Efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone administered at the time of artificial insemination of heifers and postpartum and repeat breeder dairy cows

The efficacy of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) on the fertility of dairy heifers and postpartum cows was studied. In one study, 300 cows were assigned randomly to 1 treatment from a 2 X 2 design, and 2 ml of 0.15M saline solution or 100 micrograms of GnRH was given IM on postpartum day (PPD) 14 and at the time of 1st postpartum breeding. In a 2nd study, repeat breeder cows (n = 346) were given saline solution or GnRH at the time of the 3rd breeding. In a 3rd study, heifers (n = 185) were given saline solution or GnRH at 1st breeding. Animals were observed for repeat estrus, and pregnancy diagnoses were made by rectal palpation 45 to 60 days after breeding. Conception rates were 15% to 18% higher for cows given GnRH, whether at PPD 14 or at the first postpartum breeding. When GnRH was given at the first breeding, conception rates were significantly higher (P less than 0.05). Conception rates for repeat breeder cows given GnRH were 25% higher than those in controls (P less than 0.005). Conception rates for heifers did not differ between treatments.     

Effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone on reproductive performance of dairy cows with retained placenta.

The effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) on the reproductive performance of dairy cows with retained placenta were studied. Three hundred and seventy-eight cows diagnosed as having retained placenta received intramuscular injections of either 2 mL sterile water or 200 micrograms of GnRH in 2 mL sterile water between day 8 and day 14 postpartum. Rectal palpation was performed at the time of treatment and ten to 20 days after treatment in order to determine the rate of uterine involution. Thereafter, monthly rectal examinations were carried out until insemination. Pregnancy diagnosis was made by rectal palpation at 40 days or more after breeding. Using the entire experimental population, there were no significant differences between GnRH-treated and control cows for the rate of uterine involution, the occurrence of reproductive problems, the interval from parturition to first observed estrus, the interval from parturition to first insemination, the interval from parturition to conception, the number of services per conception, the total number of services per cow regardless of conception and the incidence of culling for infertility. When the data for herds in which breeding began earlier in the postpartum period (herds having a mean less than or equal to 80 days from parturition to first service for retained placenta cows) were considered, the GnRH treatment resulted in a significantly shorter (p less than or equal to 0.01) calving to conception interval as compared to control cows. Also, there was a significant reduction (p less than or equal to 0.05) in the total number of services per cow regardless of conception and a significant reduction in the interval from parturition to first service.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Synchronization of ovulation using GnRH or hCG with the CO-Synch protocol in suckled beef cows.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate replacing GnRH with hCG and the effects of 48-h calf removal (CR) on pregnancy rates of cows synchronized with the CO-Synch protocol. Suckled beef cows (n = 467) at two locations were assigned to treatment by breed, age, and calving date. Treatment included either GnRH with (n = 121) or without CR (n = 117) or hCG with (n = 115) or without CR (n = 114) using the CO-Synch protocol. On d 0 and 9, cows received either hCG (2,500 IU, i.m.) or GnRH (100 microg, i.m.), and on d 7 all cows received PGF2alpha (25 mg). At one location, blood samples were collected from all cows (n = 203) on d -14, -7, 0, 7, 9, and 16. Calves were removed on d 7 and returned on d 9 (48 h) from approximately half of the cows that received GnRH or hCG. Cows that were detected in estrus between d 6 and 9 were bred approximately 12 h later and received no further injections. Cows not observed in estrus by d 9 received a second injection of either GnRH or hCG and were timed-inseminated. The AI pregnancy rates for GnRH-treated cows with or without CR and hCG-treated cows with or without CR were 46, 49, 35, and 34%, respectively (P = 0.44). Pregnancy rates of cows differed by treatment x age interaction (P = 0.07), hormone (P = 0.09), and hormone x age (P = 0.01) but not by CR (P = 0.66) or CR x age (P = 0.33). Among 2-yr-olds, pregnancy rates were higher for cows treated with hCG without CR than for cows that received GnRH with calf removal, whereas cows treated with hCG with CR and GnRH without CR were intermediate. In addition hCG-treated 2-yr-olds had higher pregnancy rates than GnRH-treated 2-yr-olds regardless of calf presence, but the reverse was true for older cows. Overall, GnRH-treated cows (48%) had a higher (P = 0.09) pregnancy rate than hCG-treated cows (34%). Among anestrous cows, GnRH and hCG were similar (P = 0.40) in their ability to induce ovulation and corpus luteum formation after the first and second injections of GnRH (31 and 76%, respectively) or hCG (39 and 61%, respectively). More (P = 0.001) hCG-treated cows exhibited short estrous cycles following timed AI. We conclude that hCG is not a suitable replacement for GnRH to synchronize ovulation with the CO-Synch protocol in multiparous cows, although further evaluation among primiparous cows is warranted using hCG with the CO-Synch protocol.     

