Use of endometrial cytology and metabolic profiles for selection of embryo donor cows
2014
The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of endometrial cytology and metabolic profiles for selection of donor
cows in embryo transfer programmes. For this purpose, 69 clinically healthy Holstein cows were enrolled in the study.
At the start of the superovulation procedure (Day 0), blood and endometrial samples were obtained to determine
metabolic and uterine status, respectively. The cows were then subjected to porcine follicle stimulating hormone (pFSH)
superovulation treatment, and embryos were recovered after 7 days. The mean number of embryos obtained per flush
was 9.89 ± 8.21 (4.63 ± 5.34 viable embryos, 0.82 ± 2.01 degenerated embryos and 4.57 ± 6.44 unfertilized ova). The
following statistically significant variables were entered in a regression model: beta-hydroxybutyrate, serum cholesterol,
body condition, number of calvings and percentage of neutrophils. In almost all cases, the model explained some
percentage of the variance: total number of embryos, 4.8% (p < 0.05); number of degenerate embryos, 4.2% (p = 0.051);
and number of unfertilized ova, 14.2% (p < 0.01). Statistical models for the percentage of viable embryos and
unfertilized ova accounted for 24.0% and 29.4% of the variance, respectively, and both were statistically significant
(p < 0.01). The model for the percentage of degenerated embryos was statistically significant (p < 0.05) and explained
4.4% of the variance. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that positive energy balance and healthy uterus can improve
ovarian response and the proportion of viable embryos in cows. Efficient tools for monitoring the metabolic and uterine
status should therefore be used in bovine embryo transfer programmes
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