be programmed to automatically release PGF for successful induction of luteal regression in lactating dairy cows.

We demonstrated that age at first calving affected the proportion of primiparous cows inseminated at detected estrus for first AI and first service P/AI, but did not affect the pregnancy and herd exit dynamics up to 200 DIM for cows managed with a program that favored insemination at detected estrus rather than TAI.

We observed that age at first calving affected the reproductive performance of primiparous lactating Holstein cows managed with a program that favored TAI because cows with younger age at first calving had improved reproductive performance. 

Demonstrated that the profitability of replacement dairy heifers during a 15-mo period after the beginning of the insemination period increases as age at first calving decreases.

Observed that reproductive programs that used AI at detected estrus after automated estrus alerts for first service led to similar reproductive performance than an all-TAI program and using automated estrus alert data helps identify cows more likely to be inseminated at detected estrus and become pregnant to first service.

Demonstrated that primiparous cows managed with a reproductive program that prioritized TAI or a program that prioritized AI at detected estrus had similar cash flow for up to 18-mo after calving in their first lactation.

We studied pluripotency in cattle and simultaneously, simple ways to determine fertilization success and pregnancy in a breeding program. In this project, we 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. 

We identified an extensive profile of bioactive proteins secreted by the uterine endometrium at periods relevant to early embryo development. This contributed to our efforts to understand the uterine microenvironment and factors controlling successful early development leading to initiation of implantation. 

Through careful examination of cells in circulation in cows pregnant with male and female calves we established that fetal microchimerism does not occur in cattle. This showed that fetal sex cannot be identified using a simple blood draw (as can be done in humans and rodents). Therefore, identification of fetal sex for use in management decisions through analysis of blood is not possible in cattle.

Identified changes in YAP signaling during oocyte maturation.

Identified potentially novel pathways important for maturation of the cumulus-oocyte complex.

MicroRNA-1246 is abundant in luteal cell-derived extracellular vesicles, and can directly impact function of T Cells.

Let-7 microRNA are highly abundant in the bovine corpus luteum. Let 7 microRNA can alter mitochondrial function in, and progesterone production by, luteal cells.

Collaboration of dataset analyses between Penn State and University of Wisconsin allowed for the identification of common pathways that are likely regulated in the CL or pregnancy.

Supplemental omega-3 fatty acids during the transition period improved reproductive performance in dairy heifers, but not cows and differentially affected immune and metabolic markers in dairy cows and heifers.

Pregnancy in dairy cattle is associated with activation of molecules associated with immune tolerance in peripheral blood leukocytes.

Peer-reviewed journal articles reporting research from this project

Andrade JPN, Gomez-Leon VE, Andrade FS, Carvalho BP, Lacouth KL, Garcia FZ, Jacob JCF,Sales JNS, Wiltbank MC, Mello MRB. Development of a novel 21-day reinsemination program, ReBreed21, in Bos indicus heifers. Theriogenology 2020; 155:125-131.  10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.04.021

Arbeithuber B, Hester J, Cremona MA, Stoler N, Higgins B, Anthony K, Chiaromonte F, Diaz FJ, Makova KD. Highly accurate mitochondrial DNA sequencing reveals age-dependent accumulation of mutations in germline and somatic mouse tissues. PLOS Biology (2020):18 (e3000745).

Bidne KL, Rister AL, McCain AR, Hitt BD, Dodds ED, and Wood JR. (2020) Maternal obesity alters placental lysophosphatidylcholine, lipid storage, and the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism. Biol Reprod 104: 197-210, PMID: 33048132

Carr, S.N., Y. Jia, B. Crites, C. Hamilton, J.L. Edwards, J.C. Matthews and P.J. Bridges.  2020.  Form of supplemental selenium in vitamin-mineral premixes differentially affects early luteal and gestational concentrations of progesterone, and postpartum concentrations of prolactin in beef cows.  Animals.  10:1-11.

Chaney H. L., L. F. Grose, G. Charpigny, S. K. Behura, I. M. Sheldon, J. G. Cronin, T. E. Spencer, P. Lonergan, D. J. Mathew. Conceptus-induced, interferon tau dependent gene expression in bovine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells. Biol Reprod. 2020. 104:669-683. doi:10.1093/biolre/ioaa226.

Clark, K.L., Keating, A.F. 2020. Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated coordinates the ovarian DNA repair and atresia-initiating response to phosphoramide mustard. Biology of Reproduction. 102(1):248-260.

Clark, K.L., Roach, C.M., Keating, A.F. 2020. Obesity alters ovarian DNA damage response and apoptotic proteins. Reproduction. 160(5): 751-760. 

Corredor, F.A., Pereira Sanglard, L., Leach, R.J., Ross, J.W., Keating, A.F., Serão, N.V.L. 2020. Genetic and genomic characterization of vulva size traits in Yorkshire and Landrace gilts. BMC Genetics. 21: 28. 

