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.     

Supplemental norgestomet,progesterone, or melengestrol acetate increases pregnancy rates in suckled beef cows after timed inseminations

In Exp. 1, 187 lactating beef cows were treated with injections of GnRH 7 d before and 48 h after prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha; Cosynch) or with Cosynch plus a 7-d treatment with an intravaginal progesterone (P4)-releasing insert (CIDR-B; Cosynch + CIDR). In Exp. 2, 183 lactating beef cows were treated with the Cosynch protocol or with Cosynch plus a 7-d treatment with norgestomet (Cosynch + NORG). In Exp. 1 and 2, blood samples for later P4 analyses were collected on d -17, -7 (first GnRH injection), 0 (PGF2alpha injection), and at timed artificial insemination (TAI; 48 h after PGF2alpha). In Exp. 3, 609 lactating beef cows were treated with the Cosynch + CIDR protocol or were fed 0.5 mg of melengestrol acetate (MGA) per day for 14 d before initiating the Cosynch protocol 12 d after the 14th d of MGA feeding (MGA + Cosynch). Blood samples were collected as in Exp. 1 and 2, plus additional samples on d -33 and -19 before PGF2alpha. In Exp. 4, 360 lactating beef cows were treated with a Cosynch + CIDR protocol, with TAI occurring at either 48 or 60 h after PGF2alpha, while receiving either GnRH or saline to form four treatments. Blood samples were collected as in Exp. 1 and 2. In Exp. 1, addition of P4 reduced the ability of the first GnRH injection to induce ovulation in anestrous cows with low P4 before PGF2alpha but improved (P = 0.06) pregnancy rates (61 vs 66%). In Exp. 2, the addition of NORG mimicked P4 by likewise increasing (P < 0.01) pregnancy rates (31 vs 51%) beyond those after Cosynch. In Exp. 3, the Cosynch + CIDR protocol increased (P < 0.001) pregnancy rates from 46 to 55% compared to the MGA + Cosynch protocol. In Exp. 4, administration of GnRH at TAI improved (P < 0.05) pregnancy outcomes (50 vs 42%), whereas timing of TAI had limited effects. We conclude that a progestin treatment concurrent with the Cosynch protocol improved pregnancy outcomes in all experiments, but pretreatment of cows with MGA was not as effective as the CIDR insert or NORG implants in this Cosynch-TAI model. Most of the improvement in pregnancy rates was associated with the increase in pregnancy rates of anestrous cows, regardless of whether ovulation was successfully induced in response to GnRH 7 d before PGF2alpha. Injection of GnRH at TAI following the Cosynch + CIDR protocol increased pregnancy rates in cycling cows with high P4 before the PGF2alpha injection and in anestrous cows with low P4 before PGF2alpha injection.     

Inclusion of an intravaginal progesterone insert plus GnRH and prostaglandin F2alpha for ovulation control in postpartum suckled beef cows

Four experiment stations (IL, KS, MN, and MO) conducted experiments to determine effects of introducing a CIDR (controlled internal device release) into an ovulation control program for postpartum suckled beef cows. Five hundred sixty cows were assigned randomly to two treatments: 1) 100 microg of GnRH (i.m.) followed in 7 d with 25 mg of PGF2alpha, followed in 48 h by a second injection of GnRH and one fixed-time insemination (Cosynch; n = 287) or 2) Cosynch plus one CIDR during the 7 d between the first injection of GnRH and PGF2alpha (Cosynch+P; n = 273). Cows at three stations were inseminated at the time of the second GnRH injection (n = 462), whereas 98 cows at the fourth station were inseminated 16 to 18 h after that injection. Blood samples were collected at d -17, -7, 0, and 2 relative to PGF2alpha to determine concentrations of progesterone. Ultrasonography was used to monitor follicle diameter on d 2 and to determine the presence of an embryo at 30 to 35 d after insemination. Pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.05) for Cosynch+P- (58%) than for Cosynch-treated (48%) cows. No station x treatment interaction occurred; however, cows at MO (62%) and KS (60%) had greater (P < 0.05) pregnancy rates than those at IL (47%) and MN (44%). Cows that had follicles > 12 mm on d 2 had greater (P < 0.01) pregnancy rates than those with follicles < or = 12 mm regardless of treatment. Pregnancy rates were similar between Cosynch and Cosynch+P treatments when cycling cows had elevated concentrations of progesterone at d 0, but pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.05) in the Cosynch+P (79%) than in the Cosynch (43%) treatment when cycling cows had low concentrations of progesterone on d 0 (at PGF2alpha injection). Similarly, among noncycling cows, pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.05) in the Cosynch+P (59%) treatment than in the Cosynch (39%) treatment. Cows in greater body condition at the onset of the breeding season experienced improved (P < 0.001) overall pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates for cows that calved > 50 d before the onset of the breeding season were greater (P < 0.01) than those for cows that calved < or = 50 d. Thus, treatment of suckled cows with Cosynch yielded acceptable pregnancy rates, but addition of a CIDR improved pregnancy rates in noncycling cows. Body condition and days postpartum at initiation of the breeding season affected overall efficacy of the Cosynch and Cosynch+P protocols.     

