Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Attendees - Station Affiliation - email address Darrel Kesler - Illinois-University of Illinois - djkesler@uiuc.edu Rebecca Krisher - Indiana-Purdue University - rkrisher@purdue.edu Carolyn Komar - Iowa-Iowa State University - ckomar@iastate.edu Jeff Stevenson - Kansas-Kansas State University - jss@ksu.edu Richard Pursley - Michigan-Michigan State University - pursleyr@msu.edu Cliff Lamb - Minnesota-University of Minnesota - clamb@umn.edu Allen Garverick - Missouri-University of Missouri - gavericka@missouri.edu Joe Ottobre - Ohio-The Ohio State University - ottobre.2@osu.edu Paul Fricke - Wisconsin-University of Wisconsin - pmf@anabs.wisc.edu Rick Funston - Nebraska-North Platte - rfunston2@unl.edu George Perry - South Dakota-South Dakota State Univ. - George.Perry@sdstate.edu Bill Silvia - Kentucky-University of Kentucky - sewill01@uky.edu Robert Cushman - Nebraska-MARC - cushman@email.marc.usda.gov Carl Dahlen - Minnesota-University of Minnesota - dahle018@tc.mnu.edu Debora Hamernik - USDA/CREES Advisor - dhamernik@crees.usda.gov Bill Ravlin - Administrative Advisor - ravlin.1@osu.edu James Kinder - Department Chair Advisor - kinder.15@osu.edu Members not present: Milo Wiltbank (University of Wisconsin) and Lloyd Anderson (Iowa State University) September 23, 2004 8:00 am: Meeting called to order. First agenda item: joint meeting with NE-1007 Discussion: Joe talked with Joy Pate about attending this meeting, but at a late date and there was a question of how the expense of the trip would be covered. Carolyn had spoken with Joanne Fortune who said the NE-1007 meeting was planned for June of 2005, dates not set, and place most likely Pocono Mountains, PA. Idea behind meeting with NE-1007 was thought to be generated from thinking it would stimulate additional joint projects (research) as well as sharing of information, and the fact that available grants seem to be awarded to projects that span several universities Fricke: hesitant to join with NE-1007 due to group size Ravlin: Joining of groups not necessary Lamb: Joining of the groups was the impression received during rewrite of proposal Stevenson: We met with them once before. We have a published track record and can see no real advantage of joining with the other group. Kesler: Where would money come from to cover expense of traveling to two meetings a year? Ravlin: Issue may be a linchpin in getting this project renewed. Agrees with Jeff. Stevenson: In his 24 years associated with project, this group fulfills true mandate of multi-state projects. Ravlin: Mid-term review after meeting. Bill would support stance of Jeffs if we give him some ammunition Lamb: We have new members and potential members which will increase our numbers making a joint group unwieldy. Fricke: Nature of project will not increase but decrease because of the group size and setting protocols; need to limit number of stations to ensure protocol management. Kinder: Concern stemmed from Dept. Chairs; they evaluate projects at mid-term. Group needs to communicate directly with Dept. Chairs before they go to meeting where they review these projects in Jan/Feb. Deans regionalize funds on a competitive basis and it will vary from state to state how funds are utilized. Drive to work with administrative leaders and get across impact of our group to them before they have their regional meeting. Convince administrative leaders of our impact and ability to do research. Ravlin: $ that goes to Ext. Station may cover only travel, but some stations use it for salary support and it may not be seen for project. Need to respond to this suggestion, and perhaps a bulleted list of impacts of group would help. Hell be at the table for the next review meeting in March Lamb: We have more in common with W112 and should join with them if we join with any group. Kesler: Concurs Ravlin: Provide administrators with information regarding ties with W112 and/or NC-1006 Fricke: Seems like group is being penalized for collaborating with NE-161 on dairy project a few years ago. Kinder: Look at opportunities and other ways to enhance collaboration and interactions to satisfy reviewers Ravlin: March  mid-project review occurs after 2nd year of cycle. He will be sitting on committee and will bring ours issues forward Kinder: Reports and mid-term reports get out to unit leaders, Dept. chairs/heads; they write assessment and then a summary assessment is put together at the meeting. The administrators (Bill) report goes to NRC. Unit leaders can provide input at this time if we an help them bring our concerns forth prior to meeting in June. Stevenson: Background of reviewers is varied, not all reproductive physiologists Hamernik: Mike Smith and some other reproductive biologists will be at the meeting Report from Bill Ravlin: Projects Administrative Advisor Ravlin passed around newsletter he had received Gaverick: How long has the mid-term review been around? Ravlin: Not sure. Only first experience with this rewrite with this group. Mid-term review is of meeting minutes and annual review&these get reviewed and the comments entered into system by March Stevenson: What are criteria for review? Ravlin: Same criteria as the rewrite: collaborations; impact. On page 5 of hand out is list of what needs to be addressed. Accomplishments: publications, analyses, students, etc. i.e. Impacts: NC-1007 research increased reproduction in dairy cattle to save money for the dairy industry, increase productivity Kesler: Impact is extension Ravlin: Tech transfer is impact. Some meetings arent well attended, this one is..thats a strength Pursley: Is there talk of including extension into these projects? These used to be separated. Kinder: Do you consider yourself and extension specialist? People who do research need to sell it themselves because the ability to work through traditional extension programs no longer exists. Kesler: Many stations see this work/research as extension and put it forth as such Lamb: Big problem encountered with resubmission was lack of extension aspect to project Kinder: Expectation of extension function of research is needed for impact Ravlin: Higher administrators do not care where the line is drawn regarding research, teaching, extension&they want to see the bottom line for the $ they are putting out Kinder: Document what you do because many in this group are already efficient at disseminating research info Ottobre: Jeff and I will write a 1 page summary as to why this group does not need to meet with NE-1007 Stevenson: Can we see reviewers comments from the rewrite so these issues can be addressed? Friske: What would be the consequences of not meeting with NE-1007? Ravlin: May not be a problem as long as you address issue head on because well be facing it again in 2 years. Stevenson: Our groups are not redundant, but complementary. There are many differences in management of dairy and beef cattle between this area and the northeast. Ottobre: Good discussion. Let's move on to summarize some group info

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

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