Association between length of proestrus, follicular size, estrus behavior, and pregnancy rate in beef heifers subjected to fixed–time artificial insemination

Abstract Pre-synchronization strategies with prolonged exposure to exogenous progesterone have the potential to alter estrus expression and improve fertility in replacement beef heifers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the estrus response and pregnancy rate of beef heifers enrolled in two fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) protocols. A total of 306 heifers (14 ± 2 months of age; 372 ± 24 kg body weight [BW]) at three locations were enrolled in the study. Within location, heifers were stratified by age and BW and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) PG-CIDR54 (n = 152), heifers were administered prostaglandin F2α (PGF; 25 mg) and a controlled internal drug releasing (CIDR) insert (Day -14), an injection of GnRH [100 μg (Day -7)], PGF injection and CIDR removal (Day 0), and a second injection of GnRH concurrently with TAI 54 ± 2 h later (Day 2); 2) 7-day CO-Synch+CIDR (CTRL; n = 154), heifers were administered GnRH (100 μg) and a CIDR insert (Day -7), PGF (25 mg) injection and CIDR removal (Day 0), and a second injection of GnRH concurrently with TAI 54 ± 2 h later (Day 2). All heifers received an estrus alert patch on Day 0 and were evaluated for patch activation at TAI on Day 2. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography between 35 and 55 days after TAI. The percentage of heifers exhibiting estrus between Day 0 and 2 was greater (P < 0.01) in PG-CIDR54 compared with CTRL (77.0 and 39.6%, respectively). In addition, pregnancy rate to TAI tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for PG-CIDR54 compared with CTRL (48.0 and 38.3%, respectively). We conclude that beef heifers enrolled in the PG-CIDR54 protocol had increased estrus expression and tended to have greater pregnancy rate when compared with heifers enrolled in the 7-day CO-Synch+CIDR protocol.

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Comparison of melengestrol acetate and controlled internal drug-release long-term progestin-based synchronization protocols on fixed-time artificial-insemination pregnancy rate in beef heifers

The Professional Animal Scientist ◽

10.15232/s1080-7446(15)30287-4 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 29 (6) ◽

pp. 575-579 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

R.A. Vraspir ◽

A.F. Summers ◽

D. O’Hare ◽

L.D. Rowden ◽

R.N. Funston

Keyword(s):

Drug Release ◽

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

Melengestrol Acetate

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Oestrus synchronisation and fixed time artificial insemination in beef heifers

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an09106 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 50 (7) ◽

pp. 670

Author(s):

Daniel Cavestany ◽

Daniela Crespi ◽

Alvaro Fernandez

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Prostaglandin F2α ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Pregnancy Rates ◽

Conception Rate ◽

Control Group ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

Follicular Size ◽

Follicle Size ◽

And Control

To compare two oestrus synchronisation protocols in beef heifers presynchronised with two prostaglandin F2α (PG) treatments, 36 h after the second PG treatment one group (hCG-OB group; n = 112) received 250 IU of hCG and 0.5 mg of oestradiol benzoate (OB) followed by fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) 30 h later. Additional oestrus detection (OD) and artificial insemination (AI) was done in this group for 3 days after FTAI; heifers rebred during this period were considered open to the FTAI. The Control group (n = 112) received only OD and AI for 6 days after the second PG treatment. Follicular size was measured at the time of AI in a subsample of heifers (59 in the hCG-OB group and 34 in the Control group). Results were evaluated separately either considering heifers pregnant at FTAI or those pregnant at FTAI + 3-day OD + AI. The FTAI conception rate was 45.5 vs 76.5% for the Control group (P < 0.0001) and pregnancy rates were 45.5 and 67.0% (P = 0.0014); FTAI + OD + AI conception rates were 63.4 and 76.2% (P = 0.0404) and pregnancy rates 63.4 and 62.8% (P = 0.5719) (hCG-OB and Control groups, respectively). There was a significant correlation (r = 0.713, P < 0.01) between follicle size at FTAI and pregnancy in the hCG-OB group, but not in the Control group (r = 0.3465, P > 0.1). In conclusion, acceptable synchronised conception rate and pregnancy rate were obtained by using this protocol, and the results were improved by complementing it with OD + AI for 3 days after FTAI.

