Parenteral Copper Administration at the Beginning of a Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocol in Beef Cattle: Effect on Ovarian Function and Pregnancy Rates

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between plasma copper (Cu) concentration and ovarian function during a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol and the effect of parenteral Cu administration (100 mg) at the start of such protocol (day 0) on area of preovulatory follicle (APF); area of corpus luteum (ACL), plasma estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) concentrations; CL blood flow (CLBF); and pregnancy rate in beef heifers and cows. In cows, plasma Cu concentration on days 0 and 7 correlated positively with APF. Copper administration increased plasma Cu concentration and decreased APF and plasma E2 concentration (day 9), without modifying ACL, plasma P4 concentration, and CLBF (day 16) in cows. Pregnancy rate was higher in Cu-supplemented cattle on day 41 after FTAI as compared with controls (58.76 and 45.28%, respectively). In conclusion, Cu administration at the beginning of the FTAI protocol increased pregnancy rate in beef heifers and cows, modifying APF and plasma E2 concentration in the latter.

Effect of Supplementation with Dehydrated Cucumis melo and Copper on Reproductive Performance of Goats on Rangeland

“…It has been reported that the ovarian activity in ruminants is affected by mineral deficiency (Yatoo et al 2013), particularly Cu, for its role in reproduction. This element has been reported as the second most widespread mineral deficiency that affects grazing globally (Anchordoquy et al 2021). Pregnancy is associated with an increase of plasma Cu as serum ceruloplasmin.…”