P. Santolaria - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by P. Santolaria
Theriogenology, 2001
Anestrus is common during the postpartum period in high-producing dairy cows. In a previous inves... more Anestrus is common during the postpartum period in high-producing dairy cows. In a previous investigation, we were able to diagnose persistent follicles of 8 to 12 mm in anestrous cows. This report describes 2 consecutive studies. The objectives of the first were to 1) assess the association of persistent follicles with anestrus; and 2) evaluate 2 therapeutic treatments. In the second study, we compared the effectiveness of the best treatment established in Study 1 with the Ovsynch protocol. For Study 1, anestrous cows were considered to have a persistent follicle if it was possible to observe a single follicular structure > 8 mm in the absence of a corpus luteum or a cyst in 2 ultrasonographic examinations performed at an interval of 7 d. At diagnosis (Day 0), cows were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups. Cows in Group GnRH/PGF (n= 17) were treated with 100 ug GnRH im, and 25 mg PGFh im on Day 14. Cows in Group PRID (n=lS) were fitted with a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID, containing 1.55 g of progesterone) for 9 d and were given 100 ng GnRH im at the time of PRID insertion, and 25 mg PGFh im on Day 7. Cows in Group Control (n=lS) received no treatment. The animals were inseminated at observed esnus and were monitored weekly by ultrasonogmphy until AI or 5 weeks from diagnosis. Blood samples were also collected on a weekly basis for progesterone determination. The mean size of persistent follicles on Day 0 was 9.4 + 0.04 mm. Progesterone levels were < 0.2 ng/mL during the first 35 d in 16 of 18 Control cows. Cows in the PRID group showed a lower persistent follicle rate (16.7% < 70.6% < 88.9%; P < 0.0001; PRID vs GnRH/PGF vs Control, respectively); a higher estms detection rate (83.3% > 29.4% > 11 .l%; P < 0.0001) and a higher pregnancy rate (27.8% > 59% > 0%; P = 0.02). For the second study, 145 cows with persistent follicles were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: cows in Group Ovsynch (n=73) were treated with 100 lrg GnRH im on Day 0,25 mg PGFh im on Day 7, and 100 pm GnRH im 32 h later. Cows in this group were inseminated 16 to 20 h after the second GnRH dose (Ovsynch protocol). Cows in Group PRID (n=72) were treated as those in the PRID group of Study 1, and were inseminated 56 h after PRID removal. Cows in the PRID group showed a higher ovulation rate (84.8% > 8.2%; P < 0.0001); a higher pregnancy rate (34.2% > 4.1%; P < 0.0001) and lower follicular persistence rate (22.2% < 63%; P < 0.0001) than those in Ovsynch. Our results indicate that persistent follicles affect cyclic ovarian function in lactating dairy cows. Cows with persistent follicles can be successfully synchronized and time inseminated using progesterone, GnRH and PGF2a but show a limited response to treatment with GnRH plus PGF2a. 0 2001 by Elsevier Sc~ence Inc.
Theriogenology, 2002
The present study was designed to establish whether factors such as previous estrus synchronizati... more The present study was designed to establish whether factors such as previous estrus synchronization, corpus luteum and embryo number at the time of pregnancy diagnosis, changes in body condition score, milk production, clinical disease (mastitis or lameness) and the inseminating bull affect pregnancy loss from 38 to 90 days of gestation. We derived data from 601 pregnant lactating dairy cows from a single herd. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography between Day 38 and 44 following insemination. We also recorded corpus luteum and embryo number at this time. Pregnancy loss was de®ned as a negative pregnancy diagnosis on the second palpation per rectum undertaken between 90 and 96 days after insemination. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression methods. Cows that had an additional corpus luteum were eight times less likely to miscarry. The risk of pregnancy loss was 3.1 times higher in cows bearing twins. A one unit reduction in body condition score from previous partum to 30 days postpartum resulted in a 2.4-fold increase in pregnancy loss. We noted a higher incidence of pregnancy loss in cows inseminated using semen from one of the six bulls used. This particular bull led to a 3.4-fold increase in the rate of pregnancy loss. Logistic regression analysis showed no signi®cant effects of previous estrus synchronization, milk production, clinical disease, body condition at previous partum or at pregnancy diagnosis, or body condition change between previous partum and pregnancy diagnosis. Our ®ndings indicate a positive relationship between the presence of an additional corpus luteum and the maintenance of gestation. Risk factors for pregnancy loss were twin pregnancy, reduced body condition after previous parturition and the inseminating bull. #
Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 2009
