Annual/Termination Reports:

[01/05/2001] [06/18/2002]

Report Information

Participants

Ron Butler, NY;
Joanne Fortune, NY;
Lester Griel, PA;
Keith Inskeep, WV;
Robert Milvae, CT;
Joy Pate, OH;
Dave Townson, NH;
Paul Tsang, NH;
Glenn Gray, USDA;
Dean A. John Bramley, Administrative Advisor;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Steven R. Alm (stevealm@uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;

Paul Backman (pbackman@psu.edu) - Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station;

Mark J. Carroll (mc92@umail.umd.edu) - University of Maryland;

J. Marshall Clark (jclark@ent.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts;

Bruce B. Clarke (clarke@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University;

Richard S. Cowles (rcowles@caes.state.ct.us) - Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station;

J. Scott Ebdon (sebdon@pssci.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts;

Steven Fales;

Karl Guillard (karl.guillard@uconn.edu) - University of Connecticut;

Richard J. Hull (rhu6441@postoffice.uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;

Noel Jackson;

Peter J. Landschoot (pj11@psu.edu) - The Pennsylvania State University;

Pim Larsson-Kovach (il11@cornell.edu) - Cornell University;

James Lin - USEPA;

Bill Meyer (wmeyer@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University;

Kevin Morris - NTEP;

Bridget Ruemmele (bridgetr@uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;

Mike Sullivan (senmike@uriacc.uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;

Patricia Vittum (pvittum@ent.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts

Accomplishments

1) Objective 1 (Examine naturally occurring patterns of development and function of the preovulatory follicle for their effects on oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo survival) and Objective 3a (Does location of the CL affect follicle development?) have been completed and the results have important implications for our understanding of fertility/infertility in cattle. The results support the hypothesis that in natural cycles ovulation of the dominant follicle of the second wave of the estrous cycle results in significantly lower fertility (pregnancy rate) than ovulation of the dominant follicle of the third wave. However, there was no relationship between location of the previous CL relative to the ovulatory follicle and pregnancy rate. Other studies conducted as part of Objective 1 are providing increased understanding of the changes that occur in persistent dominant follicle in terms of both endocrine function and oocyte development.<br /> <br><br /> <br>2) Progress is being made on Objective 2 (Compare naturally occurring and induced differences in metabolism for their effects on oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryo survival). Experiments under Objective 2a have shown that drenching cattle with propylene glycol results in an extension of the life span of the corpus luteum; this is associated with transient increases in plasma insulin, but not plasma IGF-1. Experiments under Objective 2b have revealed dose-related effects of insulin on steroid secretion by cultured pieces of follicle wall. In other experiments prepartum fat supplementation was associated with an increased postpartum pregnancy rate, in the absence of any significant effect on any metabolic, hormonal, or follicular parameter analyzed. <br /> <br><br /> <br>3) Objective 3b (Do increased or decreased concentrations of systemic progesterone affect follicle development and subsequent fertility?) has proven difficult to accomplish because the methods used to reduce circulating progesterone have not worked as they were reported to. One further attempt at reducing luteal progesterone levels to assess affects on fertility will be made during the next year.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br><b>Future Meeting:</b><br /> <br> Location and Date: Cornell University, October 8-9, 2001 <br /> <br> Responsible Individuals: Ron Butler/Joanne Fortune <br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br><br>