Reproductive performance in dairy cows following postpartum treatment with gonadotrophin releasing hormone and/or prostaglandin: a field trial.

Three hundred and five Holstein Friesian cows were given either 250 micrograms gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) or saline on day 15 postpartum followed by 500 micrograms cloprostenol or saline on day 24 postpartum. Four treatment groups were formed using random allocation: Group I -- placebo (Day 15)/placebo (Day 24), Group II -- GnRH (Day 15)/placebo (Day 24), Group III -- placebo (Day 15)/cloprostenol (Day 24), Group IV -- GnRH (Day 15)/cloprostenol (Day 24). Double blind techniques were used during the follow-up period. Rectal palpation, to assess uterine involution and ovarian activity was performed just prior to each treatment and again at 28 days postpartum. In addition blood samples were collected at 15, 24 and 28 days postpartum for measurement of plasma progesterone. There were no significant differences among treatment groups with respect to services per conception, number of heats detected before first service and culling for infertility. Cows treated only with GnRH had an increased calving to first estrus and calving to first breeding interval, and tended to have an increased calving to conception interval. Treatment with cloprostenol significantly decreased calving to conception and calving to first observed estrus intervals. Treatment with GnRH on day 15 postpartum resulted in a significant increase in the subsequent incidence of pyometra and prebreeding anestrus. On the other hand, cloprostenol treatment on day 24 postpartum resulted in a decreased incidence of pyometra, regardless of GnRH treatment and a decreased incidence of prebreeding anestrus in GnRH treated cows compared to cows receiving only GnRH at day 15 postpartum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Back fat thickness and fertility in Brown Swiss cows

In a total of 94 cows the mean back fat thickness (BFT) on Day 275 of pregnancy and 2 to 3 days after calving (peripartal) as well as between Days 42 and 44 post partum (postpuerperal) has been examined sonographically. Based on their BFT levels all examined cows have been divided into three groups: overconditioned, optimal conditioned and underconditioned cows. Cows which were peripartal overconditioned had more often ovarian cysts (p < 0.05) and were culled more frequently (p < 0.1) because of infertility than peripartal cows which were optimal or underconditioned. Nevertheless, the interval from calving to conception of peripartal cows being in different physical conditions was not significantly different. Postpuerperal cows which were overconditioned had more often ovarian cysts (p < 0.05) and were more frequently (p < 0.05) slaughtered because of infertility than postpuerperal cows which were optimal or underconditioned. Postpuerperal cows which were over- or underconditioned had a significantly longer interval from calving to conception than cows which were optimal conditioned 6 weeks after calving. The correlation coefficient between peripartal and postpuerperal BFT was 0.82 (p < 0.05). The decrease of BFT between the peripartal and postpuerperal timepoint had no significant influence on the frequency of ovarian cysts, the interval from calving to conception and the infertility caused culling rate.     

Influence of exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone on ovarian function in beef cows after short- and long-term nutritionally induced anovulation