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Effects on Synchronization and Reproductive Efficiency of Delaying the Removal of the Intravaginal Progesterone Device by 24 h in the 5d Co-synch Protocol in Heifers

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11030849 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 849

Author(s):

Aitor Fernandez-Novo ◽

Sergio Santos-Lopez ◽

Jose Luis Pesantez-Pacheco ◽

Natividad Pérez-Villalobos ◽

Ana Heras-Molina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Animal Welfare ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Reproductive Efficiency ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

Animal Management ◽

Commercial Farms ◽

Beef Herds ◽

Farm Economics

In beef herds, increasing animal welfare, improving reproductive performance and easing animal management are key goals in farm economics. We explored whether delaying the removal of the intravaginal progesterone device by 24 h in heifers synchronized with a 5d Co-synch 72-h protocol could improve reproductive efficiency of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). In experiment 1, we examined the total synchronization rate (TSR) in cycling Holstein heifers. Heifers (13.4 ± 0.69 mo.) were randomly assigned to the standard 5d Co-synch 56-h protocol (5dCo56; n = 10), 5d Co-synch 72-h (5dCo72; n = 17), or the modified 5d Co-synch 72-h protocol, in which removal of the progesterone device was delayed by 24 h (6dCo48; n = 19). In experiment 2, 309 cycling beef heifers on 18 commercial farms were subjected to the 5d Co-synch 72-h or 6-d Co-synch 48-h protocol and conception rate (CR) studied. In experiment 1, the three protocols led no differences on TSRs of 80.0% (5dCo56), 88.2% (5dCo72), and 89.5% (6dCo48). In experiment 2, the CR from the beef heifers, observed during two consecutive reproductive seasons did not differ: 59.7% for 5dCo72 and 62.0% for 6dCo48 (p = 0.907). Therefore, delaying removal by 24 h provides satisfactory results without reducing reproductive efficiency of heifers.

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Response of beef heifers and non-suckling beef cows to different oestrous synchronization protocols

Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s135772980005270x ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 74 (3) ◽

pp. 547-552 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

D. Cavestany ◽

N. Negrin ◽

R. Negrin ◽

J. F. Groth

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Beef Cows ◽

Pregnancy Rates ◽

Gnrh Analogue ◽

Beef Heifers

AbstractThe objective was to evaluate different oestrous synchronization schemes in beef cattle under range conditions. In experiment 1, 202 heifers averaging 26 months of age were assigned randomly to three treatments: (a) GnRH-PG. (no. = 44) day 0 (D0): injection of GnRH; D7: injection of PGF2α; D0 to D25 oestrous detection (OD) and artificial insemination (AI); (b) OD-PG. (no. = 45) D0 to D4; OD + AI; D5: injection of PGF2α; D5 to D25 OD + AI; and (c)Ovsynch. (no. = 113) D0: injection of GnRH; D7: injection of PGF2α; D9: injection of GnRH and 16 h later AI at fixed time. In experiment 2, 318 non-suckling cows were assigned randomly to three treatments: (a) GnRH-PG. (no. = 106) D0: injection of GnRH; D7: injection of PGF2α; D0 to D25 OD + AI; (b) GnRH-MAP-PG. (no. = 106) D0: injection of a GnRH analogue and insertion of an intravaginal sponge impregnated with 250 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate; D7: injection of PGF2α and sponge withdrawal; D0 to D25 OD + AI; (c) controls. (no. = 106) OD and AI. The experimental period lasted 25 days and, with exception of the Ovsynch treatment, oestrous detection was carried out twice a day (a.m./p.m.) and inseminations performed 12 h later. The pregnancy rates assessed by ultrasonography 30 days after AI were: experiment 1: (a) 30·0%; (b) 28·6% and (c) 62·3% (P < 0·05); experiment 2: (a) 60·2%; (b) 57·8% and (c) 45·5% (P < 0·05). It is concluded that in heifers and non-suckling cows, oestrous synchronization treatments result in higher pregnancy rates. In non-suckling cows, the addition of a progestagen did not improve the response.