Publications

<u>Connecticut</u><br /> <br><br /> <br>Milvae RA. 2000. Inter-relationships between endothelin and prostaglandin F2a in corpus luteum function. Rev Reprod. 5: 1-5.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Meidan R, Milvae RA, Weiss S, Levy N, Friedman A. 1999. Intraovarian regulation of luteolysis. J Reprod Fertil Suppl; 54:217-228.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Hinckley RMT. 2000. Endothelin-1, a mediator of ovine luteal function. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Connecticut.<br /> <br><br /> <br><u>New Hampshire</u><br /> <br><br /> <br>Olson KK, Townson DH 2000 Prolactin-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and the accumulation of monocytes/macrophages during regression of the rat corpus luteum. Biol Reprod 62:1571-1578.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Olson KK, Townson DH 2001 Actions of Prostaglandin F2a and Prolactin on Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression and Monocyte/Macrophage Accumulation in the Rat Corpus Luteum. Biol Reprod (Accepted)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Olson KK 2000. The effects of prostaglandin F2a and prolactin on immune cell recruitment during regression of the rat corpus luteum. M.S. Thesis, University of New Hampshire.<br /> <br><br /> <br><u>New York</u><br /> <br><br /> <br>Beam, S.W. and W.R. Butler. Effects of energy balance on follicular development and first ovulation in postpartum dairy cows. In Reproduction in Domestic Animals IV, W.W. Thatcher, E.K. Inskeep, G.D. Niswender, and C. Doberska, eds. J. Reprod. Fertil. Suppl. 54:411-424. 1999. <br /> <br><br /> <br>Butler, W.R. Nutritional interactions with reproductive performance in dairy cattle. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 60-61:449-457. 2000<br /> <br><br /> <br>Butler, W.R. Nutritional effects on resumption of ovarian cyclicity and conception rate. BSAS Symposium on Fertility in the High-Producing Dairy Cow, September 20-22, Galway, Ireland. pp. 13-14. 2000.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Frajblat, M. and W.R. Butler. Metabolic effects of insulin and IGF-I in bovine ovarian follicle wall culture. Biol. Reprod. 62(Suppl. 1):222. 2000.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Frajblat, M. and W.R. Butler. Use of bovine ovarian follicle wall in a culture system to study long-term steroidogenesis. J. Dairy Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):211. 2000.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Bode, M.L., R.O. Gilbert, and W.R. Butler. Effects of urea infusion on uterine luminal pH, prostaglandins and proteins in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):212. 2000<br /> <br><br /> <br>Fortune, J.E. and G.M. Rivera, 1999. Persistent dominant follicles in cattle: basic and applied aspects. Arquivos da Faculdade de Veterinaria UFRGS v. 27 (Suppl.): 24-36.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Rivera, G.M., T.L. Kimmich, and J.E. Fortune, 2000. Steroidogenesis by theca cells of persistent vs. control bovine follicles: androstenedione secretion in response to LH. Theriogenology 53:380.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Fortune, J.E., C.M. Komar, J.S. Tabb, and A.K. Voss, 2000. Ovarian oxytocin: periovulatory production and effects. In: <u>Ovulation: Evolving Scientific and Clinical Concepts</u>, E.Y. Adashi (ed.). Springer Verlag, New York, (in press).<br /> <br><br /> <br>Fortune, J.E., G.M. Rivera, and C.M. Komar, 2000. Selection and differentiation of dominant ovarian follicles in cattle. In: BR Monographs of Reproduction & Catalog Group 2000, A.A.M. Rosa e Silva (ed.). (in press).<br /> <br><br /> <br><u>Ohio</u><br /> <br><br /> <br>Bove, S.E., Petroff, M.G., Nishibori, M. and Pate, J.L. 2000. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the bovine corpus luteum: Characterization of steady-state messenger ribonucleic acid expression and immunohistochemical localization. Biol. Reprod. 62:879-885.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Marin-Guzman, J., Mahan, D.C. and Pate, J.L. 2000. Effect of dietary selenium and vitamin E on spermatogenic development in boars. J. Anim. Sci. 78:1527-1543.<br /> <br><br /> <br><u>West Virginia</u><br /> <br><br /> <br>Sayre, B.L., R. Taft, E. K. Inskeep and J. Killefer. 2000. Increased expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 during induced regression of bovine corpora lutea. Biol. Reprod. 63:21-29.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Hernandez-Fonseca, H. J., B.L. Sayre, R.L. Butcher and E. K. Inskeep. 2000. Embryotoxic effects adjacent and opposite to the early regressing bovine corpus luteum. Theriogenology 54: 83-91.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Bridges, P.J., D.J. Wright, W.I. Buford, N. Ahmad, H. Hernandez-Fonseca, <br /> <br>M.L. McCormick, F.N. Schrick, R.A. Dailey, P.E. Lewis and E.K. Inskeep. 2000. Ability of induced corpora lutea to maintain pregnancy in beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 78:2942-2949.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Bridges, P.J., R. Taft, P.E. Lewis, W.R. Wagner and E.K. Inskeep. 2000. Effect of the previously gravid uterine horn and postpartum interval on follicular diameter and conception rate in beef cows treated with estradiol benzoate and progesterone. J. Anim. Sci. 78:2172-2176.<br>

Impact Statements

Back to top

Report Information

Participants

The following persons were in attendance:

