Calving rates in a tropical beef herd after treatment with a synthetic progestagen, norgestomet, or a prostaglandin analogue, cloprostenol

Maiden heifers and lactating cows of known ovarian status and of several breeds were treated with a synthetic prostaglandin, cloprostenol, or a synthetic progestagen, norgestomet, at the start of an artificial insemination (AI) program. Animals in the cloprostenol treatment received 2 injections 10 days apart. Over the next 26 days those animals that showed oestrous behaviour were inseminated. Synchronisation rates and calving rates to insemination over the first 7 days were calculated. Those in the norgestomet treatment received an implant of norgestomet plus an injection of norgestomet and oestradiol valerate. The implant was removed 10 days later and the animals were given an injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG). They were inseminated at 48 h (maiden heifers) or 56 h (lactating cows) after implant removal. Calving rates to fixed-time insemination were recorded. After completion of the AI program the animals in both treatments were joined with bulls. Overall calving rates (AI plus bulls) were calculated. By day 7 of the program, 82% of the maiden heifers and 76% of the lactating cows in the cloprostenol treatment had been detected in oestrus. By day 21 the respective figures were 99% and 81% Norgestomet treatment had an immediate and a prolonged effect on ovarian activity in those females classified as having inactive ovaries at the start of the AI program. Calving rates of those females to fixed-time AI and overall were similar to those of the females with active ovaries in both treatments. Their calving rates to fixed-time insemination, and overall calving rates for the lactating females, were significantly higher than the corresponding values of their contemporaries treated with cloprostenol and inseminated on observed oestrus over 7 days. For those females classified as having active ovaries at the start of the AI program, calving rates to first insemination and overall were similar for both treatments. Overall calving rates of lactating cows of each breed were, with one exception, higher in the norgestomet treatment than in the cloprostenol treatment. Although norgestomet treatment was more expensive than cloprostenol treatment, the advantage in calf crop resulted in an overall monetary advantage to the norgestomet treatment.     

Comparison of oestrus synchronisation programmes in dairy cattle using oestradiol benzoate, short-acting progesterone and cloprostenol, or buserelin and cloprostenol

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a programme using oestradiol benzoate, progesterone and the prostaglandin-F2 (PG) analogue, cloprostenol, to synchronise oestrus and ovulation in dairy cows, compared with a programme using a gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, buserelin, and cloprostenol. METHODS: Twenty non-lactating dairy cows, at random stages of the oestrus cycle, were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments. In Treatment 1 ( OPPG; n=10), cows were injected with 2 mg oestradiol benzoate intramuscularly (IM) plus 200 mg progesterone subcutaneously (SC) on Day 0, followed by 500 microg cloprostenol IM on Day 9 and 1 mg oestradiol benzoate on Day 10. In Treatment 2 (GPG; n=10), cows were injected with 10 microg buserelin IM on Day 0, 500 microg cloprostenol IM on Day 7 and 10 microg buserelin on Day 9. The ovaries of all cows were examined by ultrasonography, using an 8 MHz probe, from 5 days before the initial treatment until ovulation. Cows were observed for oestrus 3 times daily for 7 days after cloprostenol treatment. Blood samples were collected daily for determination of progesterone, and 6-hourly for 36 h after the second oestradiol or buserelin injection for the determination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations. RESULTS: The percentage of cows observed in oestrus was higher in the OPPG group than in the GPG group (100% vs 55.6%, p=0.018). Treatment with either short-acting progesterone plus oestradiol benzoate or buserelin was followed by atresia or ovulation of the dominant follicle. Emergence of a new follicular wave occurred earlier (p>0.001) in the GPG group (2.2+/-0.2 days) than in the OPPG group (3.6+/-0.2 days). There was no significant difference between treatment groups in the variation of time of follicular wave emergence or size of the largest follicles at either the time of initial treatment (10.8+/-1.4 mm vs 11.1+/-0.8 mm), cloprostenol treatment (13.8+/-0.7 mm vs 14.0+/-1.3 mm) or of ovulation (15.4+/-0.7 mm vs 17.6+/-1.1 mm; p=0.10). The LH surge occurred sooner after the second injection of buserelin (4.0+/-1.0 h) than after the second injection of oestradiol benzoate (22.8+/-1.2 h; p>0.001). The interval between the second injection of oestradiol benzoate or buserelin and ovulation did not differ significantly between treatment groups (1.7+/-0.3 days vs 1.6+/-0.2 days; p=0.69). CONCLUSIONS: The use of short-term progesterone treatment, combined with oestradiol benzoate for follicular wave synchronisation, and cloprostenol to cause lysis of residual luteal tissue, is a promising alternative to established methods of oestrus synchronisation in cows.     