Responsiveness of bovine corpora lutea to prostaglandin F2 alpha: comparison of corpora lutea anticipated to have short or normal lifespans

The objective of this study was to determine if corpora lutea anticipated to have short lifespans were more responsive to the luteolytic action of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) than corpora lutea anticipated to have normal lifespans. Sixteen cows were allotted randomly to a hysterectomized-control (HC) or hysterectomized-progestogen (norgestomet) implant (HN) group. To verify that progestogen treatment of postpartum cows prior to induction of ovulation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) results in an increased number of cows exhibiting normal-length luteal phases, 21 additional cows were allotted randomly to a uterine intact-control (IC) or a uterine intact-progestogen implant (IN) group. Cows allotted to the HN and IN groups received norgestomet ear implants for 9 d beginning 17 to 21 d postcalving. All cows were injected (i.m.) with 100 micrograms GnRH 28 to 32 d postcalving (48 h after implant removal in the HN and IN groups) to induce ovulation. Two or 3 d after GnRH injection (d 0), cows in the HC (n = 8) and HN (n = 8) groups were hysterectomized to remove the major endogenous source of PGF2 alpha, and on d 7 cows were injected (i.m.) with 10 mg PGF2 alpha to assess luteal sensitivity. The proportion of corpora lutea having normal lifespans was greater (P less than .1) for the IN than for the IC group. In HC and HN groups, concentration of progesterone (P) increased similarly from d 0 to 6. Injection of PGF2 alpha in HC and HN groups on d 7 decreased (P less than .01) concentration of P approximately 50% by 6 h after injection (similar for both groups). Complete luteolysis was induced by PGF2 alpha in none of eight and two of eight cows in the HC and HN groups, respectively. In remaining cows (HC and HN groups) concentration of P increased (P less than .01; similar for HC and HN groups) beginning 24 h after PGF2 alpha and remained elevated through d 30 to 34 (end of experimental-period). In summary, corpora lutea anticipated to be short-lived were not more responsive to PGF2 alpha than corpora lutea anticipated to have normal lifespans.     

Effect of addition of a progesterone intravaginal insert to a timed insemination protocol using estradiol cypionate on ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, and late embryonic loss in lactating dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of incorporating a progesterone intravaginal insert (CIDR) between the day of GnRH and PGF2alpha treatments of a timed AI protocol using estradiol cypionate (ECP) to synchronize ovulation on display of estrus, ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, and late embryonic loss in lactating cows. Holstein cows, 227 from Site 1 and 458 from Site 2, were presynchronized with two injections of PGF2alpha on study d 0 and 14, and subjected to a timed AI protocol (100 mixrog of GnRH on study d 28, 25 mg of PGF2alpha on study d 35, 1 mg of ECP on study d 36, and timed AI on study d 38) with or without a CIDR insert. Blood was collected on study d 14 and 28 for progesterone measurements to determine cyclicity. Ovaries were scanned on d 35, 37, and 42, and pregnancy diagnosed on d 65 and 79, which corresponded to 27 and 41 d after AI. Cows receiving a CIDR had similar rates of detected estrus (77.2 vs. 73.8%), ovulation (85.6 vs. 86.6%), and pregnancy at 27 (35.8 vs. 38.8%) and 41 d (29.3 vs. 32.3%) after AI, and late embryonic loss between 27 and 41 d after AI (18.3 vs. 16.8%) compared with control cows. The CIDR eliminated cows in estrus before the last PGF2alpha injection and decreased (P < 0.001) the proportion of cows bearing a corpus luteum (CL) at the last PGF2alpha injection because of less ovulation in response to the GnRH and greater spontaneous CL regression. Cyclic cows had greater (P = 0.03) pregnancy rates than anovulatory cows at 41 d after AI (33.8 vs. 20.4%) because of decreased (P = 0.06) late embryonic loss (16.0 vs. 30.3%). The ovulatory follicle was larger (P < 0.001) in cows in estrus, and a greater proportion of cows with follicles > or = 15 mm displayed estrus (P < 0.001) and ovulated (P = 0.05) compared with cows with follicles <15 mm. Pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.001) for cows displaying estrus, which were related to the greater (P < 0.001) ovulation rate and decreased (P = 0.08) late embryonic loss for cows in estrus at AI. Cows that were cyclic and responded to the presynchronization protocol (high progesterone at GnRH and CL at PGF2alpha) had the highest pregnancy rates. Incorporation of a CIDR insert into a presynchronized timed AI protocol using ECP to induce estrus and ovulation did not improve pregnancy rates in lactating dairy cows. Improvements in pregnancy rates in cows treated with ECP to induce ovulation in a timed AI protocol are expected when more cows display estrus, thereby increasing ovulation rate.     

