The various fibroblast growth factors (FGF) regulate their function via binding to 4 main FGF receptor (FGFR) subtypes and their splice variants, FGFR1b, FGF1c, FGFR2b, FGFR2c and FGFR3c and FGFR4, but which of these FGFR are expressed in the granulosa (GC) and theca cells (TC), the 2 main cell layers of ovarian follicles, or change during follicular develop-ment is unknown. We hypothesized that FGFR1c, FGFR2c and FGFR3c (but not FGFR4) gene expression in GC (but not TC) would change with follicular development. Hence, the ob-jective of this study was to determine if abundance of FGFR1c, FGFR2c, FGFR3c, and FGFR4 mRNA change according to follicular size, steroidogenic status, and days post-ovulation dur -ing growth of first-wave dominant follicles in Holstein cattle exhibiting regular estrous cy-cles. Estrous cycles of non-lactating dairy cattle were synchronized, and ovaries were col-lected on either d 3 to 4 (n = 8) or d 5 to 6 (n = 8) post-ovulation for GC and TC RNA extraction from small (1-5 mm), medium (5.1 to 8 mm) or large (8.1-18 mm) follicles for real-time PCR analysis. In GC, FGFR1c and FGFR2c mRNA relative abundance was greater in estrogen (E2)-inactive (ie, concentrations of E2 < progesterone, P4) follicles of all sizes than in GC from large E2-active follicles (ie, E2 > P4), whereas FGFR3c and FGFR4 mRNA abun-dance did not significantly differ among follicle types or days post-estrus. In TC, medium E2-inactive follicles had greater FGFR1c and FGFR4 mRNA abundance than large E2-active and E2-inactive follicles on d 5 to 6 post-ovulation whereas FGFR2c and FGFR3c mRNA abundance did not significantly differ among follicle types or day post-estrus. In vitro ex-periments revealed that androstenedione increased abundance of FGFR1c, FGFR2c and FGFR4 mRNA in GC whereas estradiol decreased FGFR2c mRNA abundance. Neither androstene-dione nor estradiol affected abundance of the various FGFR mRNAs in cultured TC. Taken together, the findings that FGFR1c and FGFR2c mRNA abundance was less in GC of E2-active follicles and FGFR1c and FGFR4 mRNA was greater in TC of medium inactive follicles at late than at early growing phase of the first dominant follicle support an anti-differentiation role for FGF and their FGFR as well as support the idea that steroid-induced changes in FGF and their receptors may regulate selection of dominant follicles in cattle. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections affecting ruminants pose serious problems whenever management systems are deficient with inappropriate nutrition and sanitation. The Lebanese Baladi goat, reared under very challenging transhumant conditions, is recently being challenged with nutrient availability due to the recent economic crisis. Therefore, prevalence of helminth parasites was studied in 90 Baladi does raised under three different management systems (Man) of intensive/managed (M), extensive/pastoral (P) or semi-intensive/agro-pastoral (AP). A 5-point score assessment of fat and muscle covering using Body Condition Score (BCS), anemic state revealed by conjunctivae mucosal color using FAMACHA, nostril discharge, stool character and bottle jaw edema were recorded twice for each system at two predetermined summer periods of heat stress (HS) with THI of 20 and 24 respectively, and fecal samples collected. Fecal nematode eggs (FEC) and protozoan oocyst count (FOC) were analyzed using a modified McMaster method. Results showed that BCS were not altered (P > 0.05) between heat stress periods, but decreased in M. FAMACHA did not differ (P > 0.05) between M, P and AP. All fecal samples tested showed strongyles nematodes, while 98% showed Eimeria spp. with occasional occurrence of Scrjabinema and Moniezia. Parasitic burden of GIN was low at 17%, while Eimeria was high at 98 %. Further, there was a significant (P < 0.001) Man x HS for HOTC, with 5-fold (P < 0.05) greater in AP but not M or P in late summer, indicating a contaminated and overgrazed agro-pastoral land. Though summer heat stress effect was not obvious on endoparasite prevalence in Lebanese Baladi goats, the confounding effects of resilience to GIN, nutritional and heat stress in these locally resilient goats require further investigation. This study reports, for the first time in Lebanon, the prevalence of GIN using the McMaster method and 5-point score in Local Baladi goats, and therefore these methods require further validation for on-farm use.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor-β family of proteins that have been implicated in the paracrine regulation of granulosa cell (GC) function, but whether responses to BMPs change with follicular size or interact with connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) or BMP antagonists (e.g., gremlin [GREM]) to directly affect GC function of cattle is unknown. Therefore, to determine the effects of BMP4 on proliferation and steroidogenesis of GCs and its interaction with GREM or CTGF, experiments were conducted using bovine GC cultures. In vitro, BMP4 (30 ng/mL) inhibited (P < 0.05) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plus insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)-induced progesterone and estradiol production by large- and small-follicle GCs, but the inhibitory effect of BMP4 on estradiol production was much more pronounced in large-follicle GCs. In small-follicle GCs, BMP4 had no effect (P > 0.10) on IGF1-induced proliferation, but GREM inhibited (P < 0.05) cell proliferation and estradiol and progesterone production in IGF1 plus FSH-treated GCs. In large-follicle GCs, BMP4 (10 to 30 ng/mL) increased (P < 0.05) GC numbers and GREM (100 ng/mL) blocked this effect. In large-follicle GCs, CTGF inhibited (P < 0.05) FSH plus IGF1-induced progesterone and estradiol production, and CTGF blocked the stimulatory effect of BMP4 on GC proliferation. These results indicate that BMP4, GREM, and CTGF inhibit GC aromatase activity and progesterone production. Also, the stimulatory effect of BMP4 on GC proliferation and the inhibitory effects of BMP4 on GC steroidogenesis are more pronounced in large vs. small follicles.