Domingues RR, Ginther OJ, Gomez-Leon VE, Wiltbank MC. Up-regulation of endometrial oxytocin receptor is associated with the timing of luteolysis in heifers with two and three follicular waves. Biol Reprod 2020; 102:316-326.  10.1093/biolre/ioz165

Domingues RR, Ginther OJ, Toledo MZ, Wiltbank MC. Increased dietary energy alters follicle dynamics and wave patterns in heifers. Reproduction 2020; 160:943-953.  10.1530/Rep-20-0362

Drum JN, Wiltbank MC, Monteiro PLJ, Prata AB, Gennari RS, Gamarra CA, Canavessi AMO, Sartori R. Oxytocin-induced prostaglandin F2-alpha release is low in early bovine pregnancy but increases during the second month of pregnancy. Biol Reprod 2020; 102:412-423.  10.1093/biolre/ioz169

Ealy AD, Speckhart SL, Wooldridge LK. Cytokines that serve as embryokines in cattle. Animals 2021, 11(8), 2313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082313

Fontes PLP, Oosthuizen N, Ciriaco FM, Sanford CD, Canal LB, Cooke RF, Pohler KG, Henry DD, Mercadante VRG, Ealy AD, Johnson SE, DiLorenzo N, Lamb GC. Effects of nutrient restriction on the metabolic profile of Bos indicus-influenced and Bos taurus suckled beef cows. Animal. 2021 Mar;15(3):100166. doi: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100166.

Ganesan, S., Keating, A.F. 2020. Ovarian mitochondrial and oxidative stress proteins are altered by glyphosate exposure in mice. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 402:115116.

Ganesan, S., McGuire, B.C., Keating, A.F. 2020. Absence of glyphosate-induced effects on ovarian folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. Reproductive Toxicology. 96:156-164.

Garcia-Guerra A, Sala RV, Carrenho-Sala L, Baez GM, Motta JCL, Fosado M, Moreno JF, Wiltbank MC. Postovulatory treatment with GnRH on day 5 reduces pregnancy loss in recipients receiving an in vitro produced expanded blastocyst. Theriogenology 2020; 141:202-210.  10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.010 ** collaborative projects as part of NE1727 regional research project.

Garner TB, Carothers A, Hester JM and Diaz FJ. Role of zinc in female reproduction. Biology of Reproduction, 2021, 1–19 doi:10.1093/biolre/ioab023

Ginther, O.J., P. Nunes da Silva, V. E. Gomez-Le´on, R. R. Domingues and E.K. Inskeep. 2021. Side of ovulation at each end of two- and three-wave interovulatory intervals and before and after pregnancy in cattle. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 229:154-163.

Gomez-Leon VE, Andrade JP, Kirkpatrick BW, Moghbeli SM, Garcia-Guerra A, Ginther OJ, Wiltbank MC. Selection of fewer dominant follicles in Trio carriers given GnRH antagonist and LH action replaced by nonpulsatile hCG. Biol Reprod 2020.  10.1093/biolre/ioaa167 **collaborative projects as part of NE1727 regional research project.

 Gomez-Leon VE, Andrade JP, Kirkpatrick BW, Molaei S, Garcia-Guerra A, Ginther OJ, Wiltbank MC. 2020. Selection of fewer dominant follicles in Trio carriers given GnRH antagonist and LH action replaced by nonpulsatile hCG. Biology of Reproduction, 103: 1217-1228.** collaborative projects as part of NE1727

Gomez-Leon VE, Ginther OJ, Domingues RR, Guimaraes JD, Wiltbank MC. Necessity for LH in selection and continued growth of the bovine dominant follicle. Reproduction 2020; 159:559-569.  10.1530/Rep-19-0342

Gomez-Leon VE, Ginther OJ, Guimaraes JD, Wiltbank MC. 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 2020; 143:148-156.  10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.003

Graves, K.L., Mordhorst, B.R., Wright, E.C., Hale, B.J., Stalder, K.J., Keating, A.F., Ross J.W. 2020. Identification of measures predictive of age of puberty onset in gilts. Translational Animal Science 4: 285-292. 

Habeeb, H., Kleditz, L., Hazzard, T. M., Bishop, C. V., Ramsey, A., Stormshak, F., Kutzler, M. A. Endometrial estrogen receptor, follicle stimulating hormone receptor, and mucin-1 expression during early diestrus in ewes following PG-600 administration. Veterinary medicine and Science. Under Review, Revised August 2021.

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, ioaa047, https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioaa047

Hughes, C. H. K., A. Rogus, E. K Inskeep and J. L Pate. 2021. NR5A2 and potential regulatory miRNAs in the bovine CL during early pregnancy. Reproduction. 161:173-182. DOI:  10.1530/REP-20-0009.

Jachter, S. L., Simmons, W.P., Estill, C., Xu, J., Bishop, C. V. Matrix-free three-dimensional culture of bovine secondary follicles to antral stage: Impact of media formulation and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Theriogenology. Under review July 2021.

Jaques JT, Cardoso RC, Chachere J, Sinha S, Seery R, Wilkes AA, Forrest D, Looney CR. Using Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) as a Predictor of Ova Production for Bovine Embryo Transfer. Advances in Reproductive Sciences, 8 (1): 1-12, 2020.

Kott ML, Pancini S, Speckhart SL, Kimble LN, White RR, Stewart JL, Johnson SE, Ealy AD. Effects of mid-gestational L-citrulline supplementation to twin-bearing ewes on umbilical blood flow, placental development and lamb production traits. Transl Anim Sci. 2021 Jun 9;5(3):txab102. doi: 10.1093/tas/txab102.