The effect of pulsatile infusion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on follicular function was evaluated in nutritionally induced anovulatory beef cows. After 4 (short; n = 12) or 18 wk (long; n = 12) of anovulation, cows were randomly assigned within anovulatory group to either 2 microg of GnRH treatment or saline (control; i.v.) every hour for 5 d. Ovarian structures were monitored by daily ultrasonography. Growth rate of the largest follicle (P < 0.01) and maximal size of the largest follicle during treatment were greater (P < 0.01) for GnRH vs control cows. At exsanguination after 5 d of GnRH treatment, the size of the second-largest follicle was greater (P < 0.05) in short (i.e., 4 wk) anovulatory cows than in long (i.e., 18 wk) anovulatory cows and the largest follicle tended (P < 0.10) to be larger in long vs short anovulatory cows. Short anovulatory GnRH-treated cows had more small follicles than short anovulatory control cows or long anovulatory GnRH-treated or control cows (anovulation x GnRH; P < 0.10). Follicular fluid (FFL) concentrations of estradiol (P < 0.01) and androstenedione (P < 0.05) were greater in GnRH vs control cows. Concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I were greater (P < 0.10) in large vs small follicles in cows that were anovulatory for 4 wk, but not in cows that were anovulatory for 18 wk. The amount of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 in FFL was greater (P < 0.05) in 4- vs 18-wk anovulatory cows. Amounts of IGFBP-2, -4, and -5 were greater (P < 0.001) in FFL of small (< 5 mm) vs large (> or = 5 mm) follicles regardless of treatment. We conclude that pulsatile treatment with GnRH for 5 d stimulates similar growth of the largest follicles in short- and long-term anovulatory beef cows, and that the duration of anovulation is not a major factor that limits follicular growth w hen anovulatory cowsare treated with GnRH. The primary intrafollicular factors associated with increased follicular size were increased concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and insulin-like growth factor-I,and decreased concentrations of IGFBP-2, -4, and -5. Increased duration of anovulation was associated with decreased concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in FFL.     

Effect of adding superphosphate to the drinking water on the fertility of dairy cows.

Mean serum inorganic phosphorus concentrations of cows in an infertile dairy herd of 170 cows in the Hunter Valley increased from less than 4.5 mg/100 ml to greater than 5.8 mg/100 ml after defluorinated superphosphate was added to their drinking water at the rate of 2.5 kg/450 1 once weekly from September, 1976. The first service pregnancy rate increased from 36.5% to 63.2%, the mean calving to conception interval decreased from 109 days to 85 days and the number of cows culled each year for infertility fell from 15 to 5. The pasture fed to the milking cows contained on average greater than 17% crude protein, greater than or equal to 0.39% phosphorus, greater than or equal to 9 ppm copper and 38--46 ppm manganese according to the dominant species. The Ca/P ratio ranged from 2 to 5.5:1. Of these, only the Ca/P ratio and the manganese concentrations appeared to be abnormal.     

Reproductive performance of Holstein cows administered GnRH analog HOE 766 (Buserelin) 26 to 34 days postpartum

During the fourth week postpartum, 443 healthy Holstein cows milked thrice daily were randomly divided among four groups to receive 0, 2, 8 and 32 micrograms of the GnRH analog HOE 766. Intervals from calving to first estrus and to first breeding, from breeding to conception and conception rates at first breeding were calculated to measure treatment response, and progesterone was measured in the fat-free portion of milk samples collected twice weekly during the first 4 wk following treatment. Uterine involution at the time of treatment was estimated by palpation per rectum. Twenty percent of the cows examined were classified as having delayed uterine involution (abnormal). By analyzing milk progesterone patterns it was determined that 38% of the animals were in the luteal phase of an estrous cycle when treated. Cows without luteal tissue (less than 1 ng of progesterone/ml milk) given 8 or 32 micrograms of HOE 766 increased in progesterone to greater than or equal to 1 ng/ml within 7 d in 77 and 72% of the cows compared with 40 and 57% for cows receiving 0 and 2 micrograms (P less than .05). This increase in progesterone was followed by a normal estrous cycle within 4 wk in a higher proportion of cows treated with the two higher doses of GnRH analog (87 and 86%) compared with 67 and 70% of those receiving 0 or 2 micrograms of the analog (P less than .005). There were no treatment differences (P greater than .05) for other traits analyzed, but cows with a normal progesterone cycle were observed in estrus and were bred sooner (P less than .01) than those with irregular progesterone patterns. It was concluded that the GnRH analog hastened the onset of normal ovarian cycles in cows milked thrice daily.     

