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Abstract: Streptococcus agalactiae is among the most relevant aetiologic agent of bovine clinical and subclinical mastitis, a major problem for the dairy industry. In Brazil, clonal diversity, capsular typing and multidrug resistance profiles of S. agalactiae related to human and bovine infections need further investigation. Presently, S. agalactiae isolates of bovine subclinical mastitis, from Brazilian Northeastern region, were submitted to capsular and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)‐typing, antimicrobial susceptibility and assays of biofilm formation at different time incubation and pH levels. Sixteen bovine isolates were characterized by polymerase chain reaction assay as S. agalactiae capsular type II (CTII) and classified by PFGE in A1/A2 (n = 06), B1/B2 (n = 06), C (n = 03) and D (n = 01) patterns. Bovine S. agalactiae CTII strains were classified as 25% multidrug‐resistant (MDR) with susceptibility to penicillin, linezolid and vancomycin. Biofilm formation on abiotic surface was strain‐ and time‐dependent with significantly higher rates at pH 6·5. In conclusion, S. agalactiae capsular type II isolates recovered from bovine subclinical mastitis produced different pH‐dependent biofilm levels. Our findings suggest that biofilm production is modulated by environmental factors and provides S. agalactiae advantageous in colonizing mammary gland during mastitis development, including MDR strains. Significance and Impact of the Study: Streptococcus agalactiae is among the most relevant aetiologic agent of bovine clinical and subclinical mastitis, a major problem for the dairy industry. The disease may cause significant economic loss due to decreased production and milk quality and increased use of medicaments. Presently, data demonstrated that biofilm formation favours the establishment of infectious process in health mammary tissue by S. agalactiae and emphasizes that an acidic pH promotes adhesion by biofilm‐forming bacterial strains. S. agalactiae strains (25%) showed resistance to tetracycline, azithromycin, erythromycin and clindamycin, and consequently were classified as multidrug‐resistant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment evaluated the impacts of estrus expression and intensity, estimated by physical activity during a timed-AI protocol, on reproductive performance of Bos indicus-influenced beef cows. A total of 290 lactating, primiparous, and multiparous nonpregnant Nelore × Angus cows received a 2 mg injection of estradiol benzoate and an intravaginal progesterone (P4) releasing device (CIDR) on d -11, a 12.5 mg injection of PGF2α on d -4, CIDR removal in addition to 0.6 mg injection of estradiol cypionate and 300 IU injection of eCG on d -2, and timed-AI on d 0. Cows were fitted with a pedometer behind their left shoulder on d -4. An estrus detection patch was attached to the tail-head of each cow on d -2. Pedometer results were recorded on d -2 and 0. Estrus expression was defined as removal of >50% of the rub-off coating from the patch on d 0. Net physical activity during estrus was calculated by subtracting total steps from d -4 to -2 (nonestrus basal activity) from total steps from d -2 to 0 (proestrus + estrus period) of each cow. Cows that did not express estrus were classified as NOESTR. Cows that expressed estrus were ranked by net physical activity; those above the median were classified as HIESTR and the remaining cows as LWESTR. Ovarian ultrasonography was performed on d 0 and 7. Blood was collected on d 0, 7, 20, and 30. Pregnancy status was verified by ultrasonography on d 30. Only data from cows responsive to the estrus synchronization protocol were utilized (NOESTR, n = 59; LWESTR, n = 100; HIESTR, n = 98). Diameter of dominant follicle on d 0, corpus luteum volume on d 7, and plasma P4 concentrations on d 7 were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in HIESTR vs. LWESTR and NOESTR and also greater (P ≤ 0.05) for LWESTR vs. NOESTR. Plasma P4 concentrations on d 0 were greater (P < 0.01) in NOESTR vs. HIESTR and LWESTR and similar (P = 0.93) between HIESTR and LWESTR. Whole blood mRNA expression of myxovirus resistance 2 on d 20 