Conception rates in cows after various synchronisation techniques using progesterone releasing intravaginal devices

The effects of different treatments for oestrus synchronisation on the incidence of oestrus and fertility levels in dairy cows were studied in 2 experiments. In Experiment 1, 200 lactating cows were allotted to 5 groups and the treatments imposed were either; 1: Untreated controls, 2: An injection of 0.5 mg of cloprostenol followed 13 days later by a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID) inserted for 12 days, 3: A PRID, with a capsule containing 10 mg of oestradiol benzoate (ODB) attached, inserted for 12 days, 4: A PRID inserted for 12 days with 0.5 mg of cloprostenol administered 24 h before PRID removal or, 5: As for 4 but 14 days after fixed-time insemination a second PRID was inserted for 12 days. Treated cows were inseminated 56 h after PRID removal and at an observed oestrus during the subsequent 30 days. The control group was inseminated at an observed oestrus during this 30-day period. For treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, the percentage of cows showing oestrus by 60 h after PRID removal was 70, 40, 67 and 43 and conception rates to the fixed time insemination were 34, 33, 49 and 29%. Calving rates of cows inseminated at an observed oestrus during a 30-day period were 70, 75, 70, 83 and 82% for treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. In Experiment 2, 60 lactating cows were divided into 2 groups and the treatments imposed were either 1: An injection of 0.5 mg of cloprostenol followed 13 days later by a PRID inserted for 12 days or 2: As for 1 but 14 days after fixed-time insemination a second PRID was inserted for 12 days. Treated cows were inseminated 56 h after PRID removal and at an observed oestrus over a period from the first insemination to 6 days after removal of the second PRID. For treatments 1 and 2, respectively, 73 and 71% of cows showed oestrus by 60 h after removal of the first PRID and 40% and 46% conceived to the fixed time insemination. The conception rates to inseminations over the treatment period were 73 and 70% for treatments 1 and 2, respectively. None of the treatments resulted in conception rates which were lower than those of control cows provided that treated cows were reinseminated at observed oestrus. Treatment 4 provided the most practicable technique for oestrus synchronisation.     

Lack of LH response to oestradiol treatment in cows with cystic ovarian disease and effect of progesterone treatment or manual rupture.

The luteinising hormone (LH) surge in response to 1 mg oestradiol benzoate intramuscular injection was studied on 67 occasions in 45 cows with cystic ovarian disease 20 to 150 days post partum. Cows diagnosed as having luteal cysts were given 500 micrograms cloprostenol intramuscularly 24 hours before oestradiol, to induce luteolysis. Oestradiol benzoate was also given to eight post partum acyclic and eight cyclic cows and in all these cases a control LH response was characterised for comparison. Eight of 17 cows with luteal cysts (47 per cent), and 10 of 21 cows with follicular cysts (48 per cent), released LH in response to oestradiol. Some cows with cysts were given one of two treatments. Seven cows with follicular cysts were treated with a progesterone-releasing device (PRID) for seven days: all responded to a second oestradiol treatment given 24 hours after removal of the PRID. Luteal cysts in three cows and follicular cysts in nine cows were ruptured manually: only one cow (a luteal case) responded to the second oestradiol treatment given 24 hours after manual rupture. In eight cows initially diagnosed with luteal cysts, cloprostenol was not given and plasma progesterone concentration at the time of oestradiol treatment was high (over 0.9 ng ml-1): none released LH in response to oestradiol. As manual rupture did not improve the LH response to oestradiol, it is concluded that the defective LH response to oestradiol in cows with cystic ovarian disease was not influenced in the short-term by cyst fluid contents.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The use of progesterone administered intravaginally and pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin given by injection in controlled breeding programs in beef and dairy cattle

