Twelve-oxoeicosatetraenoic acid-induced fetal membrane release improves postpartum ovarian function, milk production, and blood plasma biochemical parameters in cows.

Objective: We aimed to determine the effects of 12-oxoeicosatetraenoic acid (12-KETE)-induced placenta release on the performance of mother cows (milk yield, ovarian function, and blood plasma biochemical properties).

Methods: Experimental treatments were as follows: i) natural delivery including natural placental release (control cows); ii) induced calf delivery with placental retention (RP cows); and iii) induced calf delivery and 12-KETE-induced placental release (KE cows). Delivery in pregnant KE cows was induced with dexamethasone and prostaglandin.

12-Oxoeicosatetraenoic acid, a candidate signal for placenta separation, activates matrix metalloproteinase and induces apoptosis in bovine trophoblast cells.

Objective: 12-oxo-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-KETE), a metabolite of arachidonic acid, is a strong candidate signal for placenta separation following calf discharge at delivery. In the present study, the effects of 12-KETE on bovine trophoblast cells were investigated to determine its function in the placentome at delivery.

Methods: Bovine trophoblast cells derived from blastocysts were used.

Astaxanthin increases progesterone production in cultured bovine luteal cells.

Although astaxanthin (AST) is known to be a strong antioxidant, its effects on reproductive function in domestic animals have not yet been elucidated in detail. Therefore, we investigated the effects of AST on luteal cells, which produce progesterone (P4), an important hormone for maintaining pregnancy. Luteal cells were prepared by collagenase dispersion of the corpus luteum (CL).

Effects of selenium-rich yeast supplementation on the plasma progesterone levels of postpartum dairy cows.

Objective: The effects of the pre- and postpartum supplementation of cows with Se on their plasma P4 concentrations after calving were investigated.

Methods: Thirty-four Holstein cows were used to investigate the effects of dietary selenium supplementation on the postpartum recovery of the luteal function in cows. Selenium-rich yeast (containing 300 ppm selenium) was mixed with total mixed ration fed to 17 pregnant cows from 30 days before they were due to calve (10 g yeast daily) to 100 days after calving (20 g yeast daily).

Effects of selenium supplementation on plasma progesterone concentrations in pregnant heifers.

It is known that selenium (Se) has various functions in animals. Many investigations on the biochemical and physiological effects of Se have been previously reported; however, the detailed function of Se in reproduction is not yet clear. We proposed the possibility that Se plays a notable role in progesterone production.