Effect of age and norgestomet on endocrine parameters and production of embryos in superovulated beef cows

Effects of age of cow and a norgestomet (N) implant on number of embryos and endocrine responses to induction of superovulation were studied in old (greater than 12 yr) and young (5 to 7 yr) lactating beef cows. Seventeen cows (8 old and 9 young) received a 6-mg N ear implant on d 4 or 5 of the cycle (d 0 = estrus); the remaining 17 cows (9 old and 8 young) served as untreated controls (C). All animals were treated with 38 mg of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH-P) in decreasing dosages over a 4.5-d period beginning on d 10 or 11. Regression of the corpus luteum was induced with injections of PGF2 alpha at 0800 and 2000 on d 4 of FSH-P treatment; implants were removed at the second injection of PGF2 alpha. Cows were inseminated artificially 12 and 24 h after onset of estrus. Embryos were collected on d 7 or 8 postinsemination. Blood samples were obtained daily at 0800 from 2 d prior to initiation of treatment with FSH-P until collection of embryos. An additional sample was collected each day at 2000, from the first injection of PGF2 alpha to 1 d after onset of estrus. Samples were assayed for luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P4), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol-17 beta (E2). Total number of embryos plus ova recovered was lower (P less than .01) in N-treated (5.2 +/- 1.1) than in C-treated (10.6 +/- 1.6) cows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Factors affecting pregnancy rate to estrous synchronization and fixed-time artificial insemination in beef cattle

Application of AI in extensive beef cattle production would be facilitated by protocols that effectively synchronize ovarian follicular development and ovulation to enable fixed-time AI (TAI). The objectives were to determine whether use of a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device to administer progesterone in a GnRH-based estrous synchronization protocol would optimize blood progesterone concentrations, improve synchronization of follicular development and estrus, and increase pregnancy rates to TAI in beef cows. Beef cows (n = 1,240) in 6 locations within the US Meat Animal Research Center received 1 of 2 treatments: 1)?an injection of GnRH [100 μg intramuscularly (i.m.)] followed by PGF(2α) (PGF; 25 mg i.m.) 7 d later (CO-Synch), or 2) CO-Synch plus a CIDR during the 7 d between GnRH and PGF injections (CO-Synch + CIDR). Cows received TAI and GnRH (100 μg i.m.) at 60 h after PGF. Progesterone was measured by RIA in blood samples collected 2 wk before and at initiation of treatment (d 0) and at PGF injection (d 7). Estrous behavior was monitored by Estrotect Heat Detectors. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography 72 to 77 d after TAI. Plasma progesterone concentrations did not differ (P > 0.10) between synchronization protocols at first GnRH injection (d 0), but progesterone was greater (P < 0.01) at PGF injection (d 7) in cows receiving CO-Synch + CIDR vs. CO-Synch as a result of fewer CIDR-treated cows having progesterone ≤1 ng/mL at PGF (10.7 vs. 29.6%, respectively). A greater (P < 0.01) proportion of CO-Synch + CIDR vs. CO-Synch cows were detected in estrus within 60 h after PGF (66.7 vs. 57.8 ± 2.6%, respectively) and a greater (P < 0.01) proportion were pregnant to TAI (54.6 vs. 44.3 ± 2.6%, respectively). For both synchronization protocols, cows expressing estrus within 60 h before TAI had a greater pregnancy rate than cows without estrus. For cows with plasma progesterone ≤1 ng/mL at PGF injection, CO-Synch + CIDR increased pregnancy rate (65.2 ± 5.9 vs. 30.8 ± 3.4% with vs. without CIDR), whereas pregnancy rates did not differ (P > 0.10) between protocols (52.1 ± 2.1 vs. 50.0 ± 2.4%, respectively) when progesterone was >1 ng/mL (treatment × progesterone; P < 0.01). Inclusion of a CIDR in the synchronization protocol increased plasma progesterone concentration, proportion of cows detected in estrus, and pregnancy rate; however, the increase in pregnancy rate from inclusion of the CIDR was primarily in cows with decreasing or low endogenous progesterone secretion during treatment.     

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.     

Oxytocin-induced secretion of prostaglandin F2alpha in postpartum beef cows: effects of progesterone and estradiol-17beta treatment