Synchronizing estrus and(or) ovulation in beef cows after combinations of GnRH, norgestomet, and prostaglandin F2alpha with or without timed insemination

Three experiments were conducted to induce estrus and(or) ovulation in 1,590 suckled beef cows at the beginning of a spring breeding season. In Exp. 1, 890 cows at three locations were allotted to three treatments: 1) GnRH on d -7 + prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) on d 0 (Select Synch); 2) GnRH on d -7 + PGF2alpha on d 0 (first day of the breeding season) plus a norgestomet implant (NORG) between d -7 and 0 (Select Synch + NORG); or 3) two injections of PGF2alpha given 14 d apart (2xPGF2alpha). More (P < 0.05) cycling cows were detected to have been in estrus after both treatments that included GnRH, whereas, among noncycling cows, the addition of norgestomet further increased (P < 0.05) the proportion in estrus. Pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.01) among noncycling cows after treatments that included GnRH. For cows that calved >60 d before the onset of the breeding season, conception rates were greater (P < 0.01) than those that calved < or =60 d regardless of treatment, whereas days postpartum had no effect on rates of detected estrus. When body condition scores were < or =4 compared with >4, rates of detected estrus (P < 0.05) and conception (P = 0.07) were increased. In Exp. 2, 164 cows were treated with the Select Synch + NORG treatment and were inseminated either after estrus or at 16 h after a second GnRH injection (given 48 h after PGF2alpha). Conception and pregnancy rates tended (P = 0.08) to be or were less (P < 0.05), respectively, for noncycling cows inseminated by appointment, but pregnancy rates exceeded 53% in both protocols. In Exp. 3, 536 cows at three locations were treated with the Select Synch protocol as in Exp. 1 and inseminated either: 1) after detected estrus (Select Synch); 2) at 54 h after PGF2alpha when a second GnRH injection also was administered (Cosynch); or 3) after detected estrus until 54 h, or in the absence of estrus, at 54 h plus a second GnRH injection (Select Synch + Cosynch). Conception rates were reduced (P < 0.01) in cows that were inseminated by appointment. An interaction of AI protocol and cycling status occurred (P = 0.05) for pregnancy rates with differing results for cycling and noncycling cows. Across experiments, variable proportions of cows at various locations (21 to 78%) were cycling before the breeding season. With the GnRH or GnRH + NORG treatments, ovulation was induced in some noncycling cows. Conception rates were normal and pregnancy rates were greater than those after a PGF2alpha program, particularly when inseminations occurred after detected estrus.     

Reasons for culling in French Holstein cows

The study describes the profiles of culled cows in order to assess the possible contribution to economic losses due to health disorders. Data regarding dates of birth, final calving and culling, parity at culling, milk yield at the two first test-days of the final lactation and reason(s) for culling were collected in a 5-year survey, carried out from 1989 to 1994 in 84 commercial Holstein farms in western France. Polytomous logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between parity, calving-to-culling interval, milk yield and eight groups of primary culling reasons (i.e. udder disorders; infertility or reproductive disorders; lameness or foot/leg defects; emergency culling reasons; other health disorders; low milk yield; sales for dairy purpose; and other voluntary culling reasons). Out of a total of 5133 culled cows, the proportions of culls, for each of these groups of reasons, were 12.4, 28.4, 2.7, 3.9, 4.6, 16.7, 5.9, and 25.4%, respectively. Cows culled for udder disorders left the herd earlier in lactation and were more frequently at parities 4–6 than cows culled for voluntary reasons. In contrast, cows culled for infertility were younger and culled later within lactation. They were also higher yielding cows than those culled for other reasons. Cows culled for lameness were similar to those of the voluntarily culling group. Cows culled for emergency reasons were more frequently younger cows in early lactation. Cows culled for other health disorders left the herd early in lactation, but at a higher parity than the voluntarily culled cows. These results suggest that most of the culls related to health could be contributing to economic loss. However, special priority should be given to reduce culling for reproductive problems, which is the most costly exit reason.     

