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Managing embryonic and calves losses after twin pregnancies induced by transfer of in vitro-produced Nellore embryos

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 April 2020

Juliano F. Souza ,
Rotar Lubov ,
Clesio J. F. Paiva ,
Nilda F. C. Tavora ,
Regiane R. Santos Open the ORCID record for Regiane R. Santos [Opens in a new window]  and
Jose R. Figueiredo
Juliano F. Souza*
Affiliation:
Laboratory Brio Genetics and Biotechnology Ltd, Araguaína, PO Box 77804-970, Tocantins, Brazil
Rotar Lubov
Affiliation:
Department of Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, Saint Petersburg Agrarian University, PO Box 196601, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Clesio J. F. Paiva
Affiliation:
Federal University of Campina Grande, PO Box 58708-110, Campina Grande, Paraiba, Brazil
Nilda F. C. Tavora
Affiliation:
Institute of Rural Development of Tocantins, PO Box 77804-040, Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil
Regiane R. Santos
Affiliation:
Animal Sciences Post-graduation Programme, Federal University of Pará, PO Box 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil
Jose R. Figueiredo
Affiliation:
State University of Ceará, PO Box 60714-903, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
*
Author for correspondence: Juliano F. Souza. Laboratory Brio Genetics and Biotechnology Ltd, Araguaína, PO Box 77804-970, Tocantins, Brazil. E-mail: julianofranco@uol.com.br
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Summary

Two farms applying reproductive technology for the Nellore beef cattle were selected. Both farms had the same technology programme of oestrous synchronization and embryo transfer, but management was different, especially regarding twins pregnancies. In the present study, we followed the farms from the moment of oestrous synchronization, embryo transfer (two per cow), until delivery and first care of the calves. In farm A, cows presenting twin pregnancies (5 from 13) were submitted to delivery induction, as well as calves and cows were monitored after birth. In farm B, such management was not followed with the twin pregnant cows (31 from 49). In both farms, freemartinism was detected, but this was not a problem as none of the animals would be selected for breeding. No dystocia was observed in farm A, while 48% of the twin pregnancies in farm B ended up in dystocia. Furthermore, the mortality rate of new-born calves in farm A was 10%, while in farm B it reached 32%. Although twin pregnancies remain a concern, we showed here that proper management during and after delivery minimizes animal and economic losses.

Keywords

Bos indicusEmbryo productionGestationIn vitro fertilization
Type
Short Communication
Information
Zygote , Volume 28 , Issue 4 , August 2020 , pp. 333 - 336
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2020

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