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of progesterone or progesterone + estradiol-17beta on oxytocin-induced prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) secretion in postpartum beef cows. Thirty-four anestrous postpartum beef cows were ovariectomized (d 32 [Groups 1 to 3] or d 23 [Groups 4 to 6] postpartum [d 0 = parturition]) and allotted to six treatments (Group 1; negative control) to simulate short (Groups 2 through 5) or normal (Group 6) length estrous cycles. Steroid treatments for the respective groups were as follows: Group 1) no estradiol-17beta or progesterone treatment (n = 8; negative control); Group 2) progesterone (d 34 to 40; n = 6); Group 3) estradiol-17beta (d 32 to 33) and progesterone (d 34 to 40; n = 6); Group 4) progesterone (d 23 to 29), no estradiol-17beta (d 32 to 33), and progesterone (d 34 to 40; n = 5); Group 5) progesterone (d 23 to 29), estradiol-17beta (d 32 to 33), and progesterone (d 34 to 40; n = 5); and Group 6) progesterone (d 23 to 29), estradiol-17beta (d 32 to 33), and progesterone (d 34 to 50; n = 4; positive control). Oxytocin (100 IU) was injected (i.v.) at the end of each treatment to test the ability of the postpartum uterus to secrete PGF2alpha as measured by a stable metabolite of PGF2alpha, 15keto-13,14 dihydro-PGF2alpha (PGFM). Peak concentrations ofPGFM (P < 0.08) and total PGFM secreted (area under the curve; P < 0.05) were increased on d 6 following first (Group 2) or second (Group 4) exposure to progesterone and were similar to peak concentrations and total PGFM secreted 16 d following a simulated normal estrous cycle (Group 6). Administration of estradiol-17beta before first progesterone exposure (Group 3) did not reduce peak concentrations of PGFM or total PGFM secreted relative to the preceding groups. Peak concentrations of PGFM (P < 0.08) and total PGFM secreted (P < 0.05) were reduced following a second progesterone exposure, provided that cows were pretreated with estradiol-17beta (Group 5). In summary, oxytocin-induced release of PGFM was inhibited on d 6 following second exposure to progesterone only when cows were pretreated with estradiol-17beta. Therefore, estradiol-17beta and progesterone were both associated with the timing of PGF2, secretion in postpartum cows.     

Effects of standing estrus and supplemental estradiol on changes in uterine pH during a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol

Cows that exhibit estrus within 24 h of fixed-time AI have elevated concentrations of estradiol and greater pregnancy rates compared with cows not in estrus. Our objective was to determine whether estradiol, estrus, or both had an effect on uterine pH during a fixed-time AI protocol. Beef cows were treated with the CO-Synch protocol (100 mircog of GnRH on d -9; 25 mg of PGF(2alpha) on d -2; and 100 mircog of GnRH on d 0). One-half of the cows received an injection of estradiol cypionate (ECP; 1 mg) 12 h after PGF(2alpha). Cows detected in standing estrus within 24 h of the second GnRH injection were considered to be in standing estrus. Uterine pH was determined in all animals 12, 24, and 48 h after the PGF(2alpha) injection. For Exp. 1, pH was also determined 72 and 96 h after the PGF(2alpha) injection; in Exp. 2, pH was also determined at 54, 60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, and 96 h after the PGF(2alpha) injection or until ovulation. A treatment x time interaction (P < 0.01) influenced concentrations of estradiol. All cows had similar (P > 0.15) concentrations of estradiol at the time of ECP administration, but after ECP treatment all cows treated with ECP and control cows that exhibited estrus had greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of estradiol compared with nontreated cows that did not exhibit estrus. In all animals, estradiol diminished 48 h after the PGF(2alpha) (time of the second GnRH injection), but ECP-treated cows, regardless of estrus, had elevated (P < 0.02) concentrations of estradiol compared with control cows. There was a treatment x time interaction (P < 0.001) on uterine pH. All cows had similar uterine pH (P > 0.19) 24 h after the PGF(2alpha) injection. Control cows that did not exhibit estrus had a greater uterine pH compared with control cows that exhibited estrus (P < 0.01) and ECP cows that exhibited estrus (P = 0.05) 48 h after the PGF(2alpha) injection (7.0 +/- 0.1 vs. 6.7 +/- 0.1 and 6.8 +/- 0.1, respectively). Estradiol cypionate-treated cows not exhibiting estrus were intermediate (6.8 +/- 0.1; P > 0.05). All cows had similar uterine pH 72 h after the PGF(2alpha) injection through ovulation (P > 0.06). In summary, uterine pH was similar among all animals that exhibited estrus, regardless of treatment with ECP.     

Synchronization of estrus in suckled beef cows for detected estrus and artificial insemination and timed artificial insemination using gonadotropin-releasing hormone, prostaglandin F2alpha, and progesterone

We determined whether a fixed-time AI (TAI) protocol could yield pregnancy rates similar to a protocol requiring detection of estrus, or estrous detection plus TAI, and whether adding a controlled internal device release (CIDR) to GnRH-based protocols would enhance fertility. Estrus was synchronized in 2,598 suckled beef cows at 14 locations, and AI was preceded by 1 of 5 treatments: 1) a CIDR for 7 d with 25 mg of PG F(2alpha) (PGF) at CIDR removal, followed by detection of estrus and AI during the 84 h after PGF; cows not detected in estrus by 84 h received 100 mug of GnRH and TAI at 84 h (control; n = 506); 2) GnRH administration, followed in 7 d with PGF, followed in 60 h by a second injection of GnRH and TAI (CO-Synch; n = 548); 3) CO-Synch plus a CIDR during the 7 d between the first injection of GnRH and PGF (CO-Synch + CIDR; n = 539); 4) GnRH administration, followed in 7 d with PGF, followed by detection of estrus and AI during the 84 h after PGF; cows not detected in estrus by 84 h received GnRH and TAI at 84 h (Select Synch & TAI; n = 507); and 5) Select Synch & TAI plus a CIDR during the 7 d between the first injection of GnRH and PGF (Select Synch + CIDR & TAI; n = 498). Blood samples were collected (d -17 and -7, relative to PGF) to determine estrous cycle status. For the control, Select Synch & TAI, and Select Synch + CIDR & TAI treatments, a minimum of twice daily observations for estrus began on d 0 and continued for at least 72 h. Inseminations were performed using the AM/PM rule. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography. Percentage of cows cycling at the initiation of treatments was 66%. Pregnancy rates (proportion of cows pregnant to AI of all cows synchronized during the synchronization period) among locations across treatments ranged from 37% to 67%. Pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.05) for the Select Synch + CIDR & TAI (58%), CO-Synch + CIDR (54%), Select Synch & TAI (53%), or control (53%) treatments than the CO-Synch (44%) treatment. Among the 3 protocols in which estrus was detected, conception rates (proportion of cows that became pregnant to AI of those exhibiting estrus during the synchronization period) were greater (P < 0.05) for Select Synch & TAI (70%; 217 of 309) and Select Synch + CIDR & TAI (67%; 230 of 345) cows than for control cows (61%; 197 of 325). We conclude that the CO-Synch + CIDR protocol yielded similar pregnancy rates to estrous detection protocols and is a reliable TAI protocol that eliminates detection of estrus when inseminating beef cows.     