Estrus synchronization and pregnancy rates in beef cattle given CIDR-B, prostaglandin and estradiol, or GnRH

Two experiments were conducted to determine estrous response and pregnancy rate in beef cattle given a controlled internal drug release (CIDR-B) device plus prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF) at CIDR-B removal, and estradiol or gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). In Experiment I, crossbred beef heifers received a CIDR-B device and 1 mg estradiol benzoate (EB), plus 100 mg progesterone (E + P group; n = 41), 100 micrograms gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH group; n = 42), or no further treatment (Control group; n = 42), on Day 0. On Day 7, CIDR-B devices were removed and heifers were treated with PGF. Heifers in the E + P group were given 1 mg EB, 24 h after PGF, and then inseminated 30 h later. Heifers in the GnRH group were given 100 micrograms GnRH, 54 h after PGF, and concurrently inseminated. Control heifers were inseminated 12 h after onset of estrus. The estrous rate was lower (P < 0.01) in the GnRH group (55%) than in either the E + P (100%) or Control (83%) groups. The mean interval from CIDR-B removal to estrus was shorter (P < 0.01) and less variable (P < 0.01) in the E + P group than in the GnRH or Control groups. Pregnancy rate in the E + P group (76%) was higher (P < 0.01) than in the GnRH (48%) or Control (38%) groups. In Experiment II, 84 cows were treated similarly to the E + P group in Experiment I. Cows received 100 mg progesterone and either 1 mg EB or 5 mg estradiol-17 beta (E-17 beta) on Day 0 and either 1 mg of EB or 1 mg of E-17 beta on Day 8 (24 h after CIDR-B removal), in a 2 x 2 factorial design, and were inseminated 30 h later. There were no differences among groups for estrous rates or conception rates. The mean interval from CIDR-B removal to estrus was 44.2 h, s = 11.2. Conception rates were 67%, 62%, 52%, and 71% in Groups E-17 beta/E-17 beta, E-17 beta/EB, EB/E-17 beta, and EB/EB, respectively. In cattle given a CIDR-B device and estradiol plus progesterone, treatment with either EB or E-17 beta effectively synchronized estrus and resulted in acceptable conception rates to fixed-time artificial insemination.     

Influence of an agonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (buserelin) on estrus synchronization and fertility in beef cows.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of sequential treatment with buserelin (a GnRH agonist) and cloprostenol (a prostaglandin F2 alpha analog) on estrous response and fertility in beef cattle with different ovarian conditions. On d 0 (1st d of treatment), the control group (n = 52, 10 heifers and 42 cows) and the GnRH group (n = 48, 10 heifers and 38 cows) received 2 mL of saline or 2 mL of Receptal (8 micrograms of buserelin), respectively. On d 6, all cows that had not exhibited spontaneous estrus were given i.m. 500 micrograms of cloprostenol (PGF). Ultrasonography on d 0 and assays of progesterone in blood on d -11, 0, and 6 were used to identify follicular and luteal status of animals. Cattle were observed for estrus from d 0 to 10. Cows showing estrus were bred artificially 12 h after onset of estrus. Over the 10-d period, the number of cows detected in estrus and pregnancy and conception rates were identical for the two groups. However, between d 0 and 6, the proportion of cows exhibiting estrus was lower (P less than .01) in the GnRH group than in the control group. Between d 6 and 10, the synchronization rate and precision of estrus were greater (P less than .01) in the buserelin-treated group than in the control group. Conception rate and interval from PGF injection to onset of estrus were not different between the two treatment groups. Presence of a large (greater than 10 mm) follicle on d 0 enhanced synchronization rate and precision of estrus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Inducing ovulation with human chorionic gonadotrophin improves the pregnancy rate in lactating dairy cows receiving an in vitro-produced embryo

While the global use of in vitro-produced embryos in dairy cattle is on the rise, several technical aspects of embryo transfer procedures have not yet been optimized. This study compares the effects of inducing ovulation using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) versus gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) at the end of a 5-day progesterone(P4)-based protocol for oestrous synchronization on the pregnancy rate of lactating dairy cow recipients of in vitro-produced embryos. Fresh embryos were transferred on Day-seven post-oestrus to ovulating cows receiving GnRH or hCG (groups GnRH and hCG, n = 60 each). Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound on Day 28 post-oestrus. Forty-nine cows became pregnant: 16 in GnRH (26.7%) and 33 in hCG (55%). Taking GnRH-treated cows as reference, the odds ratio for pregnancy of hCG-treated cows was 3.3 (p = .002). In conclusion, hCG treatment given at the end of a 5-day P4-based protocol for oestrous synchronization improved the pregnancy rate in lactating dairy cows receiving an in vitro-produced embryo.     