This study analyses anomalous cases of gestation ending in pregnancy loss during the early foetal... more This study analyses anomalous cases of gestation ending in pregnancy loss during the early foetal period and their effect on progesterone and plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-1 (PAG-1) concentrations. Data derived from a large-scale ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis programme in high producing dairy cows. Over a 3-year period (2004-2007), a very low incidence (0.5%: 15 of 3094) of anomalous pregnancies was recorded. The results revealed that the following anomalies were detected on days 35-41 of gestation in cows carrying singletons with one single corpus luteum: embryo death in eight cows (0.3%); and embryo in the uterine horn contralateral to the corpus luteum in seven cows (0.2%). All these animals suffered pregnancy loss during the early foetal period. In cows carrying dead embryos, no signs of conceptus degeneration were observed on pregnancy diagnosis. Amnion size (approximately 25 mm diameter) and uterine horn fluid contents were estimated to be similar to those of the normal pregnant cows in this period. In the contralateral gestations, live embryos were observed in all ultrasound checks before pregnancy loss. Uterine fluid contents increased in the two cows in which gestation continued for more than a week. In the cases of embryo death but not in those of contralateral gestation, a drop in PAG-1 levels was noted prior to pregnancy loss. Two cows carrying dead embryos increased with time allantoic fluid contents. The PAG-1 values increased with time in one cow bearing a dead embryo (from 2.31 to 6.79 ng/ml) and in two of the contralateral gestations (from 1.66 to 2.33 ng/ml and from 0.39 to 6.79 ng/ml, respectively). Results of this study indicate that the foetal membranes continue to undergo some activity following embryo death, and that contralateral pregnancy may determine failure of the gestation process.
Veterinary Parasitology, 2011
The antigen-specific IgG subclass response may be a convenient indicator of the underlying nature... more The antigen-specific IgG subclass response may be a convenient indicator of the underlying nature of T helper cell regulation. The aim of the present study was to identify possible differences in Neospora caninum-specific total plasma IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 antibody levels in purebreed and crossbreed pregnancies throughout gestation in beef and dairy cattle chronically infected with N. caninum. Comparisons were also made between aborting and non-aborting dams. The population examined comprised 96 pregnant parous cows seropositive for N. caninum. Plasma antibodies were determined on Days 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 of gestation or until abortion. Of the 96 pregnancies examined, 12 ended in abortion. None of the 14 Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows inseminated with HF semen (HF-HF group) aborted, whereas 6 (11.0%) of the 54 HF cows inseminated with Limousin semen (HF-L group) and 6 (21.4%) of the 28 Rubia Gallega (RG) beef cows inseminated with RG semen (RG-RG group) aborted. In the 84 non-aborting cows, a significant positive effect of gestation day was observed on total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies levels (P<0.0001 for the three variables). In RG-RG cows, significantly higher levels of IgG (P=0.003; d.f.=2; F-value=6.41), IgG1 (P<0.001; d.f.=2; F-value=10.55) and IgG2 (P=0.004; d.f.=2; F-value=5.82) antibodies against N. caninum were recorded throughout gestation compared to the other groups, whereas the levels of these antibodies were significantly lower in HF-HF on Days 180 and 210 of gestation. In aborting cows, significantly lower IgG (P=0.001; d.f.=1; F-value=25.21) and IgG2 (P=0.001; d.f.=1; F-value=20.39) antibody levels were observed in the RG-RG cows compared to the HF-L cows, whereas no significant effect on IgG1 antibody levels was detected in the two groups with aborting animals (RG-RG and HF-L). Our findings indicate that humoral mechanisms against N. caninum infection and abortion differ in purebreed pregnancies and crossbreed pregnancies in beef/dairy cattle.
Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A, 2004
Theriogenology, 2002
Cystic ovarian disease is a major cause of reproductive failure and economic loss for the dairy i... more Cystic ovarian disease is a major cause of reproductive failure and economic loss for the dairy industry. Many cysts that develop during the early postpartum period regress spontaneously. However, it is dif®cult to decide at what point it would be more cost effective to treat ovarian cysts than to wait for spontaneous recovery. The objective of this study was to analyze risk factors for : S 0 0 9 3 -6 9 1 X ( 0 2 ) 0 1 0 4 6 -4 increased the probability of cyst recovery by a factor of 1.06, and a 1-unit drop in lactation number was associated with a 1.4-fold increased probability of cyst recovery.