Characteristics of estrus before and after first insemination and fertility of heifers after synchronized estrus using GnRH,PGF2alpha,and progesterone

Our objectives were to determine fertility of heifers after synchronization of estrus using PGF2alpha, preceded by progesterone (P4), GnRH, or both, and to examine the variability of estrual characteristics in heifers before first and second AI. Dairy (n = 247) and beef (n = 193) heifers were assigned randomly to each of three treatments: 1) 50 microg of GnRH (injected i.m.) administered on d -7 followed by 25 mg of PGF2alpha (i.m.) on d -1 (GnRH + PGF; modified Select Synch protocol); 2) placement of an intravaginal progesterone (P4)-releasing insert on d -7, PGF2alpha on d -1, and insert removal on d 0 (P4+PGF); and 3) 50 microg of GnRH plus a P4 insert on d -7, followed by 25 mg of PGF2alpha on d -1, and insert removal on d 0 (P4+GnRH+PGF). Characteristics of estrus were examined before first AI and before the next eligible AI (18 to 26 d later), including duration of estrus, number of standing events, and total and individual duration of standing events. In addition, all heifers were checked visually at least twice daily for estrus. Blood samples were collected on d -7, -1, and 0 for determination of P4, and pregnancy status was diagnosed by ultrasonography 27 to 34 d after AI. Rates of detected estrus were less (P < 0.05) in dairy than in beef heifers, and greater (P < 0.05) in heifers treated with P4. Pattern of conception and pregnancy rates among treatments differed between beef and dairy heifers (treatment x group interaction; P < 0.05). In dairy heifers, conception and pregnancy rates were greatest with P4+PGF, followed by P4+GnRH+PGF and GnRH+PGF, respectively. The opposite was observed among treatments in beef heifers. Administration of P4 without the preceding injection of GnRH produced the lowest pregnancy rates in beefheifers. Ofthe quantified sexual behavioral characteristics during the synchronized estrus, the number of standing events and total duration of standing events were greater (P < 0.01) than those observed during the next eligible estrus before second AI, whereas duration of estrus was unaffected.     

Effectiveness of GnRH plus prostaglandin F2alpha for estrus synchronization in cattle of Bos indicus breeding

Postpartum and lactating crossbred cows containing a percentage of Bos indicus breeding at three locations were studied to determine the efficacy of GnRH + PGF2alpha combinations for synchronization of estrus and(or) ovulation. Cows were equally distributed to each of three treatments by body condition score at the start of the experiment (d 0). All cows received 100 microg of GnRH on d 0 and 25 mg of PGF2alpha 7 d later. The three insemination protocols included 1) AI 12 h after exhibiting estrus during d 7 to 12 of the experiment (Select-Synch; n = 197); 2) timed-AI + 100 microg of GnRH on d 9 of the experiment (CO-Synch; n = 193); 3) AI 12 h after exhibiting estrus during d 7 to 10 of the experiment. Cows not exhibiting estrus by d 10 were timed-AI and injected with 100 microg of GnRH on d 10 of the experiment (Hybrid-Synch; n = 200). The percentage of cows exhibiting estrus during d 7 to 12 of the experiment was lower (P < 0.05) for CO-Synch (17.6%) cows than for Select-Synch or Hybrid-Synch (45.2 and 33.0%, respectively) cows, which did not differ (P > 0.05). For the Select-Synch and Hybrid-Synch cows that exhibited estrus during d 7 to 10 of the experiment and were artificially inseminated, conception rates were similar across treatments (50.5%). Pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.01) for CO-Synch and Hybrid-Synch (31.0 and 35.5%, respectively) cows than for Select-Synch (20.8%) cows. A greater (P < 0.01) percentage of cycling cows became pregnant (34.5%) than noncycling cows (25.9%) across all treatments. The CO-Synch and Hybrid-Synch synchronization protocols resulted in greater pregnancy rates compared with the Select-Synch protocol in postpartum and lactating crossbred cows containing a percentage of Bos indicus breeding.     

