The Effects of Separate and Combined Use of PGF2α and GnRH Hormones and the Addition of Βeta-Carotene on Fertility Parameters in Dairy Cows with Ovarian Cysts

Background: Ovarian cysts are commonly observed pathologies, which interfere with normal cyclic activity and adversely affect fertility in cows. Beta-carotene is effective in the reduction of reproductive problems by inducing the natural defence mechanisms of the body. There are several methods that can be used for the treatment of ovarian cysts. The separate and combined use of GnRH and PGF2α commonly uses in the treatment of ovarian cysts. Therefore, in the presented study the effects of Beta-carotene (βC) addition for the treatment of ovarian cysts either with GnRH solely or GnRH and PGF2α in combination on the fertility parameters of dairy cows were investigated.Materials, Methods & Results: Seventy-six Holstein Friesian cows having ovarian cysts diagnosed by ultrasonography (USG) were divided into three groups. Cows in Group I (GI, n = 27), were injected with GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im), PGF2α (Tiaprost-trometamol, 5 mL, im) and βC (20 mL/cow, into 4 regions by im route). In Group II (GII, n = 25) GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im) and PGF2α (Tiaprost-trometamol, 5mL, im) were administrated while GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im) solely in Group III (GIII, n = 24). Cysts were monitored via USG, and blood samples were collected on the on day of treatment (day 0) and on the 7th and 14th days following the administrations. Cows shoving oestrous were inseminated and pregnancy diagnoses were performed on the 40th day following insemination. Treatment results showed that there were statistically no significant differences between GI and GII (P > 0.05). Only numerical difference obtained in time from therapy to pregnancy and overall pregnancy index (P > 0.05). Overall pregnancy rate (85 %), first service pregnancy rates (40 %) and overall pregnancy index (2.11) in GI were found significantly higher than GIII (53.3 %; 20 %; 4.12) [P < 0.05]. No significant difference was observed in progesterone (P4) levels between the groups (P > 0.05). It was found that βC administrations significantly increased βC levels in GI than GII and GIII on the 7th and 14th days (P < 0.05).Discussion: One of the most common problems encountered in modern dairy production is the development of ovarian cysts. Treatments for ovarian cyst are numerous and variable, and have changed considerably over the years. In the present study, GnRH and PGF2α were administered together as a combination, and as a result of this combined use, higher percentages were obtained for both pregnancy rate and fertility parameters in GI and GII, in comparison to the group administered with GnRH alone (GIII). Better outcome from combination therapy (GnRH and PGF2α) may be due to the fact that luteal thickening in the walls of cysts was determined by ultrasonography, but P4 values were not identified immediately and the treatments were not categorized in accord with these values. No statistically significant differences were determined between GI and GII concerning the fertility parameters investigated, however numerical and proportional differences were observed. βC levels were significantly higher on day 7 and 14 after treatment in GI which were administered βC additionally to the treatment protocol for ovarian cysts. This statistical difference suggests that administration of βC in combination therapy is also effective in the treatment of ovarian cysts. In conclusion, it was determined that high pregnancy rates were obtained by the combined treatment of ovarian cysts (GnRH + PGF2α) and number of inseminations per conception were at desired limits. Better percentile and numerical fertility parameters were achieved in the group, which additionally received βC, high numbers of infertility cases, βC supplementation could be a viable option for treatment

Localization and functional roles ofepidermal growth factor receptors and someligands in bovine cervix and vagina duringestrus cycle

Introduction: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ligand&nbsp;system is an important autocrine and/or paracrine&nbsp;mediator of estrogen-induced growth and differentiation&nbsp;in female reproductive tract. In addition, the spatiotemporal&nbsp;expressions of these receptors and ligands indicate&nbsp;that they play an important role in estrus cycles. In order&nbsp;to determine their possible roles in the bovine reproductive&nbsp;process, we have analyzed the expression patterns&nbsp;and localizations of EGFR receptors (EGFR/ErbB-1/HER1, ErbB-2/c-neu/HER2, ErbB-3/HER3, and ErbB-4/HER4) and some of their ligands (EGF, NRG, AREG), in&nbsp;cervix and vagina during the estrus cycles using immunohistochemistryand quick score (QS).Materials and Methods: Cervices and vaginas of 23 cows&nbsp;were obtained from a local slaughterhouse. Stages of the&nbsp;estrus cycle were assessed by gross and histologicalappearances of ovaries and blood steroid hormone values.&nbsp;Tissue samples from cervix and vagina were fixed in 10%&nbsp;formaldehyde for routine histological processing. QS,which was used for the evaluation of immunostainings, was&nbsp;consisted of the sum of intensity score (IS) and proportional&nbsp;score (PS).Results: Immunostaining for receptors and ligands of EGFR/ligand system was localized in membranes, cytoplasms and&nbsp;nuclei of the target cells. Variations were observed, not only&nbsp;at the different stages of the estrus cycle, but also in the differenttissue compartments of the cervix and vagina. However,&nbsp;there were no differences in immunostainings for&nbsp;AREG in cervix and vagina. Conversely, it was determinedthat EGFR/ErbB-1/HER1, ErbB-2/c-neu/HER2, ErbB-3/HER3, and ErbB-4/HER4, EGF and NRG were strongly&nbsp;expressed in luminal epithelium, stromal and smooth musclecells and also in vessels. It was found that these factors&nbsp;were expressed stronger in luteal phase than follicular phase&nbsp;both in cervix and vagina (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Altered EGFR/ligand system expression suggests&nbsp;that this growth factor system is a potent regulator&nbsp;of proliferation and differentiation of cells in cervix andvagina during bovine estrus cycle.</p