The Lebanese Baladi goat dairy production sector suffers from food availability problems due to the dependence on natural rangelands and the scarcity of crop residues and forage pastures, leading to lower production. Thus, the nutritional values of the pastures were evaluated in an observational study where 48 Baladi lactating goats were selected and kept within a farm in Qâa er Rîm located in the region of Zahleh, Lebanon. Animal responses in feeding behavior were measured on four different circuits of natural rangelands (NR1, NR2, NR3, and NR4) surrounding the farm site, during a period of ≈75 d (from April to mid-June). Observations and measures consisted of evaluating the rangeland’s botanical composition, selective feeding and analysis of forage nutritional values, recording of daily foraging dynamic, and estimation of daily intake. Natural rangelands revealed a large botanical diversity that changed according to season and altitude: From NR1 to NR4, as summer season advanced and animals were moved to higher altitudes, bushes increased, whereas grasses retreated. In parallel, mean diet nutritional value decreased; dry matter (DM) content increased, as well as acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber contents, while crude protein levels decreased. The animals, however, adapted their feeding dynamics on the rangelands accordingly: With the advancement of summer time, total duration of grazing day was increased in order to compensate for longer resting periods at noon and longer walking periods in higher altitudes, without a decrease in total feeding duration. On the other hand, animals were able to adjust their feeding regimen to the available plant species by increasing their daily intake of 0.56 kg/d between NR1 and NR3 and by substituting grasses with shrubby species; a shift from 25% to 28% to 53% to 54% DM in the animals’ diet. These adaptive behavioral responses explain the capacity of Baladi goats to survive in their harsh environment and even tolerate feeding perturbations.

A participatory animal-breeding program was applied to 9 commercial Awassi sheep flocks in Jordan. This study aimed to assess the influence of Beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG), Prolactin (PRL), and Kappa casein (CSN3) genes, genotypes and their interaction on milk production and composition traits of 167 genotyped Awassi ewes via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing. Allele frequencies for the two variants were 0.42 and 0.58 for β-LG, 0.82 and 0.18 for PRL, and 0.92 and 0.08 for CSN3. No association was found among β-LG and CSN3 polymorphic genotypes with milk production traits. However, ewes with PRL AA genotype showed higher milk production, β-LG AB was associated with lowest fat%, high solid not fat (SNF)%, protein%, and lactose%. β-LG BB was associated with highest milk density. PRL, β-LG, and CSN3 polymorphic genotypes were differentially associated with milk production and component traits. Furthermore, β-LG × PRL interaction showed the highest milk production and fat%; β-LG × PRL recorded the highest SNF%, protein%, lactose%, and milk density, while the PRL × CSN3 had the highest fat% and SNF%. The enhancing effects of these gene interactions can be incorporated in Awassi breeding programs to improve milk production and composition.

