Effectors and predictors of conceptus survival in cattle: What is next?

Abstract

In cattle, the physiological process of switching from cycling to pregnant is complex. Ultimately, that process relies on endometrial luminal epithelial cells and is based on the paracrine context of the uterine lumen. Cells either release luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin F2 alpha to keep the animal cycling or respond to cues released by the elongated conceptus that block prostaglandin F2 alpha pulses to maintain luteal function and pregnancy. That process, however, is highly regulated and subjected to error that occurs in every 30 to 40 % of attempted bovine pregnancies. This review addresses novel aspects of endometrial cell function, luteal function, intraluminal endometrial-trophoblast communication, heat stress, and artificial intelligence as effectors, predictors, and tools to be explored and employed to reduce pregnancy loss.