Synchronization of estrus in postpartum beef cows and virgin heifers using combinations of melengestrol acetate, GnRH, and PGF2alpha

The efficacy of various combinations of melengestrol acetate (MGA), GnRH, and PGF2alpha for the synchronization of estrus in Angus-based beef cattle was compared. Hormones were administered as follows: MGA, 0.5 mg x animal(-1) x d(-1) mixed in a grain carrier; GnRH, 100 microg i.m.; PGF2alpha, 25 mg i.m. In Exp. 1, 2, and 3, cows were randomly assigned to treatments by parity and interval postpartum. The detection of estrus and AI were conducted from d -2 until 72 to 96 h after PGF2alpha, at which time cows not detected to be in estrus received GnRH and fixed-time AI (TAI). Data were analyzed separately for primiparous and multiparous cows. In Exp. 1, cows (n = 799) at three locations received GnRH on d -7 and PGF2alpha on d 0 and either no further treatment (GnRH-PGF) or short-term MGA from d -6 through d -1 (STMGA). Among multiparous cows, conception rate at TAI was greater (P < 0.05) for STMGA (41%, 47/115) than for GnRH-PGF treated cows (26%, 24/92). Across herds and parity, synchronized AI pregnancy rate (SPR) was not affected (P > 0.10) by treatment (GnRH-PGF vs. STMGA; 54%, 210/389 vs. 57%, 228/402). In Exp. 2, cows (n = 484) at three locations received either STMGA or long-term MGA from d -32 through d -19, GnRH on d -7, and PGF2alpha on d 0 (LTMGA). Among primiparous cows, SPR was greater (P < 0.01) in LTMGA (65%, 55/85) than STMGA-treated cows (46%, 40/87). Treatment had no effect (P > 0.10) on SPR among multiparous cows (STMGA vs. LTMGA; 59%, 92/155 vs. 64%, 101/157). In Exp. 3, cows (n = 838) at four locations received the LTMGA treatment and either no further treatment or an additional period of MGA exposure from d -6 through d -1 (L&STMGA). Among primiparous cows, SPR tended to be influenced (P < 0.10) by the herd x treatment interaction and was greater (P < 0.01) among L&STMGA (86%, 19/22) than LTMGA-treated cows (56%, 14/25) at a single location. Among multiparous cows, SPR was lower (P < 0.05) in L&STMGA (46%, 165/358) than LTMGA-treated cows (55%, 184/336). In Exp. 4, Angus heifers (n = 155) received either STMGA or 14 d of MGA (d -32 through d -19) and PGF2alpha on d 0 (MGA-PGF). The detection of estrus and AI were conducted from d -2 to d 6. Interval to estrus was greater (P < 0.05) and estrous response was lower (P < 0.05) in STMGA than MGA-PGF-treated heifers. In conclusion, primiparous cows responded more favorably to longer-duration MGA treatments than did multiparous cows. All protocols achieved sufficient SPR to justify their use for improved reproductive management of postpartum beef cows.     

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.     

Comparison of progestin-based estrus synchronization protocols before fixed-time artificial insemination on pregnancy rate in beef heifers

The objective of the experiment was to compare pregnancy rates resulting from fixed-time AI after administration of either 1 of 2 controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-based protocols. Heifers at 3 locations (location 1, n = 78; location 2, n = 61; and location 3, n = 78) were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments within reproductive tract scores (1 = immature to 5 = cycling) by age and BW. Heifers assigned to CIDR Select received a CIDR insert (1.38 g of progesterone) from d 0 to 14 followed by GnRH (100 mug, i.m.) 9 d after CIDR removal (d 23) and PGF2alpha (PG, 25 mg, i.m.) 7 d after GnRH treatment (d 30). Heifers assigned to CO-Synch + CIDR were administered GnRH and received a CIDR insert on d 23 and PG and CIDR removal on d 30. Heifers at location 1 were fitted with a HeatWatch estrus detection system transmitter from the time of PG until 24 d after fixed-time AI to allow for continuous estrus detection. Artificial insemination was performed at predetermined fixed times for heifers in both treatments at 72 or 54 h after PG for the CIDR Select and CO-Synch + CIDR groups, respectively. All heifers were administered GnRH at the time of AI. Blood samples were collected 10 d before and immediately before treatment initiation (d 0) to determine pretreatment estrous cyclicity (progesterone > or = 0.5 ng/mL). At location 1, the estrous response during the synchronized period was greater (P = 0.06; 87 vs. 69%, respectively), and the variance for interval to estrus after PG was reduced among CIDR Select- (P < 0.01) compared with CO-Synch + CIDR-treated heifers. Fixed-time AI pregnancy rates were significantly greater (P = 0.02) after the CIDR Select protocol (62%) compared with the CO-Synch + CIDR protocol (47%). In summary, the CIDR Select protocol resulted in a greater and more synchronous estrous response and significantly greater fixed-time AI pregnancy rates compared with the CO-Synch + CIDR protocol.     