Fertility of dairy cows in Northern Ireland

A comprehensive database was established on the milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cows in 19 selected herds in Northern Ireland, varying in size, management system and genetic merit. Data were obtained for 2471 cows, 1775 of which calved in a second year, and 693 were culled from the herd for specific reasons. The estimated mean rate of heat detection (assessed by the interheat interval during the main breeding season) in all the herds was 71 per cent, with a range from 53 to 92 per cent The average conception rate to first insemination was 37.1 per cent (range 21 to 66 per cent). The average calving interval for the retained cows was 407.2 days (range 359 to 448 days). Twenty-eight per cent of the cows that calved were culled, with infertility being the largest single reason (26.8 per cent of the cows culled). There were major differences in reproductive performance between the herds, but heat detection rate, conception rate and calving interval did not appear to be affeded by a herd's genetic merit. The herds with shorter calving intervals were characterised by better heat detection efficiency (83 v 61 per cent, P<0.01), a shorter interval from calving to first insemination (74 v 97 days; P<0.05), a higher conception rate to first insemination (45 v 34 per cent, P>0.10) and a lower removal rate (23 v 37 per cent, P<0.01). Furthermore, the cows in these herds had lower body condition scores (BCS) in the dry period (3.0 v 3.3; P<0.05) but lost less body condition in early lactation (0.3 v 0.6 BCS units, P<0.05). These results show that dairy herd fertility in Northern Ireland is generally low and similar to that previously reported for England and the USA, but that in some herds changes in herd management practices improved the cows' fertility.     

Follicular, hormonal, and pregnancy responses of early postpartum suckled beef cows to GnRH, norgestomet, and prostaglandin F2alpha.

ABSTRACT: Cycling (n = 16) and noncycling (n = 24), early postpartum, suckled beef cows of three breeds were assigned randomly to three treatments: 1) 100-microg injection of GnRH plus a 6-mg implant of norgestomet administered on d -7 before 25 mg of PGF2alpha and implant removal on d 0 (GnRH+NORG); 2) 100 microg of GnRH given on d -7 followed by 25 mg of PGF2alpha on d 0 (GnRH); or 3) 2 mL of saline plus a 6-mg implant of norgestomet administered on d -7 followed by 25 mg of PGF2, and implant removal on d 0 (NORG). All cows were given 100 microg of GnRH on d +2 (48 h after PGF2alpha). Blood sera collected daily from d -7 to d +4 were analyzed for progesterone and estradiol-17beta, and ovaries were monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonography to assess changes in ovarian structures. Luteal structures were induced in 75% of noncycling cows in both treatments after GnRH, resulting in elevated (P < .01) progesterone on d 0 for GnRH+NORG-treated cows. Concentrations of estradiol-17beta (P < .01) and LH (P < .05) were greater on d +2 after GnRH for cows previously receiving norgestomet implants. Pregnancy rates after one fixed-time AI at 16 h after GnRH (d +2) were greater (P < .05) in GnRH+NORG (71%) than in GnRH (31%) and NORG (15%) cows. Difference in pregnancy rate was due partly to normal luteal activity after AI in over 87% of GnRH+NORG cows and no incidence of short luteal phases. The GnRH+NORG treatment initially induced ovulation or turnover of the largest follicle, induction of a new follicular wave, followed later by increased concentrations of estradiol-17beta and progesterone. After PGF2alpha, greater GnRH-induced release of LH occurred in GnRH+NORG cows before ovulation, and pregnancy rates were greater after a fixed-time AI.     

Effect of GnRH pretreatment on reproductive performance of postpartum suckled beef cows following synchronization of estrus using GnRH and PGF2alpha