Theriogenology, 2007
The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-1 (PAG-1)... more The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-1 (PAG-1) concentrations in pregnancy are affected by persistent Neospora caninum infection in dairy cows. The data analyzed were derived from 22 multiparous cows: 16 N. caninum-seropositive and 6 N. caninum-seronegative animals (used as controls). Three of the 16 seropositive cows aborted during the study period and the corresponding data were analyzed separately. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed on day 40 post-insemination by transrectal ultrasound, and by palpation per rectum on days 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210. Blood samples were collected from each animal immediately before each pregnancy diagnosis, and then at parturition or at the time of abortion detection. Plasma was tested for antibodies against N. caninum and PAG-1 concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. In non-aborting animals, the effects of neosporosis (seropositive versus seronegative), N. caninum antibody levels, semen providing bull, sex of the newborn, and day of gestation on PAG-1 concentrations were evaluated by GLM repeated measures analysis of variance. The effect of the gestation period (first half versus second half) on the N. caninum antibody titer was established by the Student's t-test in seropositive cows. A significant positive effect of gestation day on PAG-1 concentrations was observed (d.f. = 6; F = 12.6; P < 0.0001). For all cows, PAG-1 concentrations increased steadily during the course of gestation, with peak concentrations recorded at parturition. Neosporosis (P = 0.493), N. caninum antibody levels (P = 0.921), sex of the newborn (P = 0.856) and semen providing bull (P = 0.087) had no effect on plasma PAG-1 concentration. There was a significant 52% increase (P < 0.0001) in N. caninum antibody titers during the second half of gestation compared to the first half. The fates of the three aborting cows were abortion on gestation day 215 in one, and fetus mummification diagnosed on gestation days 180 and 210, respectively, in the remaining two cows. A luteolytic dose of prostaglandin was applied 30 days after mummification diagnosis in these last two cows, and fetus expulsion was detected on days 215 and 250, respectively. Two of the aborted fetuses were submitted to laboratory analysis and the presence of N. caninum was confirmed by specific PCR. In the cows with a mummified fetus, PAG-1 concentrations were low or undetectable when the diagnosis was made. These findings suggest that N. caninum www.theriojournal.com Theriogenology 67 (2007) 502-508 § In memoriam of J.M. Garbayo.
Theriogenology, 2005
We conducted two studies to improve preservation of rabbit semen. The objective of the first stud... more We conducted two studies to improve preservation of rabbit semen. The objective of the first study was determine whether a glucose-and fructose-based extender with two different amounts of gelatin would solidify at 15 8C, and to evaluate the influence of gelatin supplementation on sperm motility parameters after storing semen up to 10 days at 15 8C. The fertility of rabbit semen diluted in the best gelatin-supplemented extender established in Study 1 and stored for up to 5 days was evaluated in the second study. In Study 1, semen was collected with an artificial vagina from 40 bucks. Each ejaculate was diluted to (80-100) Â 10 6 spermatozoa/mL (1:3, semen/extender) at 37 8C in one of the three following glucose-and fructose-based extenders: control (standard liquid extender), semi-gel or gel (0.7 or 1.4 g gelatin in 100 mL extender, respectively). Pools of semen were allocated among 0.6 mL plastic artificial insemination (AI) guns. Thirty (10 per extender group) AI doses were immediately analyzed (0 h) and the remainder stored in a refrigerator (15 8C) for 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, or 240 h. All doses with gelatin extenders solidified at 15 8C. Semen samples, prewarmed to 37 8C, were evaluated with a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. The percentage of motile cells was significantly lower using the liquid compared to the gel extenders during semen storage from 0 to 96 h. Although significance was lost, these differences persisted after 240 h of storage. Motility of www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/the Theriogenology 64 (2005) 252-260 spermatozoa in the semi-gel extender was intermediate between that of liquid and gel extender throughout the study. Study 2 was performed on 1250 multiparous lactating does. Five homogeneous groups of 250 does previously synchronized were inseminated using semen previously stored for 120, 96, 72, 48 or 24 h, respectively. Rabbit does receiving 24 h-stored semen (diluted with the control extender used in Study 1) served as controls. The remaining females received seminal doses supplemented with 1.4 g/100 mL gelatin (gel extender used in Study 1). Kindling rates for rabbit does inseminated with gelatin-supplemented (solid) semen doses stored for 48 h (88%) or 72 h (83%) were similar to those recorded for liquid controls stored for 24 h (81%), whereas rates significantly decreased when the semen was solid and stored for 96 h (64%) or 120 h (60%) before AI. In conclusion, rabbit spermatozoa were effectively stored in the solid state at 15 8C, with fertility preserved for up to 5 days. Solid storage of rabbit semen would facilitate commercial distribution.
Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 1998
... MA Lopez-Bkjar', F Lopez-Gatius', J Camon3, J Rutitant', X Valls&a... more ... MA Lopez-Bkjar', F Lopez-Gatius', J Camon3, J Rutitant', X Valls', J Labernia' and P Santolaria' 'Department of' Anatomy und Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomoiis C'nioersity of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona; 'Department of Animal Production, Unioersity qj' Lleida ...
Meat Science, 2000
Forty-two male yearlings were used to assess the in¯uence of breed type and ageing time on beef t... more Forty-two male yearlings were used to assess the in¯uence of breed type and ageing time on beef texture. Samples of the M. longissimus dorsi of four breed types [double muscled (DM), dual purpose (Brown Swiss, BS), fast growth (FG) and unimproved type (UT)] were aged for 1, 3, 7, 10, 14 or 21 days at 4 C and frozen at À18 C until analysed. Cooked samples (to end-point of 70 C) were assessed using a Warner±Bratzler (WB) device. Raw samples were assessed using a compression device in which transverse elongation was prevented. There were no signi®cant dierences in WB values of cooked meat due to breed type, but ageing had a signi®cant (P<0.05) on maximum load. Ageing, but not breed type, had a signi®cant eect on the compression values of raw meat at low compression rates (P<0.001). Compression values, of raw samples, at 80% compression diered signi®cantly (P<0.001) between breed types, but were not aected by ageing. Compression values of raw samples, at 80% compression, were aected by breed type, probably because of genotype dierences in the contribution of connective tissue. #
Theriogenology, 2008
This study was designed to examine estrous response rates to the therapeutic treatment of clinica... more This study was designed to examine estrous response rates to the therapeutic treatment of clinical anestrus in high producing dairy cows and to identify the factors that could affect these rates. Cows with silent ovulation (Subestrus group), cystic ovarian disease (Cyst group) or ovarian hypofunction (OH group) were given specific treatment for their disorder. Data were derived from 1764 treatments in cows producing a mean of 45.4 kg of milk upon treatment including: 889 subestrous cows, 367 cystic cows and 508 cows with ovarian hypofunction. Cows showing estrus following treatment exhibited a similar pregnancy rate to cows attaining natural estrus used as reference: 33% (337/1006) and 35% (626/1796), respectively. No significant differences in pregnancy rates were observed among the Subestrus, Cyst and OH groups (34% (196/571), 34% (44/130), 32% (97/305), respectively. Based on the odds ratio, an estrous response for all groups was less likely to occur in cows that had suffered previous anestrus, compared to cows that were anestrous for the first time, whereas the likelihood of an estrous response increased in cows treated after 90 days in milk.
Small Ruminant Research, 2015
ABSTRACT This study was conducted to assess the effect of different semen extenders on the dynami... more ABSTRACT This study was conducted to assess the effect of different semen extenders on the dynamics of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and other quality sperm parameters in ram. To this end, second ejaculates from 6 adult males were collected using an artificial vagina and diluted in either INRA-96®, milk, MOPS, TRIS, TES, HEPES, citrate or phosphate-based extenders. Semen samples were incubated at 37 °C and the SDF, motility and membrane integrity were assessed after 0, 3, 6 and 24 h intervals. Significantly higher SDF indexes were obtained at 6 and 24 h of incubation in the milk-based than in all the buffer-based extenders. At 24 h, sperm diluted in INRA also reached a higher SDF than MOPS, TRIS, citrate, and phosphate-based extenders. Diluent composition also affected sperm motility and membrane integrity parameters. The diluent had a clear impact on the pH of the samples, with a significant drop at 6 h of incubation in the samples diluted in INRA, milk and citrate-based diluents, but only at the end of the incubation period (24 h) in the other diluents. A significant negative correlation was observed between the pH of the media and SDF (−0.67). It was concluded that the results of the dynamics of sperm DNA fragmentation are highly dependent on the diluent employed during incubation at 37 °C, and this should be taken into account in studies evaluating this parameter. The use of some diluents would reduce, or even prevent, sperm DNA fragmentation during incubation, so that possible differences in susceptibility between males would be masked.
