Granulosa Cell Gene Expression is Altered in Follicles from Cows with Differing Reproductive Longevity

Authors

Andrea Cupp, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jennifer R. Wood, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Renee McFee Fee, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Racheal G. Slattery, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kevin A. Beavers, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
William E. Pohlmeier, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Kevin M. Sargent, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Ningxia Lu, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jacqueline Smith, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jill G. Kerl, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Vanessa M. Brauer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Adam F. Summers, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Stetson P. Weber, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Robert A. Cushman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2011

Comments

Published in 2011 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Published by the Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Copyright © 2011 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Heifers and cows that were culled from the herd due to failure to become pregnant were categorized into groups with low (< 2 year), moderate (>2 and < 6 year) or high (≥ 6 year) fertility. Antral follicle counts were numerically lower in the low group and increased in the moderate- and high-fertility group. Granulosa cells from dominant follicles in moderate- and high-fertility cows had a greater ratio of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 164 (VEGF164) to VEGF164B compared to the low-fertility cows. Furthermore, there was more CARTPT in granulosa cells from subordinate follicles in moderate- and high-fertility cows than low. Gene expression is altered in granulosa cells from cows differing in fertility, suggesting these are candidate genes that may be used as markers to assist in determining reproductive longevity in beef cows.