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Efficiency of mating, artificial insemination or resynchronisation at different times after first timed artificial insemination in postpartum Nellore cows to produce crossbred calves

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an17466 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 59 (2) ◽

pp. 225 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Walvonvitis Baes Rodrigues ◽

Jean do Prado Jara ◽

Juliana Correa Borges ◽

Luiz Orcirio Fialho de Oliveira ◽

Urbano Pinto Gomes de Abreu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Breeding Season ◽

Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Beef Cows ◽

Device Removal ◽

Oestradiol Benzoate ◽

Timed Artificial Insemination ◽

Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin

The objective of this trial was to evaluate different post-timed artificial insemination (TAI) reproductive managements in postpartum beef cows to produce crossbred calves from artificial insemination (AI). Nellore cows (n = 607), with 45 days postpartum, were inseminated at a fixed time, using a protocol that included an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device along with oestradiol benzoate, prostaglandin, equine chorionic gonadotropin, and oestradiol cypionate, followed TAI 48 h post-device removal. Four post-TAI treatments were evaluated: in CONTROL (T1, n = 161), cows were exposed to Nellore clean-up bulls until the end of the breeding season (75 days). In OBSERVATION (T2, n = 132), heat detection was performed for 15–25 days post-TAI, followed by AI. In RESYNC22 (T3, n = 157) and RESYNC30 (T4, n = 157), resynchronisation started after 22 or 30 days, following second TAI at Day 32 or 40 days after first TAI. In T2, T3 and T4, after the second AI, cows were exposed to Nellore clean-up bulls until the end of the breeding season (75 days). The pregnancy rate (PR) for the first TAI did not differ (54.6%, 53.0%, 59.2%, and 51.6% for CONTROL, OBSERVATION, RESYNC 22, and RESYNC 30, respectively; P = 0.66), and no difference was observed for the second TAI (RESYNC 22 = 45.31% and RESYNC30 = 46.05%; P = 0.137), in the PR at the end of the breeding season (86.33%, 86.36%, 78.98%, and 81.52%, P = 0.43), or embryonic losses (4.54%, 2.85%, 6.45% and 7.40%, respectively; P = 0.61), but the percentage of crossbred pregnancy was higher in groups with resynchronisation (RESYNC22 and RESYNC30) than CONTROL and OBSERVATION (98.38%, 90.62%, 63.30%, 78.95%, P < 0.001). In conclusion, resynchronisation programs of 22 or 30 days are more efficient to produce AI products, and the final pregnancy rate is similar among the treatments, differing only in the amount of calves produced by AI.

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068 Utilization of resynchronization as a strategy to increase the percentage of replacement beef heifers conceiving to artificial insemination (AI) after an initial fixed-time AI (TAI)

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.2527/ssasas2015-068 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 94 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. 34-34

Author(s):

P. L. P. Fontes ◽

N. Oosthuizen ◽

V. R. G. Mercadante ◽

G. V. de Moraes ◽

D. D. Henry ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Beef Heifers

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Effect of progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone + human chorionic gonadotropin treatment on conception rates in repeat breeder cows

Acta Veterinaria Brno ◽

10.2754/avb202089040307 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 89 (4) ◽

pp. 307-315

Author(s):

Hasan Alkan ◽

Huseyin Erdem

Keyword(s):

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Pregnancy Rates ◽

Group 4 ◽

Prostaglandin F ◽

Repeat Breeder ◽

Group 1

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hormonal support on the pregnancy rate in repeat breeder cows. Prostaglandin F2α + Ovsynch oestrus synchronization protocol was applied to the cows. Following the fixed time insemination (day 0), the cows were divided into 4 groups. In Group 1 (n = 42), progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID) was placed vaginally at 84 h and removed on the 9th day after the artificial insemination. In Group 2 (n = 40), the cows were administered human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the 7th day. Group 3 (n = 45) was applied a combination of progesterone and hCG. Group 4 (n = 42) was not given any treatment. Blood samples were collected from all cows 4 times on days 3.5, 7, 12, and 18 to evaluate progesterone concentrations. The pregnancy rates were 40.47%, 37.50%, 44.44%, and 30.95% in Group 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P > 0.05). In addition, in cows with progesterone concentrations <2 ng/ml on day 3.5, the pregnancy rates were found to be lower than in the cows with progesterone concentrations >2 ng/ml in Group 4 (P < 0.05). Progesterone supplementation in cows with progesterone concentrations < 2 ng/ml appeared to increase pregnancy rates (P < 0.05) in Groups 1 and 3. As a result, post-insemination hormonal applications in the repeat breeder cows did not increase the pregnancy rate. However, it was concluded that determination of progesterone concentrations on day 3.5 following artificial insemination and then hormonal support in the cows with low concentrations would increased the pregnancy rate.