Theriogenology, 2001
Anestrus is common during the postpartum period in high-producing dairy cows. In a previous inves... more Anestrus is common during the postpartum period in high-producing dairy cows. In a previous investigation, we were able to diagnose persistent follicles of 8 to 12 mm in anestrous cows. This report describes 2 consecutive studies. The objectives of the first were to 1) assess the association of persistent follicles with anestrus; and 2) evaluate 2 therapeutic treatments. In the second study, we compared the effectiveness of the best treatment established in Study 1 with the Ovsynch protocol. For Study 1, anestrous cows were considered to have a persistent follicle if it was possible to observe a single follicular structure > 8 mm in the absence of a corpus luteum or a cyst in 2 ultrasonographic examinations performed at an interval of 7 d. At diagnosis (Day 0), cows were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups. Cows in Group GnRH/PGF (n= 17) were treated with 100 ug GnRH im, and 25 mg PGFh im on Day 14. Cows in Group PRID (n=lS) were fitted with a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID, containing 1.55 g of progesterone) for 9 d and were given 100 ng GnRH im at the time of PRID insertion, and 25 mg PGFh im on Day 7. Cows in Group Control (n=lS) received no treatment. The animals were inseminated at observed esnus and were monitored weekly by ultrasonogmphy until AI or 5 weeks from diagnosis. Blood samples were also collected on a weekly basis for progesterone determination. The mean size of persistent follicles on Day 0 was 9.4 + 0.04 mm. Progesterone levels were < 0.2 ng/mL during the first 35 d in 16 of 18 Control cows. Cows in the PRID group showed a lower persistent follicle rate (16.7% < 70.6% < 88.9%; P < 0.0001; PRID vs GnRH/PGF vs Control, respectively); a higher estms detection rate (83.3% > 29.4% > 11 .l%; P < 0.0001) and a higher pregnancy rate (27.8% > 59% > 0%; P = 0.02). For the second study, 145 cows with persistent follicles were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: cows in Group Ovsynch (n=73) were treated with 100 lrg GnRH im on Day 0,25 mg PGFh im on Day 7, and 100 pm GnRH im 32 h later. Cows in this group were inseminated 16 to 20 h after the second GnRH dose (Ovsynch protocol). Cows in Group PRID (n=72) were treated as those in the PRID group of Study 1, and were inseminated 56 h after PRID removal. Cows in the PRID group showed a higher ovulation rate (84.8% > 8.2%; P < 0.0001); a higher pregnancy rate (34.2% > 4.1%; P < 0.0001) and lower follicular persistence rate (22.2% < 63%; P < 0.0001) than those in Ovsynch. Our results indicate that persistent follicles affect cyclic ovarian function in lactating dairy cows. Cows with persistent follicles can be successfully synchronized and time inseminated using progesterone, GnRH and PGF2a but show a limited response to treatment with GnRH plus PGF2a. 0 2001 by Elsevier Sc~ence Inc.
Theriogenology, 2002
The present study was designed to establish whether factors such as previous estrus synchronizati... more The present study was designed to establish whether factors such as previous estrus synchronization, corpus luteum and embryo number at the time of pregnancy diagnosis, changes in body condition score, milk production, clinical disease (mastitis or lameness) and the inseminating bull affect pregnancy loss from 38 to 90 days of gestation. We derived data from 601 pregnant lactating dairy cows from a single herd. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography between Day 38 and 44 following insemination. We also recorded corpus luteum and embryo number at this time. Pregnancy loss was de®ned as a negative pregnancy diagnosis on the second palpation per rectum undertaken between 90 and 96 days after insemination. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression methods. Cows that had an additional corpus luteum were eight times less likely to miscarry. The risk of pregnancy loss was 3.1 times higher in cows bearing twins. A one unit reduction in body condition score from previous partum to 30 days postpartum resulted in a 2.4-fold increase in pregnancy loss. We noted a higher incidence of pregnancy loss in cows inseminated using semen from one of the six bulls used. This particular bull led to a 3.4-fold increase in the rate of pregnancy loss. Logistic regression analysis showed no signi®cant effects of previous estrus synchronization, milk production, clinical disease, body condition at previous partum or at pregnancy diagnosis, or body condition change between previous partum and pregnancy diagnosis. Our ®ndings indicate a positive relationship between the presence of an additional corpus luteum and the maintenance of gestation. Risk factors for pregnancy loss were twin pregnancy, reduced body condition after previous parturition and the inseminating bull. #
Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 2009