AIM:This study was designed to introduce the callipyge (CLPG) and 50% of Rambouillet sheep genes to improve meat quality and quantity of Awassi (AW) sheep. MATERIALS AND METHODS:The CLPG mutation was introduced into the AW sheep through frozen semen of homozygous Rambouillet rams for the CLPG mutation. Four ram lambs from the first-generation Rambouillet callipyge Awassi (F1-RCA) and five from pure AW were recruited for a fattening trial conducted in individual pens using standard ration, following which ram lambs were slaughtered for carcass and meat evaluation. RESULTS:Final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were significantly higher in F1-RCA than AW. Hot and cold carcass weights and the other carcass cuts' weights, except for the fat tail, were heavier in F1-RCA than AW. There was no difference in dressing percentage between the two genetic groups (p>0.05). All non-carcass components' weights, except spleen, kidney, and testis, were higher in F1-RCA. Total lean, total bone, and intermuscular fat weight were greater in F1-RCA, but bone-to-lean ratio was lower in F1-RCA when compared with AW (p<0.01). No differences (p>0.05) were observed in all meat quality parameters for muscle longissimus with the exception of pH, redness color, and tenderness that were lower (p<0.05) in F1-RCA than AW. F1-RCA lambs had larger longissimus muscle area (30.9 vs. 16.9 cm2) and less leg fat depth (11.1 vs. 17.4 mm). CONCLUSION:The implications of this research show the potential of 50% of Rambouillet genes and the CLPG mutation to improve growth and meat characteristics in AW-Rambouillet crosses and can be used further to develop a meat-type AW with improved productivity and muscle mass.

This study investigates the expression of the muscle growth factors Myostatin (MSTN) and Insulin-like growth hormone type I (IGF-I) and muscle marker genes MyoD and MyoG in relation to growth performance and meat characteristics in four different commercial broiler strains. Eight hundred, one-day-old chicks of Hubbard Classic (HC), Cobb500 (Cobb), Ross308 (Ross) and Indian River (IR) strains were randomly distributed in a completely randomised design into four groups for 28 days. At the end of the growth trial, 10 birds from each strain were weighed and slaughtered. A sample of Pectoral muscle was taken and kept in RNA solution for mRNA expression level measurements. Gene expression in the pectoral muscle at 20 days revealed that MSTN expression was higher for Ross than HC and IR. IGF-I expression was highest in IR and lowest in HC. MyoD expression was lowest in HC but higher in Ross and Cobb, while MyoG expression was similar. At the end of the experiment, IR gained the highest (p < .0001) body weight, while Ross the lowest, yet still with no significant differences in body weight gain among the four strains. HC scored the lowest (p = .01) efficiency in feed consumption (1.60 ± 0.03 kg/kg). Hot and cold carcase weights of IR were significantly heavier (p < .0001) than the other strains, with no significant difference in dressing percentages. Cooking loss was the highest (p = .058) for Cobb, IR, HC, and Ross, in decreasing order. The meat-tenderness value was highest for Ross, while differences in pH, colour and water holding capacities were insignificant among the strains.HIGHLIGHTS IGF-I and MyoG genes can be used in Broiler artificial selection programmes for improving body weight and carcase cuts. Indian River strain gained the highest in body, and hot and cold carcase weights.

Mycotoxins are ubiquitous and unavoidable harmful fungal products with the ability to cause disease in both animals and humans, and are found in almost all types of foods, with a greater prevalence in hot humid environments. These mycotoxins vary greatly in structure and biochemical effects; therefore, by better understanding the toxicological and pathological aspects of mycotoxins, we can be better equipped to fight the diseases, as well as the biological and economic devastations, they induce. Multiple studies point to the association between a recent increase in male infertility and the increased occurrence of these mycotoxins in the environment. Furthermore, understanding how mycotoxins may induce an accumulation of epimutations during parental lifetimes can shed light on their implications with respect to fertility and reproductive efficiency. By acknowledging the diversity of mycotoxin molecular function and mode of action, this review aims to address the current limited knowledge on the effects of these chemicals on spermatogenesis and the various endocrine and epigenetics patterns associated with their disruptions.