Five experiments involving 1,244 cows and heifers were carried out to investigate the factors which might influence the calving performance to fixed-time artificial insemination following intravaginal administration of progesterone (PRID) and intramuscular injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG). Factors examined were duration of PRID treatment, time of treatment after calving, time and dose PMSG and lactational status. Experiments 1, 2 and 3 were carried out on milked Friesian cows, experiment 4 on Friesian heifers and experiment 5 on suckled and dry Herefords. All cows were inseminated once with frozen/thawed semen 54 to 58 h or 46 to 50 h after completion of PRID treatment. Overall there was a progressive increase in calving rates with an increase in the duration of treatment from 12 to 14 to 16 days but there was little or no effect of time after calving (4 v 7 weeks) at which treatment was commenced. The poorer calving performance of cows treated for 12 to 14 days was associated with relatively high peripheral levels of plasma progesterone at the time of the PRID removal, suggesting the presence at the end of treatment of residual secretory luteal tissue. There was an effect on calving performance of PMSG given at the time of PRID removal but its effect varied according to the duration of PRID treatment. After 12 days treatments (experiments 1 and 5) PMSG had little effect, whereas after 14 days treatments, 0, 500 and 750 IU PMSG gave calving rates of 27%, 40% and 46% in experiment 2 and 5%, 24% and 38% in experiment 5.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Calving rate following fixed time insemination after a 12-day progesterone treatment in dairy cows, beef cows and heifers.

Farm trials were carried out to determine if cows and heifers could be inseminated on a fixed time basis following a 12-day treatment with progesterone coils and an injection of 5 mg oestradiol benzoate and 200 mg progesterone at the start of treatment. The retention rate of the coils was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) when a 5.5 cm diameter was used compared with a diameter of 7.0 cm. Calving rate was similar in treated cows bred at a detected oestrus, at 56 + 74 hours after treatment or at 56 hours after treatment and injection of 100 microgram gonadotrophin releasing hormone 20 hours previously and in control cows bred at oestrus. Fertility to the first repeat oestrus was also similar in treated and control cows. Significantly (P less than 0.05) more synchronised cows calved following fixed time AI compared with the calving rate in control cows inseminated for a 24-day experimental period. In beef suckler cows, calved at least 50 days, and dairy heifers weighing over 280 kg, calving rate was similar in treated animals bred at 56 and 74 hours after treatment compared to calving rate in control animals bred at oestrus.     

Recent Developments in Oestrous Synchronization of Postpartum Dairy Cows with and without Ovarian Disorders

