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Evaluation of the factors that affect the pregnancy rates during embryo transfer in beef heifers
Author(s) -
Alkan Hasan,
Karaşahin Tahir,
Dursun Şükrü,
Satılmış Fatma,
Erdem Hüseyin,
Güler Mehmet
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
reproduction in domestic animals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.546
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1439-0531
pISSN - 0936-6768
DOI - 10.1111/rda.13623
Subject(s) - embryo transfer , corpus luteum , pregnancy , pregnancy rate , uterine horns , insemination , artificial insemination , cervix , gynecology , embryo , andrology , zoology , beef cattle , biology , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , cancer
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the transfer side, transfer location, cervix transfer score, type and diameter of corpus luteum (CL) during embryo transfer on pregnancy rates in beef heifers. Progesterone‐based synchronization and superovulation protocol were applied to Simmental cows used as donors ( n = 168). Uterine flushings were performed on day 7 following artificial insemination. Obtained Code I (excellent or good) and II (fair) quality embryos were transferred to recipient beef heifers ( n = 561). During embryo transfer, side of transfer (right or left), transfer location (the cranial or middle third of uterine horn), cervix transfer score (easy, moderate or difficult) and type (CLa, CLb and CLc) and diameter of CL were determined. Pregnancy rates following the transfer of Code I and II embryos were 44.66% and 33.07%, respectively ( p < .05). The rates of pregnancy after transfers to the right and left uterine horn were 37% and 42.2%, respectively ( p > .05). The pregnancy rates were 41.2%, 34.9% and 30.3% for cervix transfer scores as easy, moderate and difficult, respectively ( p > .05). Pregnancy rates after transfer to the cranial third and middle third were 41.06% and 29.67%, respectively ( p < .05). According to types of CL, pregnancy rates were 31.7%, 40.4% and 45.3% for CLa, CLb and CLc, respectively ( p < .05). Moreover, it was found that as the CL diameter increased, the pregnancy rates increased. As a result, it was concluded that there was no effect of side of transfer and cervix transfer score, but embryo quality, transfer location, type and diameter of CL had significant effects on the pregnancy rate during embryo transfer in beef heifers.