was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in HIESTR vs. LWESTR and NOESTR, and similar (P = 0.72) between LWESTR and NOESTR. Pregnancy rates were less (P ≤ 0.04) in NOESTR vs. HIESTR and LWESTR (52.4%, 68.9%, and 73.5%, SEM = 7.2), and similar (P = 0.57) between HIESTR and LWESTR. Hence, expression of estrus during a timed-AI protocol improved ovarian dynamics and pregnancy success, whereas estrus intensity modulated key biological markers associated with fertility but not pregnancy rates in B. indicus-influenced cows beef cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the hormones prolactin (PRL) and hydrocortisone (HC) on bovine mammary alveolar (MAC-T) cells mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inflammatory signaling and inflammatory gene expression. MAC-T cells were cultured in the presence (+PRL +HC; Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium [DMEM] 10% fetal bovine serum, 10 μg/mL of insulin, 100 IU/mL penicillin, 100 μg/mL streptomycin, 1 μg/mL ovine PRL, 0.5 μg/mL HC, and 10 mM sodium acetate) or the absence (-PRL -HC; DMEM 10% fetal bovine serum, 10 μg/mL insulin, 100 IU/mL penicillin, and 100 μg/mL streptomycin) of PRL and HC, and MAPK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK], c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK], and p38) phosphorylation and inflammatory gene expression were examined in response to tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Statistical analysis was assessed using 1-way ANOVA, and Tukey's post hoc analysis was used to assess statistical significance when P ≤ 0.05. MAC-T cells cultured in +PRL +HC and -PRL -HC were costimulated with increasing concentrations of TNFα (0, 10, 30, 100, 300, and 1,000 pM). Cell lysates were harvested 15 min after TNFα stimulation and assessed for MAPK phosphorylation using immunoblotting. c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 phosphorylation increased in a dose-dependent manner and was greater in cells cultured in -PRL -HC. MAC-T cells cultured in +PRL +HC and -PRL -HC were next stimulated with TNFα (300 pM), and lysates were harvested over time (0, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min) after TNFα stimulation. c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 phosphorylation was transiently increased in MAC-T cells stimulated with TNFα; however, JNK and p38 signaling was greater in MAC-T cells cultured in -PRL -HC. We next examined inflammatory gene expression in MAC-T cells cultured in +PRL +HC and -PRL -HC. Cells were co-stimulated with (300 pM) or without TNFα. Ribonucleic acid was isolated 1 h after TNFα stimulation, and a PCR array was performed to examine the expression of 83 inflammatory genes. Gene expression was increased in MAC-T cells in response to TNFα. Consistent with enhanced MAPK signaling, inflammatory gene expression was increased in MAC-T cells cultured in -PRL -HC. Real-time quantitative PCR of 6 target genes was used to validate the PCR array findings. Collectively, our data demonstrate that -PRL -HC MAC-T cells are more responsive to TNFα stimuli. These findings suggest that cell culture conditions (e.g., treatment with hormones) greatly impact cellular response and should be considered prior to experimental design and hypothesis testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred eight Angus × Hereford steers, originating from 7 cow-calf were obtained from an auction yard on d -2 and transported by road (800 km; 12 h) to an experimental feedlot facility. Upon arrival on d -1, shrunk BW was recorded and steers were grouped with free-choice access to grass hay, mineral supplement, and water. On d 0, steers were ranked by source and shrunk BW and assigned to 1 of 18 pens (6 steers/pen). Pens were allocated to 1) no immunomodulatory ingredient supplementation during feedlot receiving (CON), 2) supplementation with OmniGen-AF (OMN; 22 g/steer daily, as-fed basis; Phibro Animal Health Corp., Teaneck, NJ) from d 0 to 30, or 3) 2 oral capsules of Stocker Immune Primer on d 0 + 15 g/steer daily (as-fed basis) of Stocker Preconditioned Premix (Ramaekers Nutrition, Santa Cruz, CA) from d 7 to 30 (IPF). From d 0 to 80, steers had free-choice access to grass hay and water and received a corn-based