Monitoring of health status, performance and transcript abundance of some genes in dairy heifers produced by embryo transfer or artificial insemination.

The use of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) technology in the dairy cattle industry has increased dramatically in recent decades for the production of offspring from genetically superior cows. Yet, its long-term ramifications on adult performance have not been adequately clarified. Therefore, this study targeted comparing dairy heifers born after the transfer of in vivo-produced embryos (MOET-heifers, n = 400) and those born after artificial insemination (AI-heifers, n = 340).

Heat stress during critical windows of the oestrous cycle and risk of pregnancy establishment in embryo-recipient dairy heifers.

This study aimed to determine effects of exposure of recipient dairy heifers to heat stress (THI ≥ 73) during the oestrous cycle coinciding with embryo transfer (ET) on the risk of pregnancy establishment after transfer of in vivo produced embryos. Recipients exposed to THI values ≥73 during Days zero (recipient estrus), 7 (day of ET), 14 (seven days after ET), 15 and 16 (maternal recognition of pregnancy) of the ET cycle were considered as heat-stressed heifers (n = 254), while heifers in the control group (n = 470) were not exposed to THI ≥ 73 at any of the previous days. Results revealed no significant effects of any of the investigated factors on the risk of pregnancy following ET.

Transcript abundance of anti-Mullérian hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor predicted superstimulatory response in embryo donor Holstein cows.

The goal was to investigate the relationship among mRNA expressions of anti-Mullérian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and responses to superovulation (SO) in embryo donor dairy cows. Holstein cows (n = 19) were submitted to a standard SO protocol, with twice daily FSH treatments, and artificially inseminated. Prior to SO (Day 0), relative mRNA expressions of AMH and FSHR in blood were determined for all cows.

The impact of using newborn bovine serum as fetal calf serum substitute in the in vitro bovine embryos production system.

This study was conducted to assess the effects of addition of 10% newborn bovine serum (NBS) in the maturation and culture media of bovine system on oocytes maturation and developed morula and blastocyst rates. For this purpose, 10% NBS was added to in vitro maturation (IVM) medium alone (Experiment I), in vitro culture (IVC) (Experiment II), and in IVM + IVC (Experiment III). In vitro bovine oocytes maturation and developmental rates of bovine embryos were then compared with control group where the basal maturation or culture media were supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS).

Dose- dependent ameliorative effects of quercetin and l-Carnitine against atrazine- induced reproductive toxicity in adult male Albino rats.

This study aimed to determine the protective effects of co-administration of Quercetin (QT) or l-Carnitine (LC) against the oxidative stress induced by Atrazine (ATZ) in the reproductive system of intact male Albino rats. 36 rats were divided equally into 6 groups. Rats in the control negative "CNT" group received 1.

Rescue effects of aqueous seed extracts of Foeniculum vulgare and Carum carvi against cadmium-induced hepatic, renal and gonadal damage in female albino rats.

Objective: To investigate the protective effects of aqueous seed extracts of fennel "Foeniculum vulgare" (FVE) and caraway "Carum carvi" (CCE) on liver, kidney and reproductive organs in female rats against cadmium chloride (CC) intoxication.

Methods: A total of 36 adult female rats were divided into six groups, six in each group. Control group (fed normal diet), CC-treated group (50 mg CC/kg diet), CCE-treated group (150 mg CCE/kg diet), CCE + CC group, FVE (150 mg/kg diet) and FVE + CC.

Impact of Seasonal Conditions on Quality and Pathogens Content of Milk in Friesian Cows.

Heat stress negatively affects milk quality altering its nutritive value and cheese making properties. This study aimed at assessing the impact of seasonal microclimatic conditions on milk quality of Friesian cows. The study was carried out in a dairy farm from June 2013 to May 2014 at Beni-Suef province, Egypt.