The Awassi breed is desirable due to its resilient traits, but shows poor lean meat content on the carcass; the callipyge mutation may enhance growth and meat characteristics. The first backcross of callipyge Awassi-Rambouillet (CRAW) lambs was generated by mating Awassi ewes with heterozygous F1 (50 % Awassi and 50 % Rambouillet) rams for the callipyge mutation. A fattening trial with carriers of CLPG (CRAW), non-carriers (RAW), and Awassi (AW) ram lambs was conducted for 94 days and growth and meat characteristic parameters were recorded. Final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio, and dry matter intake, but not initial body weight, were greater in CRAW and RAW lambs as compared to AW lambs; hot and cold carcass, dressing percentage, and shoulder, rack, and loin weights were greater in CRAW vs. AW but not RAW lambs. Leg cuts were heavier in CRAW vs. both RAW and AW lambs; intermuscular and subcutaneous fat percentages were greater in CRAW as compared to AW but not RAW lambs. Non-carcass components showed kidney fat, kidney, liver and testes weights higher in CRAW lambs as compared to AW lambs, but these parameters were similar to those of RAW lambs. There were no differences in fat tail weight. Further, CRAW lambs had higher shear force and water holding capacity than RAW and AW lambs, while cooking loss was the lowest in CRAW lambs. In conclusion, the callipyge mutation with 25% Rambouillet genes can provide efficient improvements in growth and meat characteristics, with the exception of tenderness in Awassi sheep.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) regulate folliculogenesis of several species, including cattle. The cellular responses to a particular FGF are influenced by the diversity of high affinity fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR). There are 4 distinct genes encoding FGFR in vertebrates and the occurrence of mRNA splicing in the immunoglobulin-like domain III generates a diversity of sequences, and results in various isoforms of FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3 (but not of FGFR4). Because FGFR have different ligand specificities, the presence of FGFR in bovine antral follicles is of fundamental importance for the FGF to exert their effects in the ovary. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine if FGFR1c, FGFR2c, FGFR3c, and FGFR4 mRNA abundance in granulosa cells (GC) change according to follicular size, steroidogenic status, and days post-ovulation during growth of first-wave dominant follicles in cattle. Oestrous cycles of non-lactating dairy cattle were synchronized and ovaries were collected on either Day 3–4 (n = 8) or Day 5–6 (n = 8) post-ovulation (as assessed by rectal ultrasonography). Follicular fluid (FFL) was aspirated from small (1–5 mm), medium (5.1–8 mm), or large (8.1–18 mm) follicles for measurement of oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels by radioimmunoassay, and GC were collected for mRNA extraction. Relative quantity of target gene mRNA was expressed as 2−ΔΔCt using the comparative threshold cycle (Ct) method. Data were transformed to natural log (x + 1), to correct for heterogeneity of variance, and analysed via factorial ANOVA with the general linear model procedure of SAS and are reported as least squares means ± s.e.M. Follicle group (based on steroidogenic status and size of follicles), but not days post-ovulation or their interaction, significantly affected FGFR1c, FGFR2c, and FGFR3c mRNA abundance, whereas FGFR4 mRNA abundance was not affected by follicle group or days post-ovulation. FGFR1c mRNA abundance was greater (P < 0.01) in large (44.8 ± 11.3; n = 29), medium (63.8 ± 7.6; n = 64), and small (44.6 ± 11.2; n = 29) E2-inactive (FFL E2/P4 ratio < 1) than in large E2-active (FFL E2/P4 ratio > 1) follicles (10.5 ± 15.5; n = 16) and greater (P < 0.05) in medium E2-inactive than in large and small E2-inactive follicles. FGFR2c mRNA abundance was greater (P < 0.01) in large (423.9 ± 131.9), medium (585.8 ± 97.0), and small (273.6 ± 143.2) E2-inactive than in large E2-active (56.2 ± 195.6) follicles. The FGFR3c mRNA abundance was greater (P < 0.05) in large (143.4 ± 40.2) and medium (160.2 ± 29.3) E2-inactive than in large E2-active (43.2 ± 58.6) follicles and tended to be greater (P = 0.06) in small E2-inactive (101.9 ± 42.9) than in large E2-active follicles. Taken together, the findings that FGFR1c, FGFR2c, and FGFR3c mRNA abundance is lower in GC of E2-active follicles during growth of the first dominant follicle support an anti-differentiation role for these FGFR as well as support the idea that some FGF may regulate the selection of dominant follicles in cattle.