Madureira G, Consentini CEC, Motta JCL, Drum JN, Prata AB, Monteiro PLJ, Melo LF, Goncalves JRS, Wiltbank MC, Sartori R. Progesterone-based timed AI protocols for Bos indicus cattle II: Reproductive outcomes of either EB or GnRH-type protocol, using or not GnRH at AI. Theriogenology 2020; 145:86-93.  10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.033

Madureira G, Gomez-Leon V, Grillo GF, Nascimento Andrade JP, Lett B, Moghbeli SM, Wiltbank MC, Kirkpatrick BW. Practical application of an impractical bovine genotype: creating bilateral twin pregnancies in Trio allele carriers. J Anim Sci 2020; 98.  10.1093/jas/skaa292

Madureira G, Motta JCL, Drum JN, Consentini CEC, Prata AB, Monteiro PLJ, Melo LF, Alvarenga AB, Wiltbank MC, Sartori R. Progesterone-based timed AI protocols for Bos indicus cattle I: Evaluation of ovarian function. Theriogenology 2020; 145:126-137.  10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.030

Masello M., M. M. Perez, G. E. Granados, M. L. Stangaferro, B. Ceglowski, M. J. Thomas, and J. O. Giordano*. 2020. Effect of reproductive management programs for first service on replacement dairy heifer economics. J. Dairy Sci. 104:471-485.

Masello M., Y. Ren, D. Erickson, and J. O. Giordano*. 2020. An automated controlled-release device for intravaginal hormone delivery. J. Dairy Sci. Comm. 1:15-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2020-18816 

Mathew, D.J. Commentary Glucose and fructose transport across the epithelialchorial placenta: SLC2A and the uterine-placental interface in pigs. Endocrinology. 2020. 161:1-2. Doi:10.1210/endocr/bqaa138.

Maucieri AM, Townson DH (2021) Evidence and manipulation of O-GlcNAcylation in granulosa cells of bovine antral follicles. Biol Reprod 104(4): 914-923

Mayorga E.J., Ross, J.W., Keating, A.F., Rhoads, R.P. Baumgard, L.H. 2020. Biology of heat stress; the nexus between intestinal hyperpermeability and reproduction in swine.  Theriogenology. 154:73-83.

Menichetti B.T., Piñeiro J.M., Barragan A. A., Relling A., Garcia-Guerra A., G.M. Schuenemann. 2020. Association of prepartum lying time with nonesterified fatty acids and stillbirth in prepartum dairy heifers and cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 103: 11782-11794.

Mezera MA, Li W, Edwards AJ, Koch DJ, Beard AD, Wiltbank MC. Identification of stable genes in the corpus luteum of lactating Holstein cows in pregnancy and luteolysis: Implications for selection of reverse-transcription quantitative PCR reference genes. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:4846-4857.  10.3168/jds.2019-17526

Mogollon HDG, Ferrazza RA, Vallejo VH, Destro FC, Ochoa JC, Nogueira C, Carvalho RF, Moraes LN, Rizzoto G, Sartori R, Wiltbank MC, Ferreira JCP. Short communication: Heat stress does not affect induced luteolysis in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:5629-5633.  10.3168/jds.2019-17452

Moorey, S.E., B.N. Walker, M.F. Elmore, J.B. Elmore, S.P. Rodning, and F.H. Biase. Rewiring of gene expression in circulating white blood cells is associated with pregnancy outcome in heifers (Bos taurus). Scientific Reports. 2020. 10(1):16786. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-73694-w.

Moorey, S.E., F.H. Biase. Beef Heifer Fertility: Importance of Management Practices and Technological Advancements. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. 2020. 11:97 doi: 10.1186/s40104-020-00503-9.

Moorey, S.E., J.M. Monnig, M.F. Smith, M.S. Ortega, J.A. Green, K.G. Pohler, G.A. Bridges, S.K. Behura, T.W. Geary. Differential transcript profiles in cumulus-oocyte complexes originating from pre-ovulatory follicles of varied physiological maturity in beef cows. Genes. 2021. 12(6), 893. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12060893.

Motta JCL, Madureira G, Silva LO, Alves R, Silvestri M, Drum JN, Consentini CEC, Prata AB, Pohler KG, Wiltbank MC, Sartori R. Interactions of circulating estradiol and progesterone on changes in endometrial area and pituitary responsiveness to GnRH. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:643-653.  10.1093/biolre/ioaa065

Nafziger S, Tenley S, Summers AF, Abedal-Majed MA, Hart M, Bergman J, Kurz SG, Davis JS, Wood JR, Cupps AS (2020). Attainment and maintenance of pubertal cyclicity may predict reproductive longevity in beef heifers. Biol Reprod in press, PMID: 33709137

Ott, TL. Immunological detection of pregnancy: Evidence for systemic immune modulation during early pregnancy in ruminants. 2020 Theriogenology 150, 498-503.

Owens CE, Daniels KM, Ealy AD, Knowlton KF, Cockrum RR. Graduate student literature review: Potential mechanisms of interaction between bacteria and the reproductive tract of dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2020 Nov;103(11):10951-10960. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-18050.

Owens CE, Huffard HG, Nin-Velez AI, Duncan J, Teets CL, Daniels KM, Ealy AD, James RE, Knowlton KF, Cockrum RR. Microbiomes of various maternal body systems are predictive of calf digestive bacterial ecology. Animals 2021, 11(8), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082210

Padmanabhan V, Cardoso RC. Neuroendocrine, Autocrine, and Paracrine Control of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Secretion. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 500: 1-9, 2020.

