Skip to main content
NCBI home page
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica logoLink to Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica
. 1995 Sep 1;36(3):343–352. doi: 10.1186/BF03547680

Effects of Calf Removal at Parturition on Postpartum Ovarian Activity in Zebu (Bos indicus) Cows in the Humid Tropics

R E Toribio 16, J R Molina 26,✉, M Forsberg 36, H Kindahl 46, L-E Edqvist 36
PMCID: PMC8095421  PMID: 7502951

Abstract

To assess endocrine and morphological responses of ovaries to total weaning at parturition, 6 Zebu (Bos indicus) cows 5 years or older were investigated. Following parturition, blood samples were collected daily during the first month and twice weekly thereafter until day 60 to determine concentrations of progesterone (P4) and prostaglandin F2α metabolite.

It took between 25 to 32 days to complete uterine involution.The prostaglandin metabolite remained elevated for a mean period of 14.2 days (range, 4-21) postpartum. Five of the animals resumed cyclicity with a short estrous cycle starting between days 7 to 34 and lasting between 7 and 14 days. No estrous behavior was recorded prior to the short estrous cycles, but subsequent normal-length estrous cycles were all preceded by signs of estrus. In the 1 animal that resumed cyclicity with an estrous cycle of normal length on day 37 (length 20 days), the cycle was preceded by estrous behavior.

Progesterone concentrations reached a mean maximum of 4.8 nmol liter−1 during the short estrous cycles, and prostaglandin metabolite concentrations peaked while P4 concentrations were decreasing. P4 concentrations reached a mean maximum of 12.2 nmol liter−1 during the estrous cycles of normal length. The interval from parturition to the first estrous cycle of normal length varied between 16 and 48 days, and the length of the cycle was 18 to 22 days.

Starting 2 days postpartum, ovaries from 5 of the cows were scanned by ultrasonography every second day until day 30 postpartum. Medium-sized follicles were detected between days 4 to 7 postpartum in 4 of the scanned cows that later had short estrous cycles. The time between parturition and the appearance of the first dominant follicle was 7.6 days (range 6-10 days). The interval between parturition and the appearance of the first ovulatory-sized follicle was 10.2 days (range 8-13 days). In 3 of the scanned cows this ovulatory-sized follicle ovulated.

We conclude that cyclic ovarian activity in Zebu cows can start early in the postpartum period in the absence of offspring, and that short luteal phases, not preceded by estrous behavior, may play an important role in establishing normal postpartum ovarian activity.

Keywords: progesterone, prostaglandin

Full Text

The Full Text of this article is available as a PDF (2.1 MB).

Acknowledgments

The authors are indebted to the Swedish Agency for Research Cooperation with Developing Countries (SAREC), for the grant supporting this study, and to the Instituto Tecnologico de Costa Rica for providing the farm facilities. Financial support for Ramiro E. Toribio from the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) is also gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are due to Dr. Jorge Mario Bolaños for showing special interest in our work and for good collaboration. We want to express our sincere gratitude to Drs. Eduard Müller, Carlos Galina, Ron Dwinger, Enrique Perez and Ana Maria Ortuno for revising earlier drafts. Dr. Gary Williams also provided valuable comments on the manuscript.

