Developmental changes in embryonic resistance to adverse effects of maternal heat stress in cows

The objective of this study was to determine whether bovine embryos become more resistant to deleterious effects of maternal heat stress as early embryonic development progresses. Superovulated, lactating Holstein cows were bred by AI and assigned to be heat stressed on d 1, 3, 5, or 7 of pregnancy (d 0 = day of estrus) or not heat stressed (control). Embryos were retrieved from the uterus on d 8 and evaluated for viability and stage of development. Compared with embryos of control cows, embryos of cows receiving heat stress on d 1 had decreased viability and development. Maternal heat stress on other days had no detrimental effect on embryonic viability or stage of development. Bovine embryos become more resistant to adverse effects of maternal heat stress as pregnancy progresses; substantial resistance develops by d 3. This information may be useful in design of environmental modification systems that provide cooling at critical periods of gestation to enhance pregnancy rates during summer in hot climates.