Pate JL. 2020. Roadmap to pregnancy during the period of maternal recognition in the cow: Changes within the corpus luteum associated with luteal rescue, Theriogenology, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.074

Pereira MHC, Wiltbank MC, Guida TG, Lopes FR, Cappellozza BI, Vasconcelos JLM. 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 2020; 147:124-134.  10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.025

Pérez M. M., R. Wijma, M. Scarbolo, E. Cabrera, F. Sosa, E. M. Sitko, and J. O. Giordano*. 2020. Lactating dairy cows managed for second and greater AI services with the Short-Resynch or day 25 Resynch program had similar reproductive performance. J. Dairy Sci. 103:10769-10783. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18607   

Plewes MR, Hou X, Talbott H, Zhang P, Wood JR, Cupp AS, and Davis JS. (2020) Luteinizing hormone regulates the phosphorylation and localization of the mitochondrial effector dynamin like 1 (DRP1) and steroidogenesis in the bovine corpus luteum. FASEB J, 32:5299-5316, PMID: 32077149

Plewes MR, Krause C, Talbott HA, Przygrodzka E, Wood JR, Cupp AS, and Davis JS. (2020) Trafficking of cholesterol from lipid droplets to mitochondria in bovine luteal cells: acute control of progesterone synthesis. FASEB J, 34: 10731-10750, PMID 32077149

Prata AB, Madureira G, Robl AJ, Ribeiro HS, Sagae M, Elias MCV, Pimenta C, Barrios J, Hartmman D, Schneider AA, Sandoval GAF, Wiltbank MC, et al. Progesterone-based timed AI protocols for Bos indicus cattle III: Comparison of protocol lengths. Theriogenology 2020; 152:29-35.  10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.04.020

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.

Romoser, M.R., Hale, B.J., Seibert, J.T., Gall, T., Rademacher, C.J., Stalder, K.J., Baumgard, L.H., Keating, A.F., Ross J.W. 2020. Methods for reproductive tract scoring as a tool for improving sow productivity. Translational Animal Science. 4 (1): 275–284.

 Sala RV, Melo LF, Motta JCL, Leffers-Neto L, Carrenho-Sala L, Fosado M, Moreno JF, Baruselli PS, Wiltbank MC, Garcia-Guerra A. 2020 Optimization of a 5-day fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) protocol in heifers I. Manipulation of circulating progesterone through reutilization of intravaginal progesterone devices during FTET. Theriogenology, 156: 171-180.** collaborative projects as part of NE1727

Sala RV, Melo LF, Motta JCL, Leffers-Neto L, Carrenho-Sala LC, Fosado M, Moreno JF, Baruselli PS, Wiltbank MC, Garcia-Guerra A. Optimization of a 5-day fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) protocol in heifers I. Manipulation of circulating progesterone through reutilization of intravaginal progesterone devices during FTET. Theriogenology 2020; 156:171-180.  10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.06.002  ** collaborative projects as part of NE1727 regional research project.

Schilkowsky E. M., G. E. Granados, E M. Sitko, M. Masello, M. M. Perez, J. O. Giordano*. 2021. Evaluation and characterization of estrus alerts and behavioral parameters generated by an ear-attached accelerometer-based system for automated detection of estrus. J. Dairy Sci. 104:6222-6237. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-19667

Seekford ZK, Wooldridge LK, Dias NW, Timlin CL, Sales AF, Speckhart SL, Pohler KG, Cockrum RR, Mercadante VGR, Ealy AD. Interleukin-6 supplementation improves post-transfer embryonic and fetal development of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. Theriogenology. 2021 Aug;170:15-22. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.04.004. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Stangaferro M.L., Toledo M.Z., Gennari R.S., Perez M.M., Gamarra C.A., Sitko E.M., Monteiro P.L.J. Jr, Masello M., Prata A.B., Granados G.E., Van Amburgh M.E., Luchini D., Shaver R.D., Wiltbank M.C., Giordano J.O. 2021. Effects of feeding rumen-protected methionine pre- and postpartum on reproductive outcomes of multiparous Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 104:11210-11225. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2021-20190 **Collaborative projects as part of NE1727 regional research project.

Talbott HA, Plewes MR, Krause C, Xiaoying H, Zhang P, Rizzo WB, Wood JR, Cupp AS, and Davis JS. (2020) Formation and characterization of lipid droplets of the bovine corpus luteum. Scientific Reports 10: 11287, PMID 32647143

Timlin CL, Lynn A, Wooldridge LK, Uh K, Ealy AD, White RR, Lee K, Mercadante VRG. Physical parameters of bovine activated oocytes and zygotes as predictors of development success. Zygote. 2021 Mar 19:1-7. doi: 10.1017/S0967199421000058.

Toledo M. Z., M. L. Stangaferro, R. S. Gennari, R. V. Barletta, M. M. Perez, R. Wijma, E. M. Sitko, G. Granados, M. Masello, M. E. Van Amburgh, D. Luchini, J. O. Giordano, R. D. Shaver, and M. C. Wiltbank. 2021. Effects of feeding rumen-protected methionine pre- and postpartum in multiparous Holstein cows: Lactation performance and plasma amino acid concentrations. J. Dairy Sci. 104:7583-7603. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-19021**Collaborative projects as part of NE1727 regional research project.