Erken gebe sütçü ineklerde beta karoten ve gnrh enjeksiyonlarından sonra luteal kan akışı ve luteal büyüklükteki değişiklikler

Sunulan çalışmada erken gebe ineklere kas içi yapılan beta-karoten (?C) ve GnRH enjeksiyonlarının luteal büyüklük (LS), luteal kan akışkanlığı (LBF) ve serum ?C düzeyine etkilerinin belirlenmesi amaçlandı. Olgun korpus luteuma (>19 mm) sahip toplam 29 Holstein-Friesian inek rastgele olarak ?C uygulanmayan (?C-; n=15) ve uygulanan (?C+; n=14) olmak üzere iki gruba ayrıldı. İneklerin hepsi PGF2a uygulamasından 48 ve 72 saat sonra tohumlandı. Son tohumlama günü 0. gün olarak kabul edildi. Tohumlamalar sırasında, ayrıca 7. ve 17. günde tüm hayvanlara GnRH uygulandı. ?C- gruptan farklı olarak ?C+ gruba 7 ve 17. günde ?C kas içi uygulandı. Grupların LS ve LBF ölçümleri 7, 10, 17, 27 ve 37. günlerde rektal yolla B-mod ve renkli Doppler ultasonografi ile gerçekleştirildi. Her bir uygulama gününde kan örnekleri toplandı. Tohumlamalar sonucunda gebe olan inekler istatistiksel değerlendirmede kullanıldı. Serum ?C düzeyi ?C+ grupta, 17. gün hariç, ?C- gruptan yüksek bulundu (P0.05). LS ve LBF değerlerinin ?C+ grupta 7. (P<0.05) ve 27. günlerde (P<0.01) ?C- gruptan daha yüksek olduğu ve 37. güne kadar önemli düzeyde artarak devam ettiği belirlendi (LS: P<0.05, LBF: P<0.01). Sonuç olarak ?C enjeksiyonlarının serum ?C konsantrasyonunu, LS ve LBF’yi önemli derece yükselttiği belirlendi.The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of intramuscular injections of beta-carotene (&amp;#946;C) and GnRH on luteal size (LS), luteal blood flow (LBF) and serum &amp;#946;C concentrations in early pregnant cows. Twenty-nine Holstein-Friesian cows with a mature corpus luteum (&gt;19mm) were randomly assigned to two groups: &amp;#946;C not received (&amp;#946;C-; n=15) or received (&amp;#946;C+; n=14). All cows were treated with PGF2a and inseminated twice, 48 and 72h after the treatment. Last AI was considered to be day 0. All cows received GnRH on day inseminations, 7 and 17. Different from the &amp;#946;C-, the &amp;#946;C+ group received &amp;#946;C intramuscularly on day 7 and 17. In both groups, measurement of LS and LBF were performed on days 7, 10, 17, 27 and 37 by transrectal B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected on each examination day. Only cows that became pregnant were included in the statistical evaluation. The concentration of &amp;#946;C in the &amp;#946;C+ group was higher than in the &amp;#946;C- at all examination days except day 17 (P&lt;0.05). There was no significant difference between groups concerning the progesterone concentrations (P&gt;0.05). The LS and LBF of &amp;#946;C+ group on day 7 (P&lt;0.05) and 27 (P&lt;0.01) was higher than in the &amp;#946;C- group and values increased significantly until day 37 (LS: P&lt;0.05, LBF: P&lt;0.01). We conclude that &amp;#946;C injections significantly increased serum &amp;#946;C concentrations, as well as LS and LBF

The effectiveness of combined preventive treatment with Ceftiofur, Oxytocin and PGF2α on fertility parameters in cows