This report reviews the most recent developments in prostaglandin‐based oestrous synchronization programmes for postpartum dairy cows and addresses the efficiency of controlled breeding protocols based on such developments for cows with abnormal ovarian conditions. A double prostaglandin protocol applied 11–14 days apart seems to be capable of bringing most cows to oestrus. Because of varying oestrus onset times, improved conception rates are obtained following artificial insemination (AI) at detected oestrus rather than fixed‐time AI in prostaglandin‐treated cows. The administration of oestradiol or human chorionic gonadotrophin, or both these hormones, after prostaglandin treatment, improves the synchrony of oestrus yet does not enhance the conception rate. Progesterone‐based treatments for oestrous synchronization are considered the most appropriate for non‐cyclic or anoestrous postpartum dairy cows; prostaglandin alone being ineffective because of the absence of a mature corpus luteum in these cows. Improved oestrus synchrony and fertility rate have been reported using short‐term progesterone treatment regimes (7–9 days) with or without oestradiol benzoate combined with the use of a luteolytic agent given 1 day before, or at the time of, progesterone withdrawal. The ovulation synchronization (Ovsynch) protocol, based on the use of gonadotrophin releasing hormone and prostaglandin, was developed to coordinate follicular recruitment, CL regression and the time of ovulation. This protocol allows fixed time insemination and has proved effective in improving reproductive management in postpartum dairy cows. However, timed AI following Ovsynch seems to have no beneficial effects in heifers, because of an inconsistent follicle wave pattern, and in anoestrous cows, given their lack of prostaglandin responsive CL. To date, there are several prostaglandin based, fixed‐time insemination oestrous synchronization protocols for use in early postpartum dairy cows with ovarian disorders such as ovarian cysts and acyclicity.     

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.     

Effects of four hormone treatments after calving on uterine and cervical involution and ovarian activity in cows

Uterine and cervical involution after calving was measured sequentially in 25 parous commercial Friesian cows by using electronic calipers and real-time ultrasound imaging, transrectally. Ovarian activity was monitored by using real-time ultrasound imaging and by the assay of milk progesterone concentrations. Peripheral plasma prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite concentrations were assayed during this period. Five groups of five cows were treated intramuscularly, approximately 48 hours after calving, with either 100 mg progesterone in oil, 25 mg dinoprost tromethamine, 5 mg oestradiol benzoate, 1.2 mg of the long-acting oxytocin analogue carbetocin or 5 ml sterile water. There were no statistically significant differences between the intervals from calving to the completion of involution or between the intervals from calving to the first ovulation for the cows in the different groups. The mean PGFM concentrations in the peripheral circulation were significantly higher in the carbetocin-treated group, presumably owing to the stimulation of endogenous prostaglandin F2 alpha secretion. This study provides no evidence that a single treatment with any of the four hormones significantly affected the reproductive function of the cows after calving.     

Postpartum reproductive performance in dairy cows. I: Influence of animal, breed and parity

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of animal, breed and parity on postpartum reproductive functions in dairy cows. A total of 141 cows were included in the experiment, which was carried out as part of a study on traits affecting longevity in Swedish dairy cows. The cows belonged to 4 different breed-groups and were 1st to 5th calvers. The duration of the study was 3 years and 44 cows were followed during 1 postpartum period, 49 cows during 2 consecutive periods, 43 cows during 3 periods and 5 cows during 4 periods.The cows were clinically examined, by rectal palpation, at 10-day intervals between calving and first AI, which was at first normal oestrus more than 50 days after calving. External signs of heat were checker and recorded three times daily by the herdsmen. Blood samples for progesterone assay were taken at days 10, 15 and 20 after calving and thereafter every 10th day until first AI. Samples taken at days 10, 15 and 20 were also assayed for content of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF_2α.Heat detection records, records from clinical examinations and plasma progesterone assays were chronologically compiled for each postpartum period and based on this, intervals between calving and postpartum ovulations, recorded uterine involution, 1st and subsequent oestrus and regular reproductive functions were estimated. Least-squares methods were used for the statistical evaluation of data.The results indicate a large variation within and between cows in postpartum reproductive performance. In the total material 1st ovulation occurred before recorded uterine involution and there was a close relationship between 1st ovulatory oestrus and the onset of regular reproductive functions. The interval between calving and 1st ovulation significantly influenced the length of the first cycle in the sense that a large proportion of the early ovulating cows had a short interval between 1st and 2nd postpartum ovulations. The large variations were also evident in the plasma levels of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF_2α. There was a marked decline between days 10 and 15 postpartum and most cows were close to basal levels at 20 days postpartum.The individual cow had a significant influence on intervals from calving to recorded uterine involution, 1st ovulatory oestrus, regular reproductive functions and conception. The breed influence was significant for intervals between calving and 1st ovulation and recorded uterine involution whereas the parity of the cow only influenced the interval between calving and recorded uterine involution.     

