Impact of Follicular Aspiration on Follicular Dynamics and Ovarian Function in Dairy Cattle
Keywords:
ovum pick-up, follicular wave emergence, oocyte recovery, dominant follicle.Abstract
Follicular aspiration is a widely used technique in ovum pick-up (OPU) procedures for harvesting cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and plays a significant role in controlling ovarian physiology in dairy cattle. Follicular development occurs in distinct waves, regulated by both endocrine and intra-ovarian mechanisms, which include follicle recruitment, selection, and dominance. When follicles, especially the dominant one, are removed through aspiration, this disrupts the natural sequence of events, leading to the emergence of a new follicular wave and changing the dynamics of follicle development. In this context, this review aims to evaluate the effects of follicular aspiration on follicular dynamics and ovarian function in dairy cattle, particularly focusing on its impact on follicular wave patterns, oocyte competence, and reproductive performance. Several factors influence the response to follicular aspiration, including the metabolic status of the dairy cattle, the stage of lactation, and intrinsic ovarian characteristics like antral follicle count. High-yielding dairy cattle may show altered responses due to endocrine imbalances related to negative energy balance, which can disrupt normal folliculogenesis. In conclusion, follicular aspiration is a valuable tool for controlling ovarian function; however, its application requires careful consideration of physiological and management-related factors.
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