concentrate. Feed DMI was recorded from each pen, and steers were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) signs daily. Steers were vaccinated against BRD pathogens on d 0 and 21. Final shrunk BW was recorded on d 81, and blood samples were collected on d 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 31, 42, 56, and 73. Steer ADG and final BW were greater (P = 0.05) in CON steers than in OMN and IPF steers (1.23, 0.76, and 1.06 kg/d [SEM 0.06], respectively, and 320, 282, and 307 kg [SEM 4], respectively) and (P < 0.01) in IPF steers than in OMN steers. No treatment effects were detected (P = 0.76) for BRD incidence (66 ± 4%) and DMI, whereas G:F was greater (P < 0.01) in OMN steers than in CON steers. Mean plasma cortisol concentration was greater (P = 0.01) in CON steers than in OMN and IPF steers. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations tended (P = 0.10) to be greater in CON steers than in IPF steers on d 3, were greater (P = 0.04) in IPF steers than in CON steers on d 7, and tended (P = 0.10) to be less in OMN steers than in IPF and CON steers on d 21. Blood mRNA expression of interleukin 8 was greater (P = 0.05) in OMN and IPF steers than in CON steers on d 3 and in OMN steers than in CON and IPF steers on d 14. Blood mRNA expression of tumor necrosis-a was greater (P = 0.05) in OMN and IPF steers than in CON steers on d 10. Plasma IGF-I concentrations, serum antibody titers to BRD pathogens, and blood mRNA expression of chemokine ligand 5, cyclooxygenase 2, interleukin 8 receptor, and L-selectin did not differ (P = 0.21) among treatments. Collectively, the immunomodulatory feed ingredients evaluated herein impacted adrenocortical and innate immune responses but failed to mitigate BRD incidence and improve performance of receiving cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheatgrass (CG; Bromus tectorum), an introduced winter annual grass, is an aggressive invader of the sagebrush community in the Western United States. Because of its greater flammability, mature CG constitutes a fire hazard leading to repeated wildfires. One fuel-reduction strategy is livestock grazing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of urea, molasses, or a combination of urea and molasses supplementation of a CG-based diet on digestibility, microbial fermentation, bacterial protein synthesis, and nutrient flow using a dual-flow continuous culture system. Eight fermenters were used in a replicate 4 x 4 Latin square design with four 10-d experimental periods. Experimental treatments (DM basis) were 1) forage only (CON), 2) CG plus urea alone (URE; 1.36% urea), 3) CG plus molasses alone (MOL; 15.9% molasses), and 4) CG plus urea and molasses combined (URE+MOL; 1.28% urea plus 19.3% molasses). Each fermenter was fed 72 g/d of DM, and data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). The true digestibilities of NDF and ADF were not affected by diets (P > 0.05). Molasses-containing diets had greater true digestibility of OM (P = 0.02). However, true digestibility of CP was increased when molasses was fed alone (P < 0.01). Molasses-containing diets had lower pH (P < 0.01) and greater VFA concentrations (P < 0.01) compared to those of the other diets. The URE+MOL diet resulted in a greater VFA concentration (P < 0.01). Propionate concentration increased (P < 0.01), whereas acetate concentration decreased (P < 0.01) when molasses alone or in combination with urea was added to the diets. Supplying molasses alone resulted in greater (P = 0.03) total branched-chain VFA compared to the other diets. The concentration of NH3-N and total N flow increased (P < 0.01) in response to urea supplementation and was greater (P < 0.01) when urea alone was supplemented in the diet. On the other hand, molasses- supplemented diets yielded more non-ammonia N (P < 0.01) and bacterial N (P = 0.04). Supplementation had no effect (P = 0.83) on bacterial efficiency. Results from this study indicate that the addition of urea and molasses in a CG-based diet could improve nutrient supply to animals, notably VFA supply and microbial N supply; however, in the levels tested in this study, it did not improve CG utilization as assessed by NDF digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment evaluated the effects of temperament on physiological, productive, and reproductive responses in Bos indicus beef cows. A total of 953 lactating, multiparous, non-pregnant Nelore cows (age = 99 ± 2 mo; days post-partum = 51.4 ± 0.3 d; BCS = 5.34 ± 0.04; BW = 430 ± 2 kg) were allocated into 8 groups of approximately 120 cows each. Groups were assigned to an estrus synchronization + timed- AI protocol at the beginning of the breeding season. Concurrently with AI, blood samples were collected, hair samples were clipped from the tail switch, and cow temperament was evaluated via chute score and exit velocity. Individual exit score was calculated within each group by dividing exit velocity into quintiles and assigning cows with a score from 1 to 5 (1 = slowest; 5 = fastest cow). Temperament scores were calculated by averaging cow chute score and exit score, and used to define cow temperament ( ≤ 3 = adequate, n = 726; ADQ; > 3 = excitable, n = 227; EXC). Cows not pregnant to AI were assigned to a second timed-AI protocol (n = 184 ADQ and 72 EXC) or exposed (n = 269 ADQ and 90 EXC) to bulls for 60 d. Pregnancy status was verified 30 d after each AI and 45 d after the breeding season via transrectal ultrasound. Cow age, BW, BCS, and d post-partum at the beginning of the breeding season were similar (P ≥ 0.27) between ADQ and EXC cows. At first timed-AI, EXC had greater (P < 0.01) serum cortisol but similar (P ≥ 0.87) serum haptoglobin and hair cortisol concentrations compared with ADQ cows (49.1 vs. 39.1 ng/mL of serum cortisol, SEM = 1.0). Pregnancy rate to first timed-AI tended (P = 0.09) to be less in EXC vs. ADQ cows (41.0 vs. 47.3%; SEM = 3.6), whereas no treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.23) for subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Calving rate was less (P = 0.04) in EXC vs. ADQ cows (68.3 vs. 74.8%; SEM = 2.2), which can be attributed to the greater (P = 0.05) pregnancy loss detected in EXC cows (9.9 vs. 5.9%; SEM = 1.4). Weaning rate tended (P = 0.09) to be less, whereas calf weaning BW and age were less (P ≤ 0.05) in EXC vs. ADQ cows (63.9 vs. 69.4%, SEM = 2.4; 209 vs. 212 d, SEM = 1; 204 vs. 210 kg, SEM = 2). Hence, kg of calf weaned/cow exposed to breeding was reduced (P = 0.04) in EXC vs. ADQ cows (130 vs. 146 kg, SEM = 5). In summary, B. indicus cows with excitable temperament had reduced reproductive performance and overall productivity compared to cohorts with adequate temperament when exposed to timed-AI + natural breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to compare hormonal, uterine, and conceptus factors associated with pregnancy establishment in Bos indicus beef cows supplemented or not with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) for 21 d beginning after timed AI. One hundred lactating multiparous Nelore cows were allocated to 20 groups of 5 cows/group and timed inseminated on d 0 of the experiment. After AI, groups were randomly assigned to receive (as-fed basis) 100 g of protein–mineral mix + 100 g of ground corn per cow per day, in addition to 1) 100 g/cow daily of CSSO (n = 10) or 2) 100 g/cow daily of kaolin (CON; rumen-inert indigestible substance; n = 10). Groups were maintained in 4 Panicum maximum pastures (5 groups from the same treatment within each pasture) with ad libitum access to forage. Groups were segregated daily and individually offered treatments from d 0 to 21. Blood samples were collected and transrectal ultrasonography was performed to verify ovulation and corpus luteum (CL) volume immediately before AI (d 0) and on d 7 and 15. After ultrasonography on d 15, 60 cows (30 cows/treatment and 3 cows/group) diagnosed without the presence of a CL on d 0 but with a CL greater than 0.38 cm3 in volume on d 7 and 15 were assigned to conceptus collection via transcervical flushing with PBS followed by endometrial biopsy in the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL. Additional blood samples were collected for whole-blood RNA extraction (d 20), and pregnancy status was verified by transrectal ultrasonography (d 30) in cows not assigned to conceptus collection. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P ≤ 0.04) mean plasma linoleic acid concentration, plasma linoleic:linolenic acid ratio, plasma progesterone (P4) concentration, and CL volume during the experiment compared with CON cows. Moreover, CSSO supplementation increased (P ≤ 0.04) length and mRNA expression of prostaglandin E synthase and interferon-tau by the conceptus as well as blood mRNA expression of interferon-stimulated genes on d 20 in gestating cows. No treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.30) for endometrial mRNA expression of prostaglandin E synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. In summary, post-AI CSSO supplementation to B. indicus beef cows increased plasma concentration of linoleic acid and enhanced pregnancy establishment factors, which included CL development and plasma P4 concentration, conceptus growth, and mRNA expression of interferon-tau as well as blood mRNA expression of interferon-stimulated genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ninety Angus × Hereford calves were ranked by sex, BW, and age and assigned to 1 of 3 vaccination schemes against the bovine respiratory disease complex: 1) vaccination at weaning (d 0) and a booster at feedlot entry (d 30; CON; n = 30), 2) vaccination 15 d before weaning (d -15) and a booster 15 d before feedlot entry (d 15; EARLY; n = 30), and 3) vaccination 15 d after weaning (d 15) and a booster 15 d after feedlot entry (d 45; DELAYED; n = 30). From d -15 to 7, calves were maintained as a single group on pasture. On d 8, calves were placed into 1 of 18 drylot pens (6 pens/treatment; 5 calves/pen) and fed alfalfa-triticale hay. On d 29, calves were transported 1,440 km in a livestock trailer and unloaded on d 30 at the same feed yard with the same pen arrangement used prior to transport. From d 30 to 75, calves were fed a receiving diet based on alfalfa–triticale hay + corn-based concentrate. Calf BW was recorded on 2 consecutive days (d -15, -14, 0, 1, 28, 29, 75, and 76). Blood samples were collected on d -15, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75. The EARLY calves had less (P ≤ 0.09) ADG before weaning (d -15 to -1); however, they had greater (P ≤ 0.01) ADG during feedlot receiving (d 30 to 75) compared with calves with the other treatments. During preconditioning (d 0 to 29), CON calves had greater (P ≤ 0.04) DMI compared with EARLY and DELAYED calves. During feedlot receiving, no treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.17) for hay or concentrate DMI, G:F, and morbidity and mortality rates. There were no treatment effects on calf BW at weaning and at the end of the preconditioning or receiving periods (P ≥ 0.65). Plasma concentrations of antibodies against Mannheimia haemolytica were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in EARLY calves than in CON and DELAYED calves on d 0, greater (P ≤ 0.04) for CON calves than for EARLY and DELAYED calves on d 15, greater (P ≤ 0.02) in DELAYED and EARLY calves than in CON calves on d 30, and greater (P = 0.03) in EARLY calves than in CON calves on d 75. Plasma concentrations of antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea viruses were greater (P ≤ 0.04) in EARLY calves than in CON and DELAYED calves on d 15 and greater for EARLY and CON calves than for DELAYED calves on d 30 and 45. Collectively, EARLY calves had greater plasma concentrations of antibodies against the evaluated pathogens at feedlot entry and increased ADG during receiving compared with their CON and DELAYED cohorts. Hence, anticipating initial and booster vaccinations against respiratory pathogens to provide both doses prior to feedlot entry appears to be a valid strategy to enhance cattle health and performance during feedlot receiving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flaxseed (FS) and chia seed (CS) are oilseeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may change meat and milk composition when added to ruminants' diets and may have health benefits for humans. Literature on the effects of CS supplementation on ruminal metabolism is nonexistent. A dual-flow continuous culture fermenter system consisting of 6 fermenters was used to assess the effect of FS and CS supplementation in an alfalfa hay-based diet on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, and