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Assessment of IGF-I as a factor influencing postpartum reproductive performance and ovarian condition in dairy cattle

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Abstract

This study was carried out to assess insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) influence and the concentration of additional metabolites in different groups of Holstein–Friesian dairy cows based on different ovarian function and reproductive performance after parturition. Eighty-seven lactating Holstein cows, fed the same diet as total mixed ration were incorporated into the study. Blood samples were collected every 2 weeks from 2 weeks before until 6 weeks after calving for IGF-I, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, and glucose analysis. Palpation of the reproductive tract was performed 2, 4, and 6 weeks after calving. Dominant palpable ovarian structures including corpus luteum (CL) and follicle or no palpable structures were recorded. Ultrasonographic assessment of the uterus and ovaries using a rectal linear probe was also performed and ovarian structures (follicle, CL) were scanned and measured using calipers. Cows detected in oestrus after the voluntary waiting period (50 days after calving) were artificially inseminated (AI). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound examination 25–35 days after AI. Calving and AI dates and the results of pregnancy tests were recorded. Serum IGF-I concentration (especially prepartum IGF-I) was significantly higher in cows that received their first AI before 100 days postpartum than cows who received it after that time. Multiparous cows that did not ovulate until 45 days after calving had significantly lower concentration of IGF-I. But when all parity groups were evaluated together, no significant difference were identified in concentration of the plasma metabolites between different groups of cows with different times of luteal activity commencement. Among all metabolites that were measured, IGF-I concentration was the main factor associated with earlier resumption of cyclic activity after calving. In conclusion, high IGF-I concentration was the main factor that was associated with better reproductive performance after calving.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, PO Box: 71345-1731, Shiraz, Iran

    Ali Kadivar, Mohammad Rahim Ahmadi & Saeed Nazifi

  2. Stem Cell and Transgenic Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

    Saeed Nazifi

  3. Department of Food Hygiene, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

    Hamid Reza Gheisari

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  1. Ali Kadivar
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  2. Mohammad Rahim Ahmadi
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  3. Hamid Reza Gheisari
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  4. Saeed Nazifi
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Correspondence to Mohammad Rahim Ahmadi.

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Kadivar, A., Ahmadi, M.R., Gheisari, H.R. et al. Assessment of IGF-I as a factor influencing postpartum reproductive performance and ovarian condition in dairy cattle. Comp Clin Pathol 21, 589–596 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-010-1139-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-010-1139-6

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