Evaluation of human chorionic gonadotropin as a replacement for gonadotropin-releasing hormone in ovulation-synchronization protocols before fixed timed artificial insemination in beef cattle

Two experiments were conducted during 2 yr to evaluate differences in ovulation potential and fertility in response to GnRH or hCG. In Exp. 1, 46 beef cows were given 100 microg of GnRH or 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 3,000 IU of hCG. Ovulation incidence was not different between GnRH and any of the hCG doses, indicating that ovulatory capacity of at least 500 IU of hCG was equivalent to GnRH. In Exp. 2, beef cows (n = 676) at 6 locations were assigned randomly to a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Main effects were: 1) pre-timed AI (TAI) treatment (GnRH or hCG) and 2) post-TAI treatment (saline, GnRH, or hCG) to initiate resynchronization of ovulation in previously inseminated cattle. Blood samples were collected (d -21 and -10) to determine progesterone concentrations and assess cyclicity. Cattle were treated with a progesterone insert on d -10 and with 100 microg of GnRH or 1,000 IU of hCG. A PGF(2alpha) injection was given at insert removal on d -3. Cows were inseminated 62 h (d 0) after insert removal. On d 26 after first TAI, cows of unknown pregnancy status were treated with saline, GnRH, or hCG to initiate a CO-Synch protocol. Pregnancy was diagnosed 33 d after first TAI to determine pregnancies per AI (P/AI). Nonpregnant cows at 6 locations in yr 1 and 1 location in yr 2 were given PGF(2alpha) and inseminated 56 h later, concurrent with a GnRH injection. Five weeks later, pregnancy diagnosis was conducted to determine pregnancy loss after first TAI and pregnancy outcome of the second TAI. Injection of pre-TAI hCG reduced (P < 0.001) P/AI compared with GnRH, with a greater reduction in cycling cows. Post-TAI treatments had no negative effect on P/AI resulting from the first TAI. Serum progesterone was greater (P = 0.06) 7 d after pre-TAI hCG than after GnRH and greater (P < 0.05) after post-TAI hCG on d 26 compared with saline 7 d after treatment in association with greater frequency of multiple corpora lutea. Compared with saline, injections of post-TAI GnRH and hCG did not increase second insemination P/AI, and inconsistent results were detected among locations. Use of hCG in lieu of GnRH is contraindicated in a CO-Synch + progesterone insert protocol. Compared with a breeding season having only 1 TAI and longer exposure to cleanup bulls, total breeding season pregnancy rate was reduced by one-third, subsequent calving distribution was altered, and 50% more AI-sired calves were obtained by applying 2 TAI during the breeding season.     

Influence of a controlled internal drug release after fixed-time artificial insemination on pregnancy rates and returns to estrus of nonpregnant cows

We determined whether an ovulatory estrus could be resynchronized in previously synchronized, AI nonpregnant cows without compromising pregnancy from the previous synchronized ovulation or to those inseminated at the resynchronized estrus. Ovulation was synchronized in 937 suckled beef cows at 6 locations using a CO-Synch + progesterone insert (controlled internal drug release; CIDR) protocol [a 100-microg injection of GnRH at the time of progesterone insert, followed in 7 d by a 25-mg injection of PGF(2alpha) at insert removal; at 60 h after PGF(2alpha), cows received a fixed-time AI (TAI) plus a second injection of GnRH]. After initial TAI, the cows were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments: 1) untreated (control; n = 237); 2) progesterone insert at 5 d after TAI and removed 14 d after TAI (CIDR5-14; n = 234); 3) progesterone insert placed at 14 d after TAI and removed 21 d after TAI (CIDR14-21; n = 232); or 4) progesterone insert at 5 d after TAI and removed 14 d after TAI and then a new CIDR inserted at 14 d and removed 21 d after TAI (CIDR5-21; n = 234). After TAI, cows were observed twice daily until 25 d after TAI for estrus and inseminated according to the AM-PM rule. Pregnancy was determined at 30 and 60 d after TAI to determine conception to the first and second AI. Pregnancy rates to TAI were similar for control (55%), CIDR5-14 (53%), CIDR14-21 (48%), and CIDR5-21 (53%). A greater (P < 0.05) proportion of nonpregnant cows was detected in estrus in the CIDR5-21 (76/110, 69%) and CIDR14-21 (77/120, 64%) treatments than in controls (44/106, 42%) and CIDR5-14 (39/109, 36%) cows. Although overall pregnancy rates after second AI service were similar, combined conception rates of treatments without a CIDR from d 14 to 21 [68.7% (57/83); control and CIDR5-14 treatments] were greater (P = 0.03) than those with a CIDR during that same interval [53.5% (82/153); CIDR5-21 and CIDR14-21 treatments]. We conclude that placement of a progesterone insert 5 d after a TAI did not compromise or enhance pregnancy rates to TAI; however, conception rates of nonpregnant cows inseminated after a detected estrus were compromised when resynchronized with a CIDR from d 5 or 14 until 21 d after TAI.     