Vanselow J, Christenson LK and Pate JL. 2020. Editorial: Regulation of Dynamic Changes and Remodeling Events During the Formation, Rescue and Regression of the Corpus Luteum. Front. Endocrinol. 11:244. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00244

Wooldridge LK, Ealy AD. Interleukin-6 promotes primitive endoderm development in bovine blastocysts. BMC Dev Biol. 2021 Jan 12;21(1):3. doi: 10.1186/s12861-020-00235-z.

Zhang M, Chaney HL, Current JZ and Yao J. 2021. Identification of the core promoter of ZNFO, an oocyte-specific maternal effect gene in cattle. Gene. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2021.145717.

 Abstracts for scientific conferences

Arneson JW, Stewart JW, Harrod MK, Newberne HM, Burgess MK, Jordan JA, White RR, Ealy AD, El-Kadi SW, Rhoads RP, Rhoads ML. Impact of heat stress and glycemic state on plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in lactating Holstein cows. 2021 J Dairy Sci 104: Suppl 1.

B. Duran, R. V. Sala, P. L. J. Monteiro, C. Gamarra, M. Fosado, E. Walleser, A. Prata, R. Gennari, J. Moreno, M. Wiltbank, A. García-Guerra. 2020.“Treatment with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone on Day 7 or 21 does not reduce pregnancy loss in dairy heifers receiving in vitro-produced embryos”. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 2019, Vol. 32 No. 2 Page 176-177.

B. T. Menichetti, A. Garcia-Guerra, J. Lakritz, W. P. Weiss, J. S. Velez, D. Merchan, G. M. Schuenemann. 2020. “Effect of timing of prepartum vaccination relative to pen change of dairy cows on lying time and serum glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, and calcium at calving”. Journal of Dairy Science 2020, Vol 103, Suppl 1, Page 175.

 B. T. Menichetti, J. M. Piñeiro, A. Garcia-Guerra, A. E. Relling, W. P. Weiss, G. M. Schuenemann. 2020. “Consistency of lying time is associated with reduced serum nonesterified fatty acids of prepartum dairy heifers and cows”. Journal of Dairy Science 2020, Vol 103, Suppl 1, Page 174.

 B.R. Crites, S.N. Carr, C. Hamilton, J.C. Matthews, W.R. Burris and P.J. Bridges.  2020.  Form of dietary selenium affects cholesterol biosynthesis and immune response elements in the early luteal phase bovine corpus luteum.  Special Issue, Proc. of the 53rd annual meeting of the Soc. for the Study of Reproduction.

Baldwin H, Zhang M, Current J and Yao J. Expression profile of ovarian agouti-signaling protein in cattle. 47th Annual Conference of the IETS Virtual Conference. January 18-21, 2021. (Abstract).

Bidne KL, Rister AL, Dodds ED, and Wood JR (2020) Maternal western diet consumption alters placental lipid composition and apolipoprotein gene expression. 53rd Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Virtual; selected for pre-doctoral platform competition

Bishop C.V., Simmons W.P., Jachter S.L., De Souza V.P., Xu J., Estill C. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and EGF+ Kit Ligand or Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Enhances Survival and Growth of Bovine Multilayer Follicles in 3D Matrix-free Culture System. Society for the Study of Reproduction July 2020, Virtual Poster Presentation.

Bochantin KA, Keane JA, Snider AP, Kurz SG, Bergman JW, McFee RM, Cupp AS, and Wood JR (2020) Systemic inflammation in beef cows is associated with delayed puberty attainment and decreased production in small follicles. 53rd Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Virtual

Bries, A., Webb, J., Vogel, B., Carrillo, C., Keating, A., Schalinske, K. 2020. Letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome attenuates cystathionine-b synthase gene expression in the ovaries of female Sprague Dawley rats. Current Developments in Nutrition. 4: Suppl 2; 1244.

Butler, H. Butler, E. Etcheverry, J. F. Pagani, R. Alberio, A. García-Guerra. 2020. “Treatment with gonadotrophin releasing hormone at the time of AI in beef heifers that fail to express oestrus after an estradiol-based synchronization protocol improves pregnancies per AI”. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 2019, Vol. 32 No. 2 Page 208-208.

Current J, Baldwin H, Zhang M and Yao J. Differential gene expression of bovine long noncoding RNAs in single oocytes aspirated from small and large follicles. 47th Annual Conference of the IETS Virtual Conference. January 18-21, 2021. (Abstract).

D. Pereira, D. Moreno, R. Sala, L. Carrenho-Sala, M. Fosado, J. Moreno, A. García-Guerra. 2020. “SOFaaci-HEPES or holding media can be used for embryo loading without changes in pregnancies per embryo transfer nor pregnancy loss in an in vitro-produced embryo transfer program”. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 2019, Vol. 32 No. 2 Page 178-178.

de Souza V.P., Jensen J., Estill C., Bishop C. V. Increasing vitamin D levels to improve fertilization rates in cattle. Abstract Submitted for Poster Presentation to the Western Section American Society of Animal Science 2021 Meeting, October 17-20, Fort Collins, CO.

E. Rojas Canadas, S. E. Battista, J. Kieffer, S. Wellert, A. García-Guerra. 2020. “Increasing gonadotrophin-releasing hormone dose at initiation of a 5-day CO-Synch protocol increases ovulatory response but not fertility in yearling beef heifers”. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 2019, Vol. 32 No. 2 Page 206-207.