This study analyses anomalous cases of gestation ending in pregnancy loss during the early foetal... more This study analyses anomalous cases of gestation ending in pregnancy loss during the early foetal period and their effect on progesterone and plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-1 (PAG-1) concentrations. Data derived from a large-scale ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis programme in high producing dairy cows. Over a 3-year period (2004-2007), a very low incidence (0.5%: 15 of 3094) of anomalous pregnancies was recorded. The results revealed that the following anomalies were detected on days 35-41 of gestation in cows carrying singletons with one single corpus luteum: embryo death in eight cows (0.3%); and embryo in the uterine horn contralateral to the corpus luteum in seven cows (0.2%). All these animals suffered pregnancy loss during the early foetal period. In cows carrying dead embryos, no signs of conceptus degeneration were observed on pregnancy diagnosis. Amnion size (approximately 25 mm diameter) and uterine horn fluid contents were estimated to be similar to those of the normal pregnant cows in this period. In the contralateral gestations, live embryos were observed in all ultrasound checks before pregnancy loss. Uterine fluid contents increased in the two cows in which gestation continued for more than a week. In the cases of embryo death but not in those of contralateral gestation, a drop in PAG-1 levels was noted prior to pregnancy loss. Two cows carrying dead embryos increased with time allantoic fluid contents. The PAG-1 values increased with time in one cow bearing a dead embryo (from 2.31 to 6.79 ng/ml) and in two of the contralateral gestations (from 1.66 to 2.33 ng/ml and from 0.39 to 6.79 ng/ml, respectively). Results of this study indicate that the foetal membranes continue to undergo some activity following embryo death, and that contralateral pregnancy may determine failure of the gestation process.
Veterinary Parasitology, 2011
The antigen-specific IgG subclass response may be a convenient indicator of the underlying nature... more The antigen-specific IgG subclass response may be a convenient indicator of the underlying nature of T helper cell regulation. The aim of the present study was to identify possible differences in Neospora caninum-specific total plasma IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 antibody levels in purebreed and crossbreed pregnancies throughout gestation in beef and dairy cattle chronically infected with N. caninum. Comparisons were also made between aborting and non-aborting dams. The population examined comprised 96 pregnant parous cows seropositive for N. caninum. Plasma antibodies were determined on Days 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 of gestation or until abortion. Of the 96 pregnancies examined, 12 ended in abortion. None of the 14 Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows inseminated with HF semen (HF-HF group) aborted, whereas 6 (11.0%) of the 54 HF cows inseminated with Limousin semen (HF-L group) and 6 (21.4%) of the 28 Rubia Gallega (RG) beef cows inseminated with RG semen (RG-RG group) aborted. In the 84 non-aborting cows, a significant positive effect of gestation day was observed on total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies levels (P<0.0001 for the three variables). In RG-RG cows, significantly higher levels of IgG (P=0.003; d.f.=2; F-value=6.41), IgG1 (P<0.001; d.f.=2; F-value=10.55) and IgG2 (P=0.004; d.f.=2; F-value=5.82) antibodies against N. caninum were recorded throughout gestation compared to the other groups, whereas the levels of these antibodies were significantly lower in HF-HF on Days 180 and 210 of gestation. In aborting cows, significantly lower IgG (P=0.001; d.f.=1; F-value=25.21) and IgG2 (P=0.001; d.f.=1; F-value=20.39) antibody levels were observed in the RG-RG cows compared to the HF-L cows, whereas no significant effect on IgG1 antibody levels was detected in the two groups with aborting animals (RG-RG and HF-L). Our findings indicate that humoral mechanisms against N. caninum infection and abortion differ in purebreed pregnancies and crossbreed pregnancies in beef/dairy cattle.
Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A, 2004
Theriogenology, 2002
Cystic ovarian disease is a major cause of reproductive failure and economic loss for the dairy i... more Cystic ovarian disease is a major cause of reproductive failure and economic loss for the dairy industry. Many cysts that develop during the early postpartum period regress spontaneously. However, it is dif®cult to decide at what point it would be more cost effective to treat ovarian cysts than to wait for spontaneous recovery. The objective of this study was to analyze risk factors for : S 0 0 9 3 -6 9 1 X ( 0 2 ) 0 1 0 4 6 -4 increased the probability of cyst recovery by a factor of 1.06, and a 1-unit drop in lactation number was associated with a 1.4-fold increased probability of cyst recovery.