longchain fatty acid flow. Diets were randomly assigned to fermenters in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, with 3 consecutive periods of 10 d each, consisting of 7 d for diet adaptation and 3 d for sample collection. Each fermenter was fed a total of 72 g of DM/d divided in 6 equal portions. Treatments were 1) alfalfa hay + calcium soaps of palm oil fatty acid (MEG; 69.3 g DM/d of alfalfa hay plus 2.7 g DM/d of calcium soaps of palm oil fatty acid), 2) alfalfa hay + FS (FLAX; 68.4 g DM/d of alfalfa hay plus 3.6 g DM/d of ground FS), and 3) alfalfa hay + CS (CHIA; 68.04 g DM/d of alfalfa hay plus 3.96 g DM/d of ground CS). Dietary treatments had similar amounts of total fat, and fat supplements were ground to 2-mm diameter. Effluents from the last 3 d of incubation were composited for analyses. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Ruminal apparent and true nutrient digestibility of all nutrients did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatments. Compared with MEG, FLAX and CHIA increased the flows of C18:3 n-3, C20:4 n-6, and total PUFA (P < 0.01). Both CHIA and FLAX treatments had greater ruminal concentrations of C18:0, indicating that both CS and FS fatty acids were extensively biohydrogenated in the rumen. The NH3-N concentration, microbial N flow, and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatments. Lastly, there were no differences (P > 0.05) among diets for total VFA concentration and molar proportions of individual VFA. Results from this study indicate that FS and CS supplementation did not impair ruminal fermentation, digestibility, microbial efficiency, and ruminal N metabolism. Overall, CS appears to be as effective as FS as a fat source when added to ruminants' diets using a dual-flow continuous culture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experiment (d 0 to 41), 290 lactating, primiparous and multiparous non-pregnant Brangus cows received a 2 mg injection of estradiol benzoate and an intravaginal progesterone (P4) releasing device (CIDR) on d 0, a 12.5 mg injection of PGF2a on d 7, CIDR removal in addition to 0.6 mg injection of estradiol cypionate and 300 IU injection of eCG on d 9, and fixed-time AI on d 11. All cows were inseminated by the same technician with semen from a single bull. On d 7, cows were fitted with a pedometer behind their left shoulder. On d 9, an estrus detection patch was attached to the tailhed of each cow. On d 11, estrus was defined as removal of >50% of the rub-off coating from the patch. Cow activity (total steps) was calculated by subtracting d 7 to 9 results (basal activity) from d 9 to 11 results (expected estrus period). Cows were classified by estrus intensity according to physical activity as: NOESTRUS = cows that did not express estrus; or cows that expressed estrus with physical activity below (LOWESTRUS) or above (HIESTRUS) the population median. Ovarian transrectal ultrasonography was performed on d 11 and 18. Blood was collected concurrently with ultrasonography exams for plasma P4 analysis. Pregnancy status was verified by transrectal ultrasonography on d 41. Only data from cows that ovulated to the synchronization protocol and that were successfully classified according to estrus characteristics were utilized (NOESTRUS, n = 57; LOWESTRUS, n = 87; HIESTRUS, n = 90). Diameter of dominant follicle on d 11, CL volume on d 18, and plasma P4 concentrations on d 18 were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in HIESTRUS vs. LOWESTRUS and NOESTRUS, and also greater (P ≤ 0.05) for LOWESTRUS vs. NOESTRUS (14.1, 13.4, and 12.5 mm, SEM = 0.3; 5.5, 4.9, and 3.6 cm3, SEM = 0.5; and 4.7, 4.0, and 3.0 ng/mL; SEM = 0.2). Plasma P4 on d 11 were greater (P < 0.01) in NOESTRUS vs. HIESTRUS and LOWESTRUS, and similar (P = 0.36) between HIESTRUS and LOWESTRUS (0.47, 0.30, and 0.25 ng/mL; SEM = 0.07). Pregnancy rates were less (P ≤ 0.04) in NOESTRUS vs. HIESTRUS and LOWESTRUS, and similar (P = 0.38) between HIESTRUS and LOWESTRUS (42.0, 67.3 and 60.5, SEM = 7.1). Hence, estrus expression and intensity, estimated by physical activity after CIDR removal, impacted fertility parameters and pregnancy success in Brangus cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]