Abi Saab, S. Esseily, F. Saliba, M. and Aad P. 2017. Organoleptic and physico-chemical evaluation of capretto baladi goats: a value-added meat alternative in an extensive rearing system. Lebanese Science Journal. 18(1): 73-80. The local Baladi breed is considered a common source of fresh meat in Lebanon. Due to the extensive rearing system and the scarcity of pasture, kids resulting from multiple births are not reared, though cultural preference for young meat may valorize these twin kids as an expensive delicacy. Few studies observed growth parameters, physical-chemical and sensory properties of meat in Baladi kids. Therefore, 24 male Baladi kids were fed milk ad libitum post-natally for 24 days, after which 9 were randomly selected and fed pasture grass ad libitum and goat milk (Control), and 15 were fed only milk (Capretto) twice per day. Animals were slaughtered at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age and body organs compared. Feed intake was measured by weighing kids pre- and post- feeding, and body weight measured twice per week. Meat chemical properties were total ether-extracted fat, kjeldhal protein, and minerals. Meat organoleptic properties were evaluated by consumers for color, taste, odor, richness, juiciness, tenderness and overall appreciation, as cooked by housewives or professionals. Data were analyzed as a CRD using SPSS 10.0 and presented as LSMeans ± SEM. Results showed that Capretto consumed increasing levels of milk from 4 to 8 weeks, with ADG decreasing (P < 0.05) from 4 to 8 weeks. Capretto showed 5% less (P<0.05) weight than control kids. Carcass yield was higher (P<0.05) for Capretto (44.5 ± 3.4 %) than control (36.3 ± 3.3%), with Capretto showing smaller viscera and lower hemoglobin. Both blood and meat (protein, cholesterol) composition did not differ (P>0.05) between Capretto and control, although capretto showed lower (p<0.05) meat fat content than control kids. Meat organoleptic characteristics were desirable at weeks 4 and 6 for both Capretto and control kids, whereas only Capretto meat stayed desirable at week 8. To conclude, Capretto kids have similar properties to their traditional counterparts, with added desirable properties for a longer growing period, in addition to the increased health benefit of lower fat content.

With the recent changes in environmental patterns with climate change, higher maximum summer temperature, increased solar radiation, and lower water quality are anticipated; indicators for such changes are already being detected in Lebanon. With Awassi sheep managed in a transhumant system where animals walk for at least 4 to 5 h in the summer sun, and little research on the effect of heat/sun stress and water quality in transhumant animals, 30 lactating Awassi ewes were assigned from LARI from June to August, the hottest summer months, to 6 treatment groups in a 2 × 3 factorial treatment arrangement where water salinity (high salt vs. no salt) and solar/heat stress exposure were tested. Calcium carbonate was added to the feed and MgSO4 was added to drinking water of the salt-treated ewes (SALT) and drinking water to the control, whereas for solar/heat stress, animals were kept in the sun (SUN) or provided partial (Control) or full shade (SHADE). Awassi ewes were allowed 2 wk of adaptation to the experimental plot under control conditions of partial shade and diet and exposed to experimental conditions for 1 mo, which was followed by 2 wk of recovery from heat and salt stress. Feed and water intake was measured twice a week on 2 consecutive days to estimate daily intake. Respiration (RR) and heart rate, body temperature, and panting scores (0 to 5) were recorded twice a week AM and PM and BCS, BW, and milk quantity were recorded. Body condition score and BW did not differ (P < 0.05) between all treatment groups. Results showed that animals consumed the entire ration, and SALT animals drank less water per hour (P < 0.05) than control animals irrespective of the sun exposure or time of measurement (noon vs. all day). Heart rate, RR, and panting scores did not differ (P > 0.1) between SHADE and Control ewes but was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in SUN ewes; however, panting scores did not exceeded 2.5 for the duration of the experiment, attesting to the adaptation of the Awassi breed to sun exposure and heat stress. Milk production slightly decreased (P < 0.05) in animals exposed to both sun and high salt with no difference between the Control and SHADE ewes. Therefore, Awassi sheep have the potential to withstand the anticipated changes in sun radiation and salt content.