The use of a progesterone-releasing device (CIDR-B) or melengestrol acetate with GnRH,LH, or estradiol benzoate for fixed-time AI in beef heifers

The objective of this experiment was to compare two progestins and three treatments for synchronizing follicular wave emergence and ovulation in protocols for fixed-time AI in beef heifers. On d 0 (beginning of the experiment), Angus and Angus-Simmental cross beef heifers at random stages of the estrous cycle either received a CIDR-B device (n = 257) or were started on 0.5 mg x anima(-1) x d(-1) melengestrol acetate (MGA; n = 246) and were randomly assigned to receive i.m. injections of 100 microg GnRH, 12.5 mg porcine LH (pLH), or 2 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) and 50 mg progesterone (P4). The last feeding of MGA was given on d 6 and on d 7, CIDR-B devices were removed and all heifers received 500 microg cloprostenol (PG). Consistent with their treatment groups on d 0, heifers were given either 100 microg GnRH or 12.5 mg pLH 48 h after PG (and were concurrently inseminated) or 1 mg EB 24 h after PG and were inseminated 28 h later (52 h after PGF). Estrus rate (combined for both progestins) in heifers receiving EB (92.0%) was greater (P < 0.05) than that in heifers receiving GnRH and pLH (combined) and a CIDR-B device (62.9%) or MGA (34.3%). Although the mean interval from PG treatment to estrus did not differ among groups (overall, 47.8 h; P = 0.85), it was less variable (P < 0.01) in MGA-fed heifers (SD = 2.5 h) than in CIDR-B-treated heifers (SD = 8.1 h). Pregnancy rates (determined by ultrasonography approximately 30 d after AI) did not differ (P = 0.30) among the six treatment groups (average, 58.0%; range, 52.5 to 65.0%). Although fixed-time AI was done, pregnancy rates were greater in heifers detected in estrus than in those not detected in estrus (62.6 vs 51.9%; P < 0.05). In conclusion, GnRH, pLH, or EB treatment in combination with a CIDR-B device or MGA effectively synchronized ovulation-for fixed-time AI, resulting in acceptable pregnancy rates in beef heifers.     

Effects of different five-day progesterone-based fixed-time AI protocols on follicular/luteal dynamics and fertility in dairy cows

This study compares in two experiments the responses of lactating dairy cows to four different progesterone-based protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in terms of their effects on follicular/luteal dynamics and fertility. The protocols consisted of a progesterone intravaginal device fitted for five days, along with the administration of different combinations of gonadotropin releasing hormone, equine chorionic gonadotropin and a single or double dose (24 h apart) of prostaglandin F_2α. In Experiment I, the data were derived from 232 lactating cows. Binary logistic regression identified no effects of treatment on ovulation failure or multiple ovulation 10 days post artificial insemination (AI). Based on the odds ratio, the likelihood of ovulation failure was lower (by a factor of 0.1) in cows showing at least one corpus luteum (CL) upon treatment than in cows lacking a CL; repeat breeders (> 3 AI) and cows with multiple CLs at treatment showed lower (by a factor of 0.44) and higher (by a factor of 9.0) risks of multiple ovulation, respectively, than the remaining animals. In Experiment II, the data were derived from 5173 AIs. The independent variable treatment failed to affect the conception rate 28–34 days post AI, twin pregnancy or early fetal loss 58–64 days post AI. The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of 5-day progesterone-based protocols for FTAI. All four protocols examined were able to induce ovulation in both cyclic and non-cyclic animals so that FTAI returned a similar pregnancy rate to spontaneous estrus. Our results suggest that the ovarian response and fertility resulting from each treatment are due more to the effect of ovarian structures at treatment than to the different combinations of hormones investigated.     