Ermisch AF, Bidne KL, and Wood JR (2020) Increased adiposity and circulating glucose promote pro-inflammatory and immune cell signaling in the cumulus oocyte complex of TLR4-hyporesponsive mice fed a high fat/high sugar diet. 53rd Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Virtual

González Alvarez, M.E., McGuire, B.C., Keating, A.F. 2020. Effects of zearalenone exposure on the ovarian proteome in lean and obese mice. *Accepted to Gordon Research Conference on Environmental Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. Meeting cancelled due to COVID19.

González Alvarez, M.E., McGuire, B.C., Keating, A.F. 2020. Investigating additive impact of obesity on zearalenone-induced ovotoxicity. Society of Toxicology annual meeting. *Meeting cancelled due to COVID19.

González Alvarez, M.E., McGuire, B.C., Keating, A.F. 2020. Ovarian effects of perfluorooctanoic acid exposure in lean and obese mice. Society for the Study of Reproduction annual meeting.

Goulet M, Hutchings D, Elder D, Tsang PCW.  2021. Regulation of Cellular Communication Network Factor 1 by Ras Homolog Family Member A in Bovine Luteal Cells. 55th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Saint Louis, Missouri (held Dec 15 – Dec 18 due to COVID-19; hybrid mode of presentation).

Granados G. E., M.M Pérez, and J. O. Giordano*. 2020. Pattern of Behavioral, Physiological, and Performance Parameters before Insemination in Dairy Cows that Become Pregnant or Not to First Service.  J. Dairy Sci. Volume 103. E-Supplement 1.

Gurung S, Koganti PP, Schalich KS, and Selvaraj V. Absence of evidence for physiological fetal microchimerism across the epitheliochorial bovine placental interface

Hessock, E.A., M.F. Smith, T.W. Geary, K.G. Pohler, J.A. Green, S.K. Behura, A.K. Stokes, and S.E. Moorey. Transcriptome profiles of in vivo matured bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes reveal unique gene expression between the oocyte and cumulus cells. 54th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR), St Louis, MO.

Horn, E.J., C.C. Read, J.L. Edwards, F.N. Schrick, J.D. Rhinehart, R.R. Payton, S.R. Campagna, H.F. Castro, J.L. Klabnik, and S.E. Moorey. Pre-ovulatory follicular fluid and serum metabolome profiles in beef cows with thin, moderate, and obese body condition. 54th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR), St Louis, MO.

K. Nickles, A. E. Relling, A. Garcia-Guerra, F. L. Fluharty, A. J. Parker. 2020. “Cows housed in muddy environmental conditions during late gestation have lesser body weight and body condition score compared with cows housed on wood chips”. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 98, Issue Supplement 4, November 2020, Page 48.

Keane JA, Nafziger SR, Bergman JW, Kurz SG, Snider AP, Bochantin KA, Wood JR, Cushman RA, Summers AF, and Cupp AS (2020) Environmental parameters may increase likelihood of beef heifers classified with earlier or later pubertal attainment. 53rd Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Virtual

Lupicka, M., JL Pate. 2020. MiR-1246 is the most abundant miRNA in luteal extracellular vesicles and it regulates T cell transcripts associated with their activation. Society for the Study of Reproduction (virtual poster session).

L. Carrenho-Sala, M. Fosado, R. Sala, E. Peralta, D. Pereira, D. Moreno, J. Moreno, A. García-Guerra. 2020. “Synchronization of follicle wave emergence prior to superstimulation with purified FSH for ovum pickup affects blastocyst rate in pregnant Holstein heifers”. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 2019, Vol. 32 No. 2 Page 215-216.

Masello M., M. M. Perez, G. E. Granados, M. L. Stangaferro, B. Ceglowski, M. J. Thomas, and J. O. Giordano*. 2020. Reduced age at first calving improved the economic performance of replacement dairy heifers.  J. Dairy Sci. Volume 103. E-Supplement 1.

Masello M., Y. Ren, D. Erickson, and J. O. Giordano*. 2020. An electronically-controlled intravaginal hormone delivery device successfully induced luteal regression in dairy cattle.  J. Dairy Sci. Volume 103. E-Supplement 1.

Mathew, D.J., H.L. Chaney, L.F. Grose, G. Charpigny, S.K. Behura, I.M. Sheldon, J.G. Cronin, T.E. Spencer, and P. Lonergan. Effect of galectin-1 on bovine endometrial epithelial and fibroblast cell transcriptomes in 3D cell culture. 54th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR), St Louis, MO.

Maucieri AM, Townson DH (2021) Evaluating the impact of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway and O-GlcNAcylation on glucose metabolism in bovine granulosa cells. Society for the Study of Reproduction Annual Meeting. St. Louis, MO.

McGuire, B.C., Ganesan, S., Keating, A.F. 2020. Impact of Glyphosate exposure on the neonatal ovarian proteome. *Accepted to Gordon Research Conference on Environmental Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. Meeting cancelled due to COVID19.

McGuire, B.C., González Alvarez, M.E., Keating, A.F. 2020. Determining impacts of glyphosate exposure on ovarian function in lean and obese mice. Society of Toxicology annual meeting. *Meeting cancelled due to COVID19.

McGuire, B.C., González Alvarez, M.E., Keating, A.F. 2020. Exposure to glyphosate alters the ovarian proteome with differential effects in lean and obese mice. Society for the Study of Reproduction annual meeting.

