ARS | Publication request: Technical Report: Serial collections of placentomes during parturition in cattle and subsequent reproductive performance

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: January 28, 2013
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The information contained within this technical report provides researchers with the plans for a new tissue collection device, a description of its use, and the potential effects of repeated tissue collections. The device is designed to collect soft tissues, in this case placenta, using readily available materials. We found that animals subjected to multiple collections of placental tissues using this device are less likely to expire and were able to become pregnant within 110 days of the procedure.

Technical Abstract: Retained placenta is a complex issue in animal production and the molecular mechanisms responsible for this physiological event remain unclear. Collection of tissue samples is a significant consideration when comparing different experiments. Furthermore, the instrument most commonly used for such studies is difficult to obtain and there is no data in the literature record regarding subsequent reproductive performance of animals subjected to such a procedure. Three placentomes at 2 h intervals were collected following induced parturition in 18 multiparous cows. There was no incidence of mortality and all cows resumed estrous following the procedure. Pregnancy rate following a 63 d exposure to bulls of proven fertility resulted in a pregnancy rate of 61% 42 d following removal of the bulls. Time from placentome collection nor age had a significant effect on pregnancy status at diagnosis (P> 0.05). These results demonstrate the viability of and utility of this device for collecting multiple placentomes in cattle.