Plasma hormone changes in cows during induced or spontaneous calvings and the early post partum period

Plasma progesterone, oestradiol, 13,14-dihydro, 15-keto, prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) and luteinising hormone were measured in daily samples from eight dairy cows for 15 days before and after spontaneous calving, and compared to patterns obtained from 15 cows during and after induction of parturition with dexamethasone +/- prostaglandin. The average (+/- sd) length of pregnancy in the control cows was 285 +/- 3.04 days compared to 264 +/- 7.4 days in the induced group. Only nine cows required prostaglandin on day 11 after dexamethasone, which resulted in all nine calving 1.7 +/- 0.3 days later. Eight of the 15 treated cows retained the fetal membranes; however, the calving to first heat interval for all treated cows was 46.7 +/- 10 days (range 30 to 66 days) and calving to conception 52.4 +/- 17 days (range 30 to 85 days) compared to 42.1 +/- 15 days (range 28 to 64 days) and 76.5 +/- 24 days (range 54 to 115 days) respectively for the eight cows which calved without induction. The pre-partum hormone profiles were similar in all cows. Hormone profiles in the post partum period were also similar in all cows, irrespective of previous history. Baseline values for progesterone and oestradiol were not reached until 4.6 +/- 1.7 days and 2.75 +/- 0.7 days post partum respectively, whereas PGFM values increased for two or three days, reaching baseline levels 8.87 +/- 2.10 days later. Five cows had secondary peaks of PGFM on days 5,6 and 7. Luteinising hormone values increased steadily after calving in all cows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A comparison of progestin-based protocols to synchronize ovulation and facilitate fixed-time artificial insemination in postpartum beef cows

The experimental objective was to compare pregnancy rates after fixed-time AI in postpartum suckled beef cows following administration of two progestin-based protocols to synchronize ovulation. Cows (n = 424) at three locations (n = 208, 122, and 92 per location) were stratified by age, BCS, and days postpartum (DPP) and assigned randomly to one of the two treatment protocols. The MGA Select-treated cows (MGA Select; n = 213) were fed melengestrol acetate (MGA, 0.5 mg x cow(-1) x d(-1)) for 14 d and carrier for 8 d, and then GnRH (100 microg i.m. Cystorelin; d 26) was injected 12 d after MGA withdrawal, and PG (25 mg i.m. Lutalyse) was administered 7 d after GnRH. Cows assigned to the 7-11 Synch protocol (7-11 Synch; n = 209) were fed carrier for 15 d and MGA for 7 d, and then injected with PG on d 22 (d 7 of MGA), GnRH on d 26, and PG again on d 33. Artificial insemination was performed at fixed times for cows in both treatments at 60 or 72 h after d 33 PG for 7-11 Synch and MGA Select groups, respectively. All cows were injected with GnRH (100 microg of i.m. Cystorelin) at AI. There was no treatment x location interaction for age (P = 0.90), BCS (P = 0.64), or DPP (P = 0.93), and the results were therefore pooled for the respective treatments (age [7-11 Synch, 5.5 +/- 0.2; MGA Select, 5.5 +/- 0.2], BCS [7-11 Synch, 5.7 +/- 0.1; MGA Select, 5.6 +/- 0.1], and DPP [7-11 Synch, 41.1 +/- 1.1; MGA Select, 42.1 +/- 1.1]). Blood samples were collected 8 and 1 d before MGA or carrier to determine pretreatment estrous cyclicity (progesterone >or=1 ng/mL; 7-11 Synch, 59/209 [28%]; MGA Select, 54/213 [25%]; P = 0.50) and again on d 33 PG to evaluate treatment response as a percentage of cows with progesterone concentrations in serum >or=1ng/mL (7-11 Synch, 184/209 [88%]; MGA Select, 177/213 [83%]; P = 0.15). Pregnancy rates resulting from fixed-time AI did not differ (P = 0.25) between treatments (7-11 Synch, 128/209 [61%]; MGA Select, 142/213 [67%]), nor did pregnancy rates (P = 0.77) at the end of the breeding season (7-11 Synch, 198/208 [95%]; MGA Select, 204/213 [96%]). These data indicate that pregnancy rates were comparable after fixed-time AI, following administration of the 7-11 Synch and MGA Select protocols. Both protocols provide opportunities for beef producers to use AI and eliminate the need to detect estrus.     