The present study is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of combined preventive treatment with Ceftiofur Hydrochloride (CHR), Oxytocin (OXT) andPGF2α on fertility parameters and puerperal disorder rates in postpartum (pp)dairy cows. A total of 191 Holstein-Friesian cows were divided into fourgroups. The cows in group I (GI; n=37) and II (GII; n=69) were treated on adaily basis with CHR and OXT for five and three days pp, respectively. GroupIII (GIII; n=52) was designed as the PGF2α group, and group IV (GIV; n=33)served as a control group. The animals in GI, GII, and GIII were given aPGF2α analogue on days 15 and 26 pp. Each group was further divided intosubgroups of normal parturition (np) and dystocia (d) when the study resultswere evaluated. It was found that the first service pregnancy rates for the subgroup of dystocia were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05 and P&lt;0.01) in subgroupGII (76.9%) than in GI (30.0%) and GIV (37.5%). Furthermore, the mediantime to first service and the median time to pregnancy were longer for cowsin subgroup GIVd as compared with subgroups GId, GIId, and GIIId(P&lt;0.001; P&lt;0.01). Group II was found to have the lowest endometritis ratesafter treatment of subgroups-d and -np. No statistically significant differencewas found between the groups with regard to cystic ovary rates after treatment (P&gt;0.05). As the treatment with CHR-OXT combined with PGF2α ondays 15 and 26 was associated to improved uterine involution patterns andreproductive performance, our results suggest that administration of this preventive treatment would be useful, especially for cases of dystocia.&nbsp;</p

The Effects of Separate and Combined Use of PGF2α and GnRH Hormones and the Addition of Βeta-Carotene on Fertility Parameters in Dairy Cows with Ovarian Cysts

Background: Ovarian cysts are commonly observed pathologies, which interfere with normal cyclic activity and adversely affect fertility in cows. Beta-carotene is effective in the reduction of reproductive problems by inducing the natural defence mechanisms of the body. There are several methods that can be used for the treatment of ovarian cysts. The separate and combined use of GnRH and PGF2α commonly uses in the treatment of ovarian cysts. Therefore, in the presented study the effects of Beta-carotene (βC) addition for the treatment of ovarian cysts either with GnRH solely or GnRH and PGF2α in combination on the fertility parameters of dairy cows were investigated.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Seventy-six Holstein Friesian cows having ovarian cysts diagnosed by ultrasonography (USG) were divided into three groups. Cows in Group I (GI, n = 27), were injected with GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im), PGF2α (Tiaprost-trometamol, 5 mL, im) and βC (20 mL/cow, into 4 regions by im route). In Group II (GII, n = 25) GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im) and PGF2α (Tiaprost-trometamol, 5mL, im) were administrated while GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im) solely in Group III (GIII, n = 24). Cysts were monitored via USG, and blood samples were collected on the on day of treatment (day 0) and on the 7th and 14th days following the administrations. Cows shoving oestrous were inseminated and pregnancy diagnoses were performed on the 40th day following insemination. Treatment results showed that there were statistically no significant differences between GI and GII (P &gt; 0.05). Only numerical difference obtained in time from therapy to pregnancy and overall pregnancy index (P &gt; 0.05). Overall pregnancy rate (85 %), first service pregnancy rates (40 %) and overall pregnancy index (2.11) in GI were found significantly higher than GIII (53.3 %; 20 %; 4.12) [P &lt; 0.05]. No significant difference was observed in progesterone (P4) levels between the groups (P &gt; 0.05). It was found that βC administrations significantly increased βC levels in GI than GII and GIII on the 7th and 14th days (P &lt; 0.05).Discussion: One of the most common problems encountered in modern dairy production is the development of ovarian cysts. Treatments for ovarian cyst are numerous and variable, and have changed considerably over the years. In the present study, GnRH and PGF2α were administered together as a combination, and as a result of this combined use, higher percentages were obtained for both pregnancy rate and fertility parameters in GI and GII, in comparison to the group administered with GnRH alone (GIII). Better outcome from combination therapy (GnRH and PGF2α) may be due to the fact that luteal thickening in the walls of cysts was determined by ultrasonography, but P4 values were not identified immediately and the treatments were not categorized in accord with these values. No statistically significant differences were determined between GI and GII concerning the fertility parameters investigated, however numerical and proportional differences were observed. βC levels were significantly higher on day 7 and 14 after treatment in GI which were administered βC additionally to the treatment protocol for ovarian cysts. This statistical difference suggests that administration of βC in combination therapy is also effective in the treatment of ovarian cysts. In conclusion, it was determined that high pregnancy rates were obtained by the combined treatment of ovarian cysts (GnRH + PGF2α) and number of inseminations per conception were at desired limits. Better percentile and numerical fertility parameters were achieved in the group, which additionally received βC, high numbers of infertility cases, βC supplementation could be a viable option for treatment