The local Baladi breed is considered a common source of fresh meat in Lebanon. Due to the extensive rearing system and the scarcity of pasture, kids resulting from multiple births are not reared, though cultural preference for young meat may valorize these twin kids as an expensive delicacy. Few studies observed growth parameters, physical-chemical and sensory properties of meat in Baladi kids. Therefore, 24 male Baladi kids were fed milk ad libitum post-natally for 24 days, after which 9 were randomly selected and fed pasture grass ad libitum and goat milk (Control), and 15 were fed only milk (Capretto) twice per day. Animals were slaughtered at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age and body organs compared. Feed intake was measured by weighing kids pre- and post- feeding, and body weight measured twice per week. Meat chemical properties were total ether-extracted fat, kjeldhal protein, and minerals. Meat organoleptic properties were evaluated by consumers for color, taste, odor, richness, juiciness, tenderness and overall appreciation, as cooked by housewives or professionals. Data were analyzed as a CRD using SPSS 10.0 and presented as LSMeans ± SEM. Results showed that Capretto consumed increasing levels of milk from 4 to 8 weeks, with ADG decreasing (P<0.05) from 4 to 8 weeks. Capretto showed 5% less (P<0.05) weight than control kids. Carcass yield was higher (P< 0.05) for Capretto (44.5 ± 3.4 %) than control (36.3 ± 3.3%), with Capretto showing smaller viscera and lower hemoglobin. Both blood and meat (protein, cholesterol) composition did not differ (P>0.05) between Capretto and control, although capretto showed lower (p<0.05) meat fat content than control kids. Meat organoleptic characteristics were desirable at weeks 4 and 6 for both Capretto and control kids, whereas only Capretto meat stayed desirable at week 8. To conclude, Capretto kids have similar properties to their traditional counterparts, with added desirable properties for a longer growing period, in addition to the increased health benefit of lower fat content.

Female reproductive performance of Awassi ewe, the predominant breed of fat‐tail sheep of Lebanon are not well studied; we aimed to evaluate oocyte morphology and quality. 36 Awassi ovaries (Exp 1) from local slaughterhouses were collected from May to October and Follicles (>3 mm) aspirated for oocyte morphology evaluation. Furthermore, 10 Awassi ewes at the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (Exp 2) were monitored via ultrasonography from May to July to determine dominant and subordinate follicles; ovaries and ooyctes collected, and evaluated following slaughter. AMH, ZAR‐1 and BMP15 gene expression amplified using qRTPCR with SYBR and normalized to 18S rRNA. Results showed (exp 1) that 68% of collected oocytes were medium vs. 9% large oocytes, and 60% of Awassi oocytes satisfied more than 3 criteria of good quality, more frequently in October, but detected as early as May. Folliculogenesis in Awassi ewes (exp 2) showed an estrous cycle of 17±3 days with 2 waves and a dominant follicle of 4±0.9 mm. Of the dominant follicles, only 24.4% contained morphologically good vs. 17.8% bad oocytes. In the search for an oocyte quality marker, AMH mRNA was high in small and dominant follicles, but not subordinate; BMP‐15 was down‐regulated in small oocytes while ZAR‐1 did not differ among different quality oocytes. Therefore, these genes can be used to distinguish between different quality oocytes. This research was supported by a grant from the LCNRS and NDU

Abundance of IGF-2 receptor (IGF2R), FSH receptor (FSHR), and LH receptor (LHCGR) mRNA in granulosa cells (GCs) or theca cells (TCs) or both cells as well as estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and androstenedione concentrations in follicular fluid were compared in cows genetically selected (Twinner) or not selected (control) for multiple ovulations and twin births. Cows were slaughtered at day 3 to 4 (day 3) and day 5 to 6 (day 5) of an estrous cycle, and ovaries, follicular fluid, GCs, and TCs were collected. The two largest (F1 and F2) E2-active (EA) and E2-inactive (EI) follicles were selected according to their E2-to-P4 ratio and diameter. Androstenedione levels in EA F1 and F2 follicles were 5-fold greater (P < 0.05) in Twinner cows than in control cows on day 3 but did not differ on day 5. Twinner cows also had greater (P < 0.05) E2 and P4 concentrations, whereas steroid levels in EI follicles did not differ (P > 0.10) between genotypes. In EA F2 follicles, IGF2R levels in GCs were greater (P < 0.05) in control cows than in Twinner cows on day 3 and day 5, whereas IGF2R mRNA in TCs did not differ (P > 0.10). On day 3, FSHR mRNA levels were greater (P < 0.05) in GCs of EA F1 and EI F2 follicles of control cows than of Twinner cows. LH receptor mRNA expression was less in GCs and greater in TCs of EA F2 follicles in control cows than in Twinner cows (P < 0.05). We hypothesize that reduced GC IGF2R expression in F2 follicles of Twinner cows may play a role in the development of 2 or more dominant follicles.