Mezera MA, Hughes CHK, Pate JL, Wiltbank MC. 2020. The impact of pregnancy on the transcriptome of the bovine CL: insights from combining two independent experiments.  Society for the Study of Reproduction (virtual poster session).

Novbotova, G., Ganesan, S., McGuire, B.C., Keating, A.F. 2020. Maternal and ovarian impacts of chronic glyphosate exposure. Society for the Study of Reproduction annual meeting.

Oliver, M.A., K.D. Peterson, S. Bhandari and D.J. Mathew. Effect of progesterone on bovine endometrial cell expression of select transporters and growth factors. American Dairy Science Association 2021 Annual meeting. Virtual.

Oliver, M.A., K.D. Peterson, S. Bhandari, R.R. Payton, L.G. Schneider, J.L. Edwards, and D.J. Mathew. The effect of endometrial cell conditioned media on in vitro cultured bovine embryo development. 54th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR), St Louis, MO.

Peterson, K.D., M.A. Oliver, S. Bhandari, S.E. Moorey, and D.J. Mathew. 2021. The effect of small and large ovarian follicle fluid on oviduct cell gene expression in cattle. American Dairy Science Association 2021 Annual meeting. Virtual.

R. Sala, L. Carrenho-Sala, V. Absalon-Medina, A. Lopez, M. Fosado, J. Moreno, M. Wiltbank, A. García-Guerra. 2020. “Optimization of a five-day fixed-time embryo transfer program in dairy heifers: Use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone at initiation of the protocol”. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 2019, Vol. 32 No. 2 Page 179-179.

Read, C.C., J.L. Edwards, F.N. Schrick, J.D. Rhinehart, R.R. Payton, S.R. Campagna, H.F. Castro, J.L. Klabnik, and S.E. Moorey. Influence of pre-ovulatory follicle size on the follicular fluid metabolome in lactating beef cows. 54th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR), St Louis, MO.

Rishi, J.K., Roach, C.M., Baumgard, L.H., Ross, J.W., Keating, A.F. 2020. Impact of heat stress on ovarian chemical biotransformation enzyme abundance. Society of Toxicology annual meeting. *Meeting cancelled due to COVID19.

Roach, C.M., Clark, K.L., Keating, A.F. 2020. Examining the effects of obesity on circulating prolactin and the ovarian proteome in hyperphagia-induced obese mice. Society for the Study of Reproduction annual meeting.

Roach, C.M., Mayorga, E.J., Ross, J.W., Baumgard, L.H., Keating, A.F. 2020. Zearalenone alters physiological function in heat-stressed prepubertal gilts. *Accepted to Gordon Research Conference on Environmental Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. Meeting cancelled due to COVID19.

Roach, C.M., Mayorga, E.J., Ross, J.W., Baumgard, L.H., Keating, A.F. 2020. Heat stress alters reproductive phenotypic impacts of Zearalenone in pre-pubertal gilts. MidWest American Society of Animal Science meeting.

S. R. Wellert, S. E. Battista, J. Kieffer, R. N. Lurch, A. García-Guerra. 2020. “Comparison of different Doppler ultrasound settings for pregnancy diagnosis based on corpus luteum perfusion at 21 days after AI in beef cattle”. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 2019, Vol. 32 No. 2 Page 211-211.

S.N. Carr, B.R. Crites, Y. Jia, C. Hamilton, J.C. Matthews and P.J. Bridges.  2020.  Form of supplemental selenium affects steroidogenesis by the early luteal phase corpus luteum in beef cattle.  Special Issue, Proc. of the 53rd annual meeting of the Soc. for the Study of Reproduction.

Schalich KM, Koganti PP, Herren A, Castillo J, Reiff O, Cheong S, and Selvaraj V. (2020). Enhanced resolution and direct profiling of bovine uterine fluid secretions through data-independent acquisition (DIA) in mass-spectrometry based proteomics.

Schilkowsky E. M., G. E. Granados, E M. Sitko, M. Masello, M. M. Perez, and J.O. Giordano*. 2020. Evaluation and characterization of estrus alerts from an ear-attached accelerometer-based automated estrus detection system.  J. Dairy Sci. Volume 103. E-Supplement 1.

Sitko E. M., M.M. Pérez, G.E. Granados, M. Masello, and J.O. Giordano*. 2020. Age at first calving affected reproductive performance of primiparous cows managed with a program that favored timed artificial insemination. J. Dairy Sci. Volume 103. E-Supplement 1.

Sitko E.M., M.M. Pérez, G.E. Granados, M. Masello, and J.O. Giordano*. 2020. Association between age at first calving and reproductive performance of primiparous cows managed with a program that favored insemination at detected estrus. J. Dairy Sci. Volume 103. E-Supplement 1.

Snider AP, Gomes RS, Summers AF, Abedal-Majed MA, Tenley SC, Wood JR, Davis JS, and Cupp AS (2020) Lipids involved in pro- and anti-inflammatory responses are altered in follicular fluid and plasma of cows administered a low-dose-FSH protocol and may be used as markers of ovulation in beef cows. 53rd Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Virtual; selected for post-doctoral poster competition

Stangaferro M. L., J. O. Giordano*, M. Z. Toledo, and M. C. Wiltbank. 2020. Prediction of pregnancy probability at first service in multiparous dairy cows based on early lactation data.  J. Dairy Sci. Volume 103. E-Supplement 1. **Collaborative projects as part of NE1727 regional research project.

