Luteal function after intrauterine infusion of recombinant bovine interferon-α(I)1 into postpartum beef cows expected to have short or normal luteal phases

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine whether intrauterine infusion of recombinant bovine interferon-α(I)1 (rboIFN-α(I)1), which has 70% sequence identity to bovine trophoblast protein-l, will prevent regression of corpora lutea anticipated to have a short lifespan. Twenty-six beef cows in good body condition were allotted to four treatment groups at parturition in a 2 x 2 factorial design. Treatments were: group 1, saline; group 2, rboIFN-α(I)1; group 3, norgestomet-saline; and group 4, norgestomet-rboIFN-α(I)1. Norgestomet implants were inserted on days 21-24 postpartum and removed 9 days later (before injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)). Ovulation was induced 30 to 33 days postpartum with 5000 or 10 000 iu hCG. Groups 1 (n = 7) and 3 (n = 5) were given intrauterine infusions (rectocervical approach) twice daily with saline on days 1-12 or 13-24 after hCG injection, respectively. Cows allotted to groups 2 (n = 8) and 4 (n = 6) were given intrauterine infusions (rectocervical approach) of 2 mg rboIFN-α(I)1 twice daily on days 1-12 or 13-24 after hCG injection, respectively. Treatment with both norgestomet and rboIFN-α(I)1 delayed (P < 0.01) luteolysis. Lengths of luteal phases (days; mean ± SEM) were 8.4 ± 0.7 (group 1, saline), 14.1 ± 1.0 (group 2, rboIFN-α(I)1), 18.6 ± 1.3 (group 3, norgestomet saline) and 20.8 ± 1.2 (group 4, norgestomet rboIFN-α(I)1). Concentration of progesterone in serum was similar among all groups the first 6 days following hCG-induced ovulation, but differed (P < 0.01) thereafter. Mean concentration of progesterone was lower (P < 0.01) in saline-treated cows (group 1) from days 8 to 13 than in cows infused with rboIFN-α(I)1 or pretreated with norgestomet. In summary, intrauterine infusion of rboIFN-α(I)1 delayed luteolysis of corpora lutea anticipated to have a short lifespan.