Effects of equine chorionic gonadotropin administered via the Baihui acupoint on follicular ovarian dynamics and the luteal function of cattle during an ovulation synchronization treatment regimen for fixed-time artificial insemination

Lindomar Sousa Brito, Luiz Di Paolo Maggitti Junior, Priscila Assis Ferraz, Isabela Costa Vasconcelos, João Vitor Gomes da Silva Carvalho, Marcus Vinicius Galvão Loiola, Rodrigo Freitas Bittencourt, Mónica Madrigal-Valverde, Ana Karina da Silva Cavalcante, Larissa Pires Barbosa, Lilian Porto da Oliveira, Morgana Cardoso Brasileiro Borges Bastos, Osvaldo Santos de Brito, Antônio de Lisboa Ribeiro Filho

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives were to evaluate effects of a smaller than typically used dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) during a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) treatment regimen. Transrectal ultrasonic (US) examinations were conducted on dairy cows on Day 0 (D0) and the treatment regimen was initiated with administrations of an intravaginal progesterone (P4) implant, estradiol benzoate (im), and prostaglandin F (PGF2α; im). On D8, the P4 implant was removed and PGF and estradiol cypionate were administered to all animals. Subsequently, cows were randomly assigned to three groups and eCG was administered to Groups 1, 2, and 3 in doses of 300 (im); 100 (im); and 100 (Baihui acupoint) IUs, respectively. The B-mode and power-flow US cineloops were performed to assess follicular dynamics and evaluate various morphological and vascular characteristics of the corpus luteum. Blood samples were collected to quantify serum P4 concentrations. There were no differences between the ovulation synchronization treatment regimens for all follicular dynamic variables tested; however, cows in Group 3 differed from Group 2 having a larger follicle diameter (FD) on D10 (P = 0.06) and larger preovulatory FD (P = 0.09), as well as a blood perfusion area of the dominant follicle wall on D8 (P = 0.07). There were no differences in responses to the ovulation synchronization treatment regimens for the luteal variables evaluated subsequent to ovulation. In conclusion, the Baihui acupoint was effective as an alternative route for eCG dose reduction when FTAI treatment regimens were imposed without detrimentally affecting values for reproductive variables.

Original languageEnglish
Article number106631
JournalAnimal Reproduction Science
Volume223
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Beef cattle
  • Corpus luteum
  • Dairy cow
  • Doppler
  • Follicle
  • Pharmacopuncture

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of equine chorionic gonadotropin administered via the Baihui acupoint on follicular ovarian dynamics and the luteal function of cattle during an ovulation synchronization treatment regimen for fixed-time artificial insemination'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this