The effect of GnRH pretreatment on estrus detection rate, precision of estrus, and reproductive performance of postpartum beef cows synchronized to estrus using GnRH and PGF2alpha was evaluated. In Exp. 1, Angus cows (n = 87) were randomly assigned by parity, postpartum interval, and body condition score (BCS) to receive either 1) GnRH on d -7 and PGF2alpha on d 0 (GP) or 2) the GP treatment and an additional injection of GnRH on d -16 (GGP). Estrus detection and AI were conducted twice daily from d -3 to d 3. At 72 h after PGF2alpha, all animals not previously detected in estrus were bred by AI and received a concurrent injection of GnRH (TAI). Synchronized pregnancy rates were numerically increased (P = 0.15) in cows treated with GGP (55%) compared with those on the GP treatment (44%). In Exp. 2, 1,276 spring-calving, suckled beef cows in nine herds were randomized to treatments as described for Exp. 1, except that the initial GnRH injection for the GGP treatment was administered on d -14. Herd affected all indicators of reproductive performance (P < 0.05). The percentage of animals detected in estrus prematurely (d -3 to d 0; 7%) was not affected by treatment. Estrus response rate was influenced by postpartum interval (< 60 vs > or = 60; 61 vs 73%; P < 0.01) and a three-way interaction of parity, BCS, and treatment (P < 0.01). Within animals with a BCS > or = 5.5, the GGP treatment tended to increase the detection of estrus in primiparous cows (GP vs GGP; 76 vs 91%; P = 0.11) and decrease detection in multiparous cows (GP vs GGP; 78 vs 72%; P < 0.10). However, because conception rate to TAI in animals with a BCS > or = 5.5 was greater (P < 0.05) in the GGP than in the GP group (28 vs 8%, respectively), this interaction was interpreted to represent a shift in interval to estrus induced by the GGP treatment, rather than a reduction in the synchronization of ovarian function. Conception rates of animals inseminated to an observed estrus did not differ among treatments (P = 0.15). Synchronized pregnancy rate tended (P = 0.06) to be greater in GGP- (53%) than in GP-treated animals (47%). In conclusion, pretreatment with GnRH tended to increase pregnancy rates during a 6-d synchronization period, primarily through enhanced conception rates of cows bred by TAI. In contrast to our hypothesis, GnRH pretreatment did not increase the percentage of animals detected in estrus or the precision of estrus expression.     

Ability of indomethacin to alter prostaglandin metabolite concentrations and to enhance the function of corpora lutea induced in postpartum suckled beef cows

Fourteen anovulatory postpartum (38.0 +/- 1.9 d) beef cows that ovulated after an injection of 250 micrograms gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in saline were used to examine the influence of indomethacin on luteal function. Beginning the d after GnRH, 6 cows were given intrauterine infusions of indomethacin for 14 d and the other eight cows received vehicle. After GnRH treatment, concentrations of progesterone in serum were elevated longer (P less than .01) for indometacin-treated cows than for vehicle-treated cows. At the same time prostaglandin metabolite (PGFM) concentrations were lower (P less than .01) in indomethacin-treated cows than in vehicle-treated cows. In summary, indomethacin suppressed PGFM concentrations and enhanced function of corpora lutea induced in postpartum suckled beef cows.     

Associations between types of lameness and fertility

Four hundred and twenty-seven cases of first-reported foot lameness were recorded in 17 dairy herds in Somerset during the winter housing period. Lameness was classified into three categories: sole ulceration, digital disease (white line abscess, foreign bodies in the sole and pricked or punctured sole), and interdigital disease (lesions of the skin between claws and heel including foul in the foot, interdigital fibroma and dermatitis). In addition, a 'clinical effect score' was calculated to take account of the severity of lameness, the structures involved and the time for which the cows were clinically affected. The fertility records of lame cows were compared with those of the healthy cows nearest in parity and stage of lactation. In the lame cows the interval from calving to first service was four days longer, and the interval from calving to conception was 14 days longer than in the control cows, the pregnancy rate to first service was 46 per cent (controls 56 per cent), 2.14 services were required per conception (controls 1.72) and 16 per cent of lame cows were culled (controls 5 per cent). Lameness, first reported in the period 36 to 70 days after calving, was associated with a significant (P less than 0.01) increase in the interval from calving to first service of eight days; and sole ulceration, in the period 71 to 120 days after calving, was associated with an increase of 11 days (P less than 0.05). Lameness in all periods up to 120 days after calving was associated with significantly increased intervals from calving to conception (P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Conception rates to artificial insemination in primiparous, suckled cows exposed to the biostimulatory effect of bulls before and during a gonadotropin-releasing hormone-based estrus synchronization protocol

