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The Importance of the Periconception Period: Immediate Effects in Cattle Breeding and in Assisted Reproduction Such as Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer

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Periconception in Physiology and Medicine

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 1014))

Abstract

In livestock breeding, the successful outcome is largely depending on the “periconception environment” which, in a narrow sense, refers to the genital tract, where gametogenesis and embryogenesis occur. During these early stages of development, gametes and embryos are known to be particularly sensitive to alterations in their microenvironment. However, as the microenvironment somehow reflects what is going on in the external world, we must widen our definition of “periconception environment” and refer to all events taking place around the time of conception, including metabolic state and health and nutrition of the dam. In modern dairy cows that have to manage an optimal reproductive performance with continued growth and high milk yield, the periconception period is particularly challenging. The metabolic priority for growth and lactation is known to generate adverse conditions hampering optimal ovarian function, oocyte maturation, and development of embryo/fetus. In addition, by using artificial reproductive technologies (ARTs), gametes and/or embryos of livestock are exposed to unnatural conditions outside the male and female genital tract. Artificial insemination, the most widely used technique, is currently yielding pregnancy rates similar to natural mating, and calves produced by AI are equally viable after natural mating. In contrast, other ART, such as multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, have been reported to induce changes in gene expression and DNA methylation patterns with potential consequences for development.

Finally, the “periconceptional” environment has been shown to not only influence the successful establishment of pregnancy but also the long-term health and productivity of the offspring. Hence, the optimization of management around the time of conception might open doors to improve animal production and product quality.

Focus: Discussing the immediate effects that the periconception environment can have on conception success, the rate of fertility, and the establishment of pregnancy in livestock.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are members of the COST Action FA1201 Epiconcept.

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Author notes

  1. M. Van Eetvelde and S. Heras contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium

    Mieke Van Eetvelde, Sonia Heras, Ann Van Soom & Geert Opsomer

  2. University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1 D.U.010, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium

    J. L. M. R. Leroy

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  1. Mieke Van Eetvelde
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  2. Sonia Heras
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  3. J. L. M. R. Leroy
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  4. Ann Van Soom
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  5. Geert Opsomer
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Correspondence to Ann Van Soom .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom

    Alireza Fazeli

  2. Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom

    William V. Holt

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Van Eetvelde, M., Heras, S., Leroy, J.L.M.R., Van Soom, A., Opsomer, G. (2017). The Importance of the Periconception Period: Immediate Effects in Cattle Breeding and in Assisted Reproduction Such as Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer. In: Fazeli, A., Holt, W. (eds) Periconception in Physiology and Medicine. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1014. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62414-3_3

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