Stewart J, Newberne H, Arneson A, Harrod M, Negron-Perez V, Haines H, Jordan J, White R, Ealy A, El-Kadi S, Rhoads R and Rhoads M. Glucose infusion during heat stress restores normoglycemia but does not improve milk production. 2020. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 103, Suppl. 1. 148.

Stewart JW, Newberne HM, Harrod MK, Arneson AG, Negron-Perez VM, White RR, Ealy AD, El-Kadi SW, Rhoads RP, Rhoads ML. Heat stress and glycemic state alter milk production and composition in Holstein dairy cows. 2021 American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting, 2021 J Dairy Sci 104: Suppl 1.

Studer, J.M., Kiefer, Z.E., Keating, A.F., Baumgard, L.H., Olsen, K.M., Rambo, Z., Wilson, M.E., Rapp, C., Ross, J.W. 2020. Influence of dietary manganese supplementation on transcript and protein abundance in the corpus luteum of swine. Society for the Study of Reproduction annual meeting.

Toledo M. Z., M. L. Stangaferro, R. S. Gennari, P. L. J. Monteiro Jr., M. M. Perez, M. Masello, M. E. Van Amburgh, D. Luchini, R. D. Shaver, J. O. Giordano, M. C. Wiltbank. 2020. Effect of feeding rumen-protected methionine pre- and postpartum on health, herd exit dynamics and time to pregnancy in multiparous dairy cows.  J. Dairy Sci. Volume 103. E-Supplement 1. **Collaborative projects as part of NE1727 regional research project.

Torres-Gonzalez E, Arbeithuber B, Hester J, Cremona M, Stoler N, Higgins B, Anthony K, Chiaromonte F, Diaz F, and Makova K.  Duplex sequencing uncovers age-related increase in the frequency of de novo indels in mouse mitochondrial DNA. Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution Annual Meeting. Quebec City, CA, June 28th- July 2nd, 2020.

Zhang M, Baldwin H, Current J and Yao J. Characterization of the promoter region of ZNFO, an oocyte-specific gene in cattle. 47th Annual Conference of the IETS Virtual Conference. January 18-21, 2021. (Abstract).

Theses/Dissertations

Alicia Arneson (2021) Evaluating the impact of heat stress and altered glycemic state on plasma ɣ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) in lactating Holstein cows (MS Thesis). 

Mary-Kathryn Harrod-Byrd (2021) Serial measurements of circulating glucose and luteinizing hormone concentrations in lactating dairy cattle (MS Thesis).

Constantino J. Preantral Follicle Numbers and Size in Heifers Carrying the Bovine High Fecundity Allele Trio. OSU Undergraduate Honors thesis.

Cooper L. Circulating AMH, antral follicle count and ovulation rate after unilateral ovariectomy in cattle: influence of the bovine fecundity allele Trio. OSU Undergraduate Honors thesis.

Cunningham, Devin (2021) Effects of an extruded flaxseed supplement on plasma haptoglobin, non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and complete blood count in transition dairy cows and heifers. (MS Thesis).

Gurung S (2021). Bovine synepitheliochorial placentation is a barrier to fetal microchimerism. (MS Thesis)

Michelle L. Kott (2021). Effects of mid-gestational L-citrulline supplementation to twin-bearing ewes on umbilical blood flow, placental development, and lamb production traits (MS Thesis). 

Maucieri AM, Townson DH (2020) Characterization and manipulation of O-GlcNAcylation in granulosa cells of bovine ovarian antral follicles. UVM MS Thesis

Mary Ali Oliver. The effect of endometrial cell conditioned media on in vitro cultured bovine embryo development. (MS Thesis; DJM MS student)

Schalich KM (2021). Analysis of aspects of the uterine environment and of early mammary secretions critical for embryonic, fetal, and neonatal development in cattle. (PhD Thesis)

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

Planned Master’s Thesis: “Epidermal Growth Factor and Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Supplementation in Matrix-free, Three-Dimensional Bovine Follicle Culture.” Wilson Simmons, M.S. 09/2021. Major Professor C. Bishop. 

Sarah Singleton. Novel postpartum reproductive phenotypes in beef cattle. (Undergraduate Chancellor’s Honor’s Thesis; SEM undergraduate student)

Master’s Thesis: “Increasing vitamin D levels to improve fertilization rates in cattle.” Vanessa Peixoto de Souza, M.S., D.V.M. 06/14/2021. Major Professors C. Estill and 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 and currently working on projects to evaluate the effect of dose of GnRH at initiation of a 5-day synchronization protocol for FTET. 

NY and WI: working collaboratively on projects to determine physiological differences among cows of different genetic merit for fertility.

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

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

 USDA NIFA/AFRI

 Oregon State University Animal and Rangeland Sciences Department Funds

 Oregon State University Agricultural Research Foundation

 Oregon Beef Council

 OARDC SEEDS Early career investigator – The Ohio State University

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

 National Institute of Environmental Health Science

 Iowa State University Nutritional Sciences Council Martin Fund

 National Pork Board

 Texas A&M University - Triads for Transformation

 American Simmental Association

 University of Tennessee AgResearch Instrumentation Grants program

 NIH-R21

 Binational Agriculture Research and Development (BARD)

 Office of Research and Economic Development, Univ Nebraska-Lincoln

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

NIH/NIGMS-sponsored Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training (T32)