Effects of different five-day progesterone-based synchronization protocols on the estrous response and follicular/luteal dynamics in dairy cows

This study compared the responses shown by lactating dairy cows to four different P4-based protocols for AI at estrus. Cows with no estrous signs 96 h after progesterone intravaginal device (PRID) removal were subjected to fixed-time AI (FTAI), and their data were also included in the study. In Experiment I, follicular/luteal and endometrial dynamics were assessed every 12 h from the beginning of treatment until AI. The estrous response was examined in Experiment II, and fertility was assessed in both experiments. The protocols consisted of a PRID fitted for five days, along with the administration of different combinations of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), equine chorionic gonadotropin and a single or double dose (24 h apart) of prostaglandin F_2α. In Experiment I (40 cows), animals receiving GnRH at the start of treatment showed a significantly higher ovulation rate during the PRID insertion period while estrus was delayed. In Experiment II (351 cows), according to the odds ratios, cows showing luteal activity at the time of treatment were less likely to show estrus than cows with no signs of luteal activity. Treatment affected the estrous response and the interval from PRID removal to estrus but did not affect conception rates 28–34 days post AI. Primiparous cows displayed a better estrous response than multiparous cows. Our findings reveal acceptable results of 5-day P4-based protocols for AI at estrus in high-producing dairy cows. Time from treatment to estrus emerged as a good guide for FTAI after a 5-day P4-based synchronization 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)     

The ovarian response and fertility in cows with acidosis induced by acetic acid]

The effects of acetic acid administered at an amount of 300 to 600 g (5 to 10 mol) to the rumen of breeding cows, were investigated on ovulation, conception and progesterone levels in the blood and milk of cows with cloprostenol-induced (Oestrophan Spofa) oestrus at a dose of 500 micrograms i.m. In the group of 15 cows exposed to the acetic acid load five cows got in calf after the first insemination (33.3%), and 12 cows (80.0%) after all inseminations in 37.6 days after cloprostenol administration, with the insemination index 1.67 (Tab. I). In the control group (five cows) four cows (80.0%) got in calf after the first insemination, in total all five breeding cows got in calf in 20.6 days after cloprostenol administration, with the insemination index 1.2. In the experimental group of 15 cows a clinical examination of ovaries on day 7 after insemination revealed ovulation disorders in eight cows, that means in 53.3% of the animals (Tab. II). No ovulation disorders were observed in the control group of five cows. Progesterone levels in the blood showed high variability (Tab. III). In the group of cows administered acetic acid they were by more than a half lower (1.49; 0.67; 1.53 per ml) on days 7, 14 and 21 after insemination in comparison with the control group (3.35; 2.5; 3.38 ng per ml). The average progesterone levels in milk (Tab. IV) were 1.27 and 1.53 on day 7, 6.74 and 7.27 on day 14 and 3.52 and 11.85 ng per ml on day 21, respectively, the higher values apply to the control. It was not possible to evaluate reliably from the progesterone levels in the blood and milk if ovulation took place and if the corpus luteum was developing (Tab. V and VI). The clinical control of ovaries on days 7 and 8 after oestrus and insemination was more reliable to determine the ovulation disorders than the progesterone determination in the blood and milk of cows.     

Fertility in buffaloes after oestrus synchronisation with cloprostenol and fixed time insemination.