Cornell University: Joanne Fortune
Ron Butler
Phil Bridges
Uconn: Bob Milvae
New Hampshire: Paul Tsang
Dave Townson
Ohio State: Joy Pate
Penn State: Les Griel
West Virginia: Keith Inskeep
Administrative Advisor: Bill Berndtson
USDA/CREES: Debora Hamernik

Others in attendance from West Virginia:
Matt Wilson
Beth Costine
Alison Brown-Dixon
Melanie Starbuck
T.D. Maze
Ida Holoskova
Dr. Robert Pitts

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Results from the previous 5-year proposal have been compiled, summarized, and published. In particular, we have determined that fertility is greater in lactating dairy cows inseminated after ovulation of the third-wave follicle that develops for fewer days of the estrous cycle as compared with cows with two waves of follicular growth.<br /> <br><br /> <br>We have also determined that late embryonic mortality is an important source of pregnancy loss in dairy cows. In ewew, however, fetal losses are more prevalent, especially late fetal loss of one or more individuals in a litter, without complete loss of pregnancy. Losses in ewes are distributed throughout pregnancy, whereas most losses after 30 days have occurred by 65 days or even 45 days of gestation in dairy cows.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>Plans for the coming year will focus on several of the objectives of the 5-year renewal. Specifically, we will continue to collect extensive information in dairy cows, beef cows, and ewes pertaining to late embryonic and early fetal death. Experiments examining the effects of hyperthermic conditions on follicular steroidogenesis will be continued, and those planned for luteal steroidogenesis will be initiated. In addition, seasonal effects on follicular development and the follicular to luteal transition, as they relate to embryonic/fetal mortality, will be investigated. <br /> <br>

Publications

Starbuck MJ 2002 Retention of early pregnancy and its relationship to serum progesterone in dairy cattle. MS Thesis, West Virginia University<br /> <br><br /> <br>Knights MQ, Baptiste S, Lewis PE 2002 Ability of ram introduction to induce LH secretion, estrus and ovulation in fall-born ewe lambs during anestrus. Anim Reprod Sci 69:199-209.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Jo M, Fortune JE 2002 Oxytocin inhibits LH-stimulated production of androsterone by bovine theca cells. Mol Cell Endo 188:151-159.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Fortune JE 2002 Activation of primordial follicles. In "The future of the oocyte: Basic and clinical apects", C. Hegele-Hartung and JJ Eppig (eds) Ernst Schering Research Foundation Workshop; Springer-Verlag, Berlin (In press)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Townson DH, Tsang PCW, Butler WR, Frajblat M, Griel Jr. LC, Johnson CJ, Milvae RA, Niksic GM, Pate JL. Cooperative Regional Research Project, NE-161. Relationship of fertility to ovarian follicular waves before breeding in dairy cows. J Anim Sci 2002, 80:1053-1058.<br /> <br> <br /> <br>Towle TA, Tsang PCW, Milvae RA, Newbury MK, McCracken JA. Dynamic in vivo changes in tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2, and matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, during PGF2alpha -induced luteolysis in sheep. Biol Reprod 2002, 66:1515-1521.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Zhang B, Yan L, Moses MA, Tsang PCW. Bovine membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinases: molecular cloning and expression in the corpus luteum. Biol Reprod 2002 (In press)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Townson DH, O&lsquo;Connor CL, Pru JK 2002 Expression of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 and the Distribution of Immune Cell Populations in the Bovine Corpus Luteum Throughout the Estrous Cycle. Biol Reprod 66:361-366.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Cavicchio VA, Pru JK, Davis BS, Davis JS, Rueda BR, Townson DH 2002 Secretion of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 by Endothelial Cells of the Bovine Corpus Luteum: Regulation by Cytokines but not Prostaglandin F2 alpha . Endocrinology (In Press)<br /> <br><br /> <br>Zhang, B 2002 Expression, activation, and regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) in the bovine corpus luteum. PhD Dissertation, University of New Hampshire.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Cavicchio VA 2002 Regulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by pro-inflammatory cytokines in endothelial cells of the bovine corpus luteum. MS Thesis, University of New Hampshire<br /> <br><br /> <br>

Impact Statements

1. Estrous cycles in dairy cows that consist of at least three waves of follicular growth preceding ovulation and insemination appear to be conducive to improved fertility. Follicular wave pattern may be determined genetically, and thus may influence future selection strategies used to identify genetically superior individuals and contribute to improved fertility.

Back to top