Theriogenology, 2007
The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-1 (PAG-1)... more The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein-1 (PAG-1) concentrations in pregnancy are affected by persistent Neospora caninum infection in dairy cows. The data analyzed were derived from 22 multiparous cows: 16 N. caninum-seropositive and 6 N. caninum-seronegative animals (used as controls). Three of the 16 seropositive cows aborted during the study period and the corresponding data were analyzed separately. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed on day 40 post-insemination by transrectal ultrasound, and by palpation per rectum on days 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210. Blood samples were collected from each animal immediately before each pregnancy diagnosis, and then at parturition or at the time of abortion detection. Plasma was tested for antibodies against N. caninum and PAG-1 concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. In non-aborting animals, the effects of neosporosis (seropositive versus seronegative), N. caninum antibody levels, semen providing bull, sex of the newborn, and day of gestation on PAG-1 concentrations were evaluated by GLM repeated measures analysis of variance. The effect of the gestation period (first half versus second half) on the N. caninum antibody titer was established by the Student's t-test in seropositive cows. A significant positive effect of gestation day on PAG-1 concentrations was observed (d.f. = 6; F = 12.6; P < 0.0001). For all cows, PAG-1 concentrations increased steadily during the course of gestation, with peak concentrations recorded at parturition. Neosporosis (P = 0.493), N. caninum antibody levels (P = 0.921), sex of the newborn (P = 0.856) and semen providing bull (P = 0.087) had no effect on plasma PAG-1 concentration. There was a significant 52% increase (P < 0.0001) in N. caninum antibody titers during the second half of gestation compared to the first half. The fates of the three aborting cows were abortion on gestation day 215 in one, and fetus mummification diagnosed on gestation days 180 and 210, respectively, in the remaining two cows. A luteolytic dose of prostaglandin was applied 30 days after mummification diagnosis in these last two cows, and fetus expulsion was detected on days 215 and 250, respectively. Two of the aborted fetuses were submitted to laboratory analysis and the presence of N. caninum was confirmed by specific PCR. In the cows with a mummified fetus, PAG-1 concentrations were low or undetectable when the diagnosis was made. These findings suggest that N. caninum www.theriojournal.com Theriogenology 67 (2007) 502-508 § In memoriam of J.M. Garbayo.
Theriogenology, 2005
We conducted two studies to improve preservation of rabbit semen. The objective of the first stud... more We conducted two studies to improve preservation of rabbit semen. The objective of the first study was determine whether a glucose-and fructose-based extender with two different amounts of gelatin would solidify at 15 8C, and to evaluate the influence of gelatin supplementation on sperm motility parameters after storing semen up to 10 days at 15 8C. The fertility of rabbit semen diluted in the best gelatin-supplemented extender established in Study 1 and stored for up to 5 days was evaluated in the second study. In Study 1, semen was collected with an artificial vagina from 40 bucks. Each ejaculate was diluted to (80-100) Â 10 6 spermatozoa/mL (1:3, semen/extender) at 37 8C in one of the three following glucose-and fructose-based extenders: control (standard liquid extender), semi-gel or gel (0.7 or 1.4 g gelatin in 100 mL extender, respectively). Pools of semen were allocated among 0.6 mL plastic artificial insemination (AI) guns. Thirty (10 per extender group) AI doses were immediately analyzed (0 h) and the remainder stored in a refrigerator (15 8C) for 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, or 240 h. All doses with gelatin extenders solidified at 15 8C. Semen samples, prewarmed to 37 8C, were evaluated with a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. The percentage of motile cells was significantly lower using the liquid compared to the gel extenders during semen storage from 0 to 96 h. Although significance was lost, these differences persisted after 240 h of storage. Motility of www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/the Theriogenology 64 (2005) 252-260 spermatozoa in the semi-gel extender was intermediate between that of liquid and gel extender throughout the study. Study 2 was performed on 1250 multiparous lactating does. Five homogeneous groups of 250 does previously synchronized were inseminated using semen previously stored for 120, 96, 72, 48 or 24 h, respectively. Rabbit does receiving 24 h-stored semen (diluted with the control extender used in Study 1) served as controls. The remaining females received seminal doses supplemented with 1.4 g/100 mL gelatin (gel extender used in Study 1). Kindling rates for rabbit does inseminated with gelatin-supplemented (solid) semen doses stored for 48 h (88%) or 72 h (83%) were similar to those recorded for liquid controls stored for 24 h (81%), whereas rates significantly decreased when the semen was solid and stored for 96 h (64%) or 120 h (60%) before AI. In conclusion, rabbit spermatozoa were effectively stored in the solid state at 15 8C, with fertility preserved for up to 5 days. Solid storage of rabbit semen would facilitate commercial distribution.
Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 1998
... MA Lopez-Bkjar', F Lopez-Gatius', J Camon3, J Rutitant', X Valls&a... more ... MA Lopez-Bkjar', F Lopez-Gatius', J Camon3, J Rutitant', X Valls', J Labernia' and P Santolaria' 'Department of' Anatomy und Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomoiis C'nioersity of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona; 'Department of Animal Production, Unioersity qj' Lleida ...
Meat Science, 2000
Forty-two male yearlings were used to assess the in¯uence of breed type and ageing time on beef t... more Forty-two male yearlings were used to assess the in¯uence of breed type and ageing time on beef texture. Samples of the M. longissimus dorsi of four breed types [double muscled (DM), dual purpose (Brown Swiss, BS), fast growth (FG) and unimproved type (UT)] were aged for 1, 3, 7, 10, 14 or 21 days at 4 C and frozen at À18 C until analysed. Cooked samples (to end-point of 70 C) were assessed using a Warner±Bratzler (WB) device. Raw samples were assessed using a compression device in which transverse elongation was prevented. There were no signi®cant dierences in WB values of cooked meat due to breed type, but ageing had a signi®cant (P<0.05) on maximum load. Ageing, but not breed type, had a signi®cant eect on the compression values of raw meat at low compression rates (P<0.001). Compression values, of raw samples, at 80% compression diered signi®cantly (P<0.001) between breed types, but were not aected by ageing. Compression values of raw samples, at 80% compression, were aected by breed type, probably because of genotype dierences in the contribution of connective tissue. #
Theriogenology, 2008
This study was designed to examine estrous response rates to the therapeutic treatment of clinica... more This study was designed to examine estrous response rates to the therapeutic treatment of clinical anestrus in high producing dairy cows and to identify the factors that could affect these rates. Cows with silent ovulation (Subestrus group), cystic ovarian disease (Cyst group) or ovarian hypofunction (OH group) were given specific treatment for their disorder. Data were derived from 1764 treatments in cows producing a mean of 45.4 kg of milk upon treatment including: 889 subestrous cows, 367 cystic cows and 508 cows with ovarian hypofunction. Cows showing estrus following treatment exhibited a similar pregnancy rate to cows attaining natural estrus used as reference: 33% (337/1006) and 35% (626/1796), respectively. No significant differences in pregnancy rates were observed among the Subestrus, Cyst and OH groups (34% (196/571), 34% (44/130), 32% (97/305), respectively. Based on the odds ratio, an estrous response for all groups was less likely to occur in cows that had suffered previous anestrus, compared to cows that were anestrous for the first time, whereas the likelihood of an estrous response increased in cows treated after 90 days in milk.
Small Ruminant Research, 2015
ABSTRACT This study was conducted to assess the effect of different semen extenders on the dynami... more ABSTRACT This study was conducted to assess the effect of different semen extenders on the dynamics of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and other quality sperm parameters in ram. To this end, second ejaculates from 6 adult males were collected using an artificial vagina and diluted in either INRA-96®, milk, MOPS, TRIS, TES, HEPES, citrate or phosphate-based extenders. Semen samples were incubated at 37 °C and the SDF, motility and membrane integrity were assessed after 0, 3, 6 and 24 h intervals. Significantly higher SDF indexes were obtained at 6 and 24 h of incubation in the milk-based than in all the buffer-based extenders. At 24 h, sperm diluted in INRA also reached a higher SDF than MOPS, TRIS, citrate, and phosphate-based extenders. Diluent composition also affected sperm motility and membrane integrity parameters. The diluent had a clear impact on the pH of the samples, with a significant drop at 6 h of incubation in the samples diluted in INRA, milk and citrate-based diluents, but only at the end of the incubation period (24 h) in the other diluents. A significant negative correlation was observed between the pH of the media and SDF (−0.67). It was concluded that the results of the dynamics of sperm DNA fragmentation are highly dependent on the diluent employed during incubation at 37 °C, and this should be taken into account in studies evaluating this parameter. The use of some diluents would reduce, or even prevent, sperm DNA fragmentation during incubation, so that possible differences in susceptibility between males would be masked.