References

  1. Casida LE. The postpartum interval and its relation to fertility in the cow, sow and ewe. J. Anim. Sei. (Suppl. 1). 1971;32:66–72. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  2. Clapp H. A factor in breeding efficiency of dairy cattle. Proc. Amer. Soc. Anim. Prod. 1937;37:259–265. [Google Scholar]
  3. Cooper DA, Carver DA, Villeneuve P, Silvia WJ, Inskeep EK. Effects of progestagen treatment on concentrations of prostaglandins and oxytocin in plasma from the posterior vena cava of post-partum beef cows. J. Reprod. Fertil. 1991;91:248–262. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0910411. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. Copelin JP, Smith MF, Garverick HA, Youngquist RS. Effect of uterus on subnormal luteal function in anoestrus beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 1987;64:1505–1511. doi: 10.2527/jas1987.6451506x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  5. Copelin JP, Smith MF, Keisler DH, Garverick HA. Effect of active immunization of pre-partum and post-partum cows against prostaglandin F2a on lifespan and progesterone secretion of shortlived corpora lutea. J. Reprod. Fert. 1989;87:199–207. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0870199. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  6. Cutshaw JL, Hunter JF, Williams GL. Effects of transcutaneous thermal and electrical stimulation of the teat on pituitary luteinizing hormone, prolactin and oxytocin secretion in ovariectomized, estradiol-treated beef cows following acute weaning. Theriogenology. 1992;37:915–934. doi: 10.1016/0093-691X(92)90053-T. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  7. Dawuda PM, Eduvie LO, Esievo KAN, Molokwu ECI. Silent oestrus manifestation in Nigerian Bunaji Zebu cows. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 1989;21:79–85. doi: 10.1016/0378-4320(89)90118-8. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  8. Dimmick MA, Gimenez T, Spitzer JC. Ovarian endocrine activity and development of ovarian follicles during the postpartum interval in beef cows. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 1991;24:173–183. doi: 10.1016/S0378-4320(05)80001-6. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  9. Dunn TG, Kaltenbach CC. Nutrition and the postpartum interval of the ewe, sow and cow. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 2) 1980;51:29. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  10. Edqvist L-E, Fredriksson G, Kindahl H, Larsson K, Made A: Short oestrous cycles post partum in cattle. In: The use of nuclear techniques to improve domestic buffalo production in ASIA. Proceedings of the final research co-ordination meeting Manilla, 30 January - 3 February 1984. IAEA, Vienna. 79–83.
  11. Eger S, Shemesh M, Schindler H, Amir S, Foote RH. Characterization of short luteal cycles in the early postpartum period and their relation to reproductive performance of dairy cows. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 1988;16:215–224. doi: 10.1016/0378-4320(88)90015-2. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  12. Granström E, Kindahl H. Radioimmunoassay of the major plasma metabolite of PGF2a, 15-keto-13, 14-dihydro-PGF2a. Methods Enzymol. 1982;86:320–339. doi: 10.1016/0076-6879(82)86204-6. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  13. Hansel W, Convey EM. Physiology of the estrous cycle. J. Anim. Sci. 1983;57(2):404–424. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  14. Kindahl H, Edqvist L-E, Bane A, Granström E. Blood levels of progesterone and 15-keto-13, 14-dihydroprostaglandin F2a during the normal oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in heifers. Acta endocr. 1976;82:134–149. doi: 10.1530/acta.0.0820134. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  15. Kindahl H, Edqvist L-E, Granström E, Bane A. The release of prostaglandin F2a as reflected by 15-keto-13, 14-dihydroprostaglandin F2oc in the peripheral circulation during normal luteolysis in heifers. Prostaglandins. 1976;11:871–878. doi: 10.1016/0090-6980(76)90194-5. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  16. Kubasik NP, Hallauer GD, Brodows RG. Evaluation of a direct solid-phase radioimmunoassay for progesterone, useful for monitoring luteal function. Clin. Chem. 1984;30:284–286. doi: 10.1093/clinchem/30.2.284. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  17. Lamming GE, Wathes DC, Peters AR. J. Reprod. Fert. 1981. Endocrine patterns of the post-partum cow; pp. 155–170. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  18. Laster DB, Glimp HA, Gregory KE. Effects of early weaning on postpartum reproduction of cows. J. Anim. Sci. 1973;36:734. doi: 10.2527/jas1973.364734x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  19. Lindell J-O, Kindahl H, Edqvist L-E, Tufvesson G. Effect of hysterectomy on the postpartum prostaglandin levels in the cow. Acta vet. scand. 1982;23:144–146. doi: 10.1186/BF03546831. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  20. Made] A, Kindahl H, Woyno W, Edqvist L-E, Stupnicki R. Blood levels of 15-keto-13, 14-dihydroprostaglandin F2a during the postpartum period in primiparous cows. Theriogenology. 1984;21:279–287. doi: 10.1016/0093-691X(84)90413-8. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  21. Made] A, Kindahl H, Larsson K, Edqvist L-E. Sequential hormonal changes in the postpartum dairy cow. Acta vet. scand. 1986;27:280–295. doi: 10.1186/BF03548172. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  22. McVey W W. Mechanical masking of neurosensory pathways at the calf-teat interface: endocrine, reproductive and lactational features of the suckled cow. Theriogenology. 1991;35:931–941. doi: 10.1016/0093-691X(91)90304-V. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  23. Morrow DA, Roberts SJ, McEntee K. A review of postpartum ovarian activity and involution of the uterus and cervix in cattle. Cornell Veterinarian. 1969;59:134–154. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  24. Mukasa-Mugerwa E, Tegegne A, Ketema H. Patterns of postpartum oestrus onset and associated plasma progesterone profiles in Bos indicus in Ethiopia. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 1991;24:73–84. doi: 10.1016/0378-4320(91)90083-C. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  25. Murphy MG, Boland MP, Roche JF. Pattern of follicular growth and resumption of ovarian activity in post-partum beef suckler cows. J. Reprod. Fert. 1990;90:523–533. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0900523. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  26. Olivares R, Chicco CF, Rodriguez R, Hernandez P, Verde O. (Pre- and postpartum supplementation of Brahman cows in the first lactation) 1981. Suplementaciön pre y post-parto en vacas Brahman de primera lactancia. [Google Scholar]