The objective of these studies was to evaluate whether exposing primiparous, suckled beef cows to the biostimulatory effect of bulls alters breeding performance associated with an estrus synchronization protocol that included GnRH followed 7 d later by PGF(2alpha) and fixed-time AI (TAI). This was a composite analysis of 3 experiments that evaluated (1) the effects of bull exposure at different days after calving (yr 1); (2) the biostimulatory effects of bull excretory products (yr 2); and (3) the biostimulatory effects of familiar and unfamiliar bulls (yr 3) on the resumption of ovarian cycling activity. In all studies, cows were exposed (biostimulated; n = 94) or not exposed (nonbiostimulated; n = 67) to bulls or excretory products of bulls for at least 60 d before the beginning of the estrus synchronization protocol. Average calving day did not differ among years and was 52 +/- 5 d. Year did not affect the proportions of biostimulated and nonbiostimulated cows that were cycling at the beginning of the estrus synchronization protocol; however, a greater (P < 0.001) proportion of biostimulated than nonbiostimulated cows were cycling at this time. In each year, cows were given GnRH followed by PGF(2alpha) 7 d later. Cows were observed for estrus twice daily (am and pm) after PGF(2alpha). Cows that exhibited estrus before 54, 60, and 64 h after PGF(2alpha) were inseminated by AI 12 h later in yr 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Cows that failed to show estrus were given GnRH and TAI at 62, 72, and 72 h after PGF(2alpha) in yr 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Conception rates were determined by transrectal ultrasonography 35 d after TAI in each year. The percentages of cows that exhibited estrus after PGF(2alpha) and before TAI, the interval from PGF(2alpha) to estrus, and the percentages of cows inseminated 12 h after estrus or at TAI did not differ between biostimulated and nonbiostimulated cows and were 51%, 54.7 +/- 7.3 h, 35%, and 65%, respectively. Conception rates for cows bred by AI 12 h after estrus did not differ between biostimulated and nonbiostimulated cows; however, the TAI conception rate was greater (P < 0.05) for biostimulated cows (57.6%) than for nonbiostimulated cows (35.6%). We conclude that TAI conception rates in an estrus synchronization protocol that includes GnRH followed 7 d later by PGF(2alpha) may be improved by the biostimulatory effect of bulls in postpartum, primiparous cows.     

Calf removal improves conception rates to the Ovsynch and CO-Synch protocols

Beef cows (n = 473) from two locations were stratified by breed, postpartum interval, age, and AI sire and were randomly allotted to one of four treatments for synchronization of ovulation. Ovulation synchronization protocols included the Ovsynch protocol with (n = 114) or without (n = 123) 48-h calf removal from d 7 to 9 (d 0 = 1st GnRH injection) or the CO-Synch protocol with (n = 119) or without (n = 117) 48-h calf removal from d 7 to 9. The Ovsynch protocol included administration of GnRH (100 microg; i.m.) on d 0, PGF2alpha (25 mg; i.m.) on d 7, GnRH (100 microg; i.m.) on d 9, and timed insemination on d 10. The CO-Synch protocol included administration of GnRH (100 microg; i.m.) on d 0, PGF2alpha (25 mg; i.m.) on d 7, and GnRH (100 microg; i.m.) with timed insemination on d 9. Blood samples were collected from all cows on d -10 and d 0 for analysis of serum progesterone. Cows with at least one serum progesterone concentration greater than 1 ng/mL were considered to be cyclic at the time of treatment. Conception rates of cows that received the CO-Synch + calf removal, Ovsynch + calf removal, CO-Synch, or Ovsynch protocol (63, 61, 54, and 52%, respectively) were not different (P = 0.50). Conception rates were not different (P = 0.80) among CO-Synch- and Ovsynch-treated cows; however, both estrual status and 48-h calf removal affected conception rates. Conception rates of cyclic cows (66%) were greater (P = 0.01) than those of anestrous cows (53%), regardless of which synchronization protocol was used. When data were pooled across synchronization protocol, conception rates of cows with 48-h calf removal (62%) were greater (P = 0.09) than conception rates of cows without calf removal (53%). The CO-Synch + calf removal protocol induces a fertile ovulation in cyclic and anestrous cows, requires handling cattle just three times, results in high conception rates from timed insemination, and should be a useful program for synchronization of ovulation in beef cows.