TITLE:
Measurement of Metabolic and Inflammatory Serum Markers and Immune Marker Gene Expression during Superovulation in Beef Cattle
AUTHORS:
Alexandria P. Snider, Derek J. McLean, Alfred R. Menino
KEYWORDS:
Bovine, Metabolism, Estrous Cycle, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Inflammation
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.11 No.2,
April
15,
2021
ABSTRACT: Health status of donor cows during superovulation is important to ensure
optimal embryo quality at time of collection. Because nutritional and metabolic
status impact embryo quality some form of nutritional supplementation is often
provided before and during superovulation. OmniGen-AF® (OG) feeding has
been shown to assist in the maintenance of animal health through regulation of
metabolic status and balance and supporting aspects of immune function. We
observed feeding donor cows OG decreased percent degenerate embryos recovered
following superovulation increased serum progesterone concentration and
improved in vitro embryo development. Evaluation of OG feeding on markers of
metabolic function and inflammatory and immune function in beef cattle embryo
donors are reported here. Similarly, cow metabolic and inflammatory response
with repeated superovulation protocols is not known. Biomarkers to monitor and
evaluate cow health during superovulation may provide management options to
improve embryo recovery and quality. Twenty-four Angus cross-bred cattle were
randomly assigned to four treatment groups, fed 0 or 56 g/hd/day for 49 days
and superovulated with 200 or 400 mg Folltropin V (FSH). Blood was collected
weekly for analyses. The protocol was repeated on all cows 90 - 120 d later with cows reassigned to their original
groups. No differences (P > 0.10) were observed due to OG feeding or
FSH dose on metabolic and inflammatory markers. Replicate exerted a significant
effect where serum concentration of albumin, IL1β, IL6, PGE2 and
leptin were lower (P