  27. Oxenreider SL. Effects of suckling and ovarian function on postpartum reproductive activity in beef cattle. Amer. J. vet. Res. 1968;21:2099–2102. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  28. Oxenreider S W. Effect of lactation and energy intake on postpartum ovarian activity in the cow. J. Anim. Sci. 1971;33:1026. doi: 10.2527/jas1971.3351026x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  29. Pierson RA, Ginther OJ. Ultrasonic imaging of the ovaries and uterus in cattle. Theriogenology. 1988;29:21–37. doi: 10.1016/0093-691X(88)90029-5. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  30. Ramirez-Godinez JA, Kiracofe GH, Schalles RR, Niswender GD. Endocrine patterns in the postpartum beef cow associated with weaning: a comparison of the short and subsequent normal cycles. J. Anim. Sci. 1982;55:153–158. doi: 10.2527/jas1982.551153x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  31. Randel RD. Nutrition and postpartum rebreeding in cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 1990;68:853–862. doi: 10.2527/1990.683853x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  32. Savio JD, Boland M, Hynes N, Roche JF. Resumption of follicular activity in the early post-partum period of dairy cows. J. Reprod. Fert. 1990;88:569–579. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0880569. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  33. Savio JD, Boland MP, Roche JF. Development of dominant follicles and length of ovarian cycles in post-partum dairy cows. J. Reprod. Fert. 1990;88:581–591. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0880581. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  34. Schams D, Schallenberger E, Menzer CH, Stangl J, Zottmeier K, Hoffmann B, Karg H. Profiles of LH, FSH and progesterone in postpartum dairy cows and their relationship to the commencement of cyclic functions. Theriogenology. 1978;10:453–463. doi: 10.1016/0093-691X(78)90135-8. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  35. Short RE, Bellows RA, Moody EL, Howland BE. Effects of suckling and mastectomy on bovine postpartum reproduction. J. Anim. Sci. 1972;34:70–74. doi: 10.2527/jas1972.34170x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  36. Short RE, Bellows RA, Staigmiller RB, Berardinelli JG, Custer EE. Physiological mechanism controlling anestrus and infertility in postpartum beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 1990;68:799–816. doi: 10.2527/1990.683799x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  37. Silvia WJ, Lewis GS, McCracken JA, Thatcher WW, Wilson L. Hormonal regulation of uterine secretion of prostaglandin F2a during luteolysis in ruminants. Biol. Reprod. 1991;45:655–663. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod45.5.655. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  38. Sirois J, Fortune JE. Ovarian follicular dynamics during the estrous cycle in heifers monitored by real-time ultrasonography. Biol. Reprod. 1988;39:308–317. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod39.2.308. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  39. Southee JA, Hunter MG, Law AS, Haresign W. Effect of hysterectomy on the short life-cycle corpus luteum produced after GnRH-induced ovulation in the anoestrus ewe. J. Reprod. Fert. 1988;84:149–155. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0840149. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  40. Tegegne A, Geleto A, Kassa T. Short luteal phases and ovulations without oestrus in primiparous Borana (Bos indicus) cows in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 1993;31:21–31. doi: 10.1016/0378-4320(93)90024-L. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  41. Toribio RE, Molina JR, Bolanos JM, Kindahl H. Blood levels of the prostaglandin F2a metabolite during the postpartum period in Bos indicus cows in the humid tropics. J. Vet. Med. A. 1994;41:630–639. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.1994.tb00130.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  42. Viker SD, McGuire WJ, Wright JM, Beeman KB, Kiracofe GH. Cow-calf association delays post-partum ovulation in mastectomized cows. Theriogenology. 1989;32:461414. doi: 10.1016/0093-691X(89)90013-7. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  43. Williams GL. Suckling as a regulator of postpartum rebreeding in cattle: a review. J. Anim. Sci. 1990;68:831–852. doi: 10.2527/1990.683831x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  44. Williams GL, Kirsch JD, Post GR, Tilton JE, Slanger WD. Evidence against chronic teat stimulation as an autonomous effector of diminished gonadotropin release in beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 1984;59:1060–1069. doi: 10.2527/jas1984.5941060x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  45. Williams GL, Talavera F, Petersen BJ, Kirsch JD, Tilton JE. Coincident secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone early postpartum beef cows: Effects of suckling and low-level increases of systemic progesterone. Biol. Reprod. 1983;29:362–373. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod29.2.362. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  46. Wiltbank JN, Cook A. The comparative reproductive performance of nursed milked cows. J. Anim. Sci. 1958;17:640–648. doi: 10.2527/jas1958.173640x. [DOI] [Google Scholar]

Articles from Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica are provided here courtesy of BMC

RESOURCES