Influence of inducing luteal regression before a modified fixed-time artificial insemination protocol in postpartum beef cows on pregnancy success

Most fixed-time insemination protocols utilize an injection of GnRH at the beginning of the protocol to initiate a new follicular wave. However, the ability of GnRH to initiate a new follicular wave is dependent on the stage of the estrous cycle. We hypothesized that administering PGF(2α) 3 d before initiating a fixed-time AI protocol would improve synchrony of follicular waves and result in greater pregnancy success. Therefore, our objective was to determine whether inducing luteal regression 3 d before a fixed-time AI protocol would improve control of follicular turnover and pregnancy success to fixed-time AI. Multiparous crossbred cows at 3 locations (n = 108, 296, and 97) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) PGF(2α) [25 mg; intramuscularly (i.m.)] on d -9, GnRH (100 μg; i.m.) and insertion of a controlled internal drug-releasing device (CIDR) on d -6, PGF(2α) (25 mg; i.m.) and CIDR removal with PGF(2α) (25 mg; i.m.) at CIDR removal on d 0 (PG-CIDR) or 2) GnRH (100 μg; i.m.) and insertion of a CIDR on d -5 and CIDR removal with PGF(2α) (25 mg; i.m.) at CIDR removal and 4 to 6 h after CIDR removal (5-d CIDR). Cows were time-inseminated between 66 and 72 h (PG-CIDR) or 70 to 74 h (5-d CIDR) after CIDR removal, and GnRH was administered at the time of fixed-time AI. At location 1, ovulatory response to the first injection of GnRH was determined by ultrasonography at the time of GnRH and 48 h after GnRH administration. Among cows with follicles ≥10 mm in diameter, more (P = 0.03) PG-CIDR-treated cows ovulated after the initial GnRH injection (88%, 43/49) compared with the 5-d CIDR-treated cows (68%, 34/50). Pregnancy outcome was not influenced by location (P = 0.96), age of the animal (P = 1.0), cycling status (P = 0.99), BCS (P = 1.0), or any 2-way interactions (P ≥ 0.13). However, pregnancy success was influenced by synchronization protocol (P = 0.04). Pregnancy outcome was greater (P = 0.04) for the PG-CIDR protocol (64%) compared with the 5-d CIDR protocol (55%). In summary, control of follicular turnover was improved by inducing luteal regression 3 d before initiation of a fixed-time AI protocol, and pregnancy success was improved with the PG-CIDR protocol compared with the 5-d protocol.     

Comparison of three approaches for synchronization of ovulation for timed artificial insemination in Bos indicus-influenced cattle managed on the Texas gulf coast

Our objectives were to compare the relative efficacies of three protocols designed to synchronize ovulation for timed artificial insemination (AI) of predominantly Brahman-influenced cows and heifers. In Exp. 1, 273 Brahman x Hereford (F1) cows at three locations were stratified by BW, body condition score (BCS), age, and days postpartum and assigned randomly to three treatments: 1) Syncro-Mate-B (SMB), 2) norgestomet-prostaglandin (NP), and 3) Ovsynch. The management goal required that cows have a minimum BCS of 5 and be at least 36 d postpartum (PP) at treatment onset. However, final results included 23 cows (8.4%) whose BCS fell below 5. In Exp. 2, 286 pubertal beef heifers were stratified by BW and BCS and allocated randomly to the three treatments. Heifers were predominantly Brahman crossbred (n = 265; Brahman x Hereford, F1; Santa Cruz) or purebred Brahman-influenced (Santa Gertrudis) with a smaller number (n = 21) of Hereford heifers also included. For both experiments, SMB treatment consisted of a 9-d norgestomet ear implant plus an estradiol valerate/norgestomet injection on d 0. Norgestomet-prostaglandin-treated females were implanted with a SMB implant without the estradiol valerate/norgestomet injection at the time of implant insertion and received 25 mg prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) i.m. 2 d before implant removal. Ovsynch consisted of 100 microg GnRH i.m. on d 1, 25 mg PGF i.m. on d 8, and a second GnRH injection on d 10. Beginning on d 9, calves were removed for 48 h in Exp. 1. Cattle in SMB and NP groups in both experiments were timed-inseminated 48 to 54 h after implant removal and at 12 to 24 h after the second GnRH injection (Ovsynch). Timed AI conception rates did not differ between the SMB (45.1%) and Ovsynch (42.4%) groups; however, conception rate in the NP group tended (P < 0.12) to be lower overall than in the other groups due to a reduced (P < 0.05) conception rate in cows that were < 60 d PP at treatment onset. Conversely, timed-AI conception was greatest (P < 0.056) in NP (54.7%) compared with SMB (40.4%) and Ovsynch (39.1%) for heifers in Exp. 2. We conclude that in mature, suckled beef cows with Brahman genetic influence, SMB and Ovsynch perform similarly when cow eligibility relies primarily on BCS and minimum days PP. The NP treatment results in lower conception in cows < 60 d PP compared with SMB and Ovsynch. However, in nulliparous Brahman-influenced heifers that are confirmed to be pubertal, NP may be superior to the other two treatments for timed AI.