Fifty-seven cycling buffalo cows of the river type were treated with two doses of 0.5 mg cloprostenol intramuscularly given 11 days apart. Each animal was inseminated twice at 72 and 96 hours after the second injection of cloprostenol. The first service conception rate diagnosed by rectal palpation at 90 days was 38.6 per cent. At the time of insemination the cervix was easily penetrable on both days in only 39 (68.4 per cent) of the animals. They were inseminated at or beyond the internal cervical os, while the others were inseminated in the cervical canal. There was a marked difference in conception rate between those receiving deep inseminations (48.7 per cent) and the others (16.7 per cent). In relation to the interval from calving to insemination the conception rates for those which had calved 60 to 90, 90 to 120 and 120 to 150 days earlier were 16.6, 36.4 and 55.5 per cent respectively. The use of cloprostenol treatment and fixed-time insemination is a useful method of overcoming the problem of oestrus detection in buffaloes. Acceptable levels of fertility can be obtained in those animals which have a sufficiently relaxed cervix to permit semen deposition at the internal os, provided the interval from calving to insemination is more than 90 days.     

Comparison between Cloprostenol-induced and Spontaneous Oestrus Fertility in Dairy Cows

A short calving to conception interval is of main importance to achieve high economic efficiency in dairy cow industry. In order to reduce this interval, several hormonal treatments have been put on the market, in which cloprostenol, a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha). The aim of this study was to compare fertility of cloprostenol-induced oestrus to that of spontaneous oestrus in dairy cows. In a group of 525 cows, 280 (treated group) were administered 0.5 mg cloprostenol i.m. after transrectal corpus luteum (CL) detection, and inseminated at detected oestrus during the following week. The other 245 cows (control group) were inseminated during spontaneous oestrus. Whey progesterone concentrations were checked at treatment and at insemination in order to remove from the study cows whose P4 levels indicate a non-functional CL, or a lack of luteolysis respectively. Moreover, cows that were not inseminated due to genital problems were also excluded from this study. Conception (59% vs 54.5%) and calving rates (93.7% vs 93%) were not significantly different between the two groups.     

Effect of Initial GnRH and Duration of Progesterone Insert Treatment on the Fertility of Lactating Dairy Cows

The study compared response to prostaglandin F2α (PG), synchrony of ovulation and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in a 5‐ vs a 7‐day Ovsynch + PRID protocol and investigated whether the initial GnRH affects P/AI in lactating dairy cows. Two hundred and seventy‐six cows (500 inseminations) were assigned to one of four timed‐AI (TAI) protocols: (i) PRID‐7G; 100 μg GnRH im, and a progesterone‐releasing intravaginal device (PRID) for 7 days. At PRID removal, PG (500 μg of cloprostenol) was given im. Cows received the second GnRH treatment at 60 h after PRID removal and TAI 12 h later. (ii) PRID‐5G; as PRID‐7G except the duration of PRID, treatment was 5 days and PG was given twice (12 h apart). (iii) PRID‐7NoG; as PRID‐7G except the initial GnRH, treatment was omitted. (iv) PRID‐5NoG; as PRID‐7NoG except the duration of PRID, treatment was 5 days. Response to treatments and pregnancy status at 32 and 60 days after TAI was determined by ultrasonography. The percentage of cows ovulating before TAI was greatest in PRID‐7G (17.1%), and the percentage of cows that did not have luteal regression was greatest in PRID‐5G (9.5%). The overall P/AI at 32 and 60 days did not differ among TAI protocols. However, during resynchronization, cows subjected to the 5‐day protocols had greater (p < 0.05) P/AI (45.3% vs 33.6%) than cows subjected to the 7‐day protocols. Pregnancy loss between 32 and 60 days tended (p = 0.10) to be greater in cows that did not receive initial GnRH (14.8%) compared to those that received GnRH (8.2%). In conclusion, the PRID‐5G protocol resulted in fewer cows responding to PG, but P/AI did not differ among TAI protocols. A 5‐day protocol resulted in more P/AI in resynchronized cows, and cows that did not receive initial GnRH tended to experience more pregnancy losses.