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109 Pre-synchronization and reutilization of progesterone devices during a 6-day CO-Synch protocol for fixed-time artificial insemination in beef heifers

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv33n2ab109 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 161

Author(s):

E. R. Canadas ◽

B. J. Duran ◽

G. Machado ◽

A. Nall ◽

S. E. Battista ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Mixed Models ◽

Generalized Linear Mixed Models ◽

Fixed Time ◽

P Value ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

Follicle Diameter ◽

Follicle Size ◽

Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone ◽

Intravaginal Device

Ovulatory response to the initial gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) of the CO-Synch protocol is affected by circulating progesterone (P4) and follicle size. In addition, heifers that ovulate to the initial GnRH treatment have greater fertility after AI. Thus, this study determined the effect of (1) presynchronization (Presynch) before a 6-day CO-Synch protocol and (2) circulating [RCE1] (P4) on ovulatory response, oestrus expression, and pregnancies per AI (P/AI) in beef heifers. Yearling beef heifers (n=233) at three locations were randomly assigned in a 2×2 factorial design to the following treatments: (1) Presynch+6-day CO-Synch with a new P4 device; (2) Presynch+6-day CO-Synch with a once-used P4 device; (3) 6-day CO-Synch with a new P4 device; and (4) 6-day CO-Synch with a once-used P4 device. Presynch consisted of insertion of a new P4 intravaginal device (1.38g of P4) on Day −17 and removal of P4 device on Day −11 concurrently with 500µg of cloprostenol sodium (PGF). On Day −9, all heifers received either a new (New) or once-used (Used) CIDR and 100µg of gonadorelin acetate (GnRH). Six days later (Day −3), CIDRs were removed, 1000µg of PGF was administered and an oestrous detection patch applied (Estrotect). At 72h after CIDR removal, AI was performed concurrently with administration of 100µg of GnRH. Pregnancy was determined by transrectal ultrasonography 31 days after AI. A subset of heifers (n=155) was examined on Day −9 and Day −3 by ultrasonography to determine ovulation to Day −9 GnRH. Data were analysed using generalized linear mixed models (SAS 9.4; SAS Institute Inc.). Presynch heifers had larger follicle diameter on Day −9 (12.7±0.3 vs. 10.1±0.3 mm; P<0.001), greater ovulatory response to Day −9 GnRH (82.5%; 66/80 vs. 56%; 42/75; P<0.001), greater expression of oestrus (90.6%; 106/117 vs. 78.4%; 91/116; P<0.02), and earlier oestrus (49.8±1 vs. 53.1±1 h; P<0.01) compared with controls. There was a treatment×CIDR interaction on oestrous expression, such that a lesser (P<0.05) percentage of control heifers with new CIDR expressed oestrus compared with all other groups (Table 1). Heifers with a used CIDR during the 6-day CO-Synch tended (P=0.08) to have greater P/AI (52.1%; 61/117) than those with a new CIDR (40.5%; 47/116). In conclusion, presynchronization before initiation of a 6-day CO-Synch increased follicle diameter, enhanced ovulatory response and oestrous expression, but did not affect fertility. The earlier onset of oestrus in presynchronized heifers suggests that the timing of AI may need to be modified. Table 1. Oestrous expression and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in beef heifers with or without presynchronization and treated with a new or used CIDR during a 6-day CO-Synch Treatment CIDR Oestrus (%; n/n) Time of oestrus (h) P/AI (%; n/n) Control New 67.8a (40/59) 53.7±1.5a 33.9 (20/59) Used 89.5b (51/57) 52.7±1.6a 50.9 (29/57) Presynch New 94.7b (54/57) 50.9±1.4b 47.4 (27/57) Used 86.7b (52/60) 48.7±1.3b 53.3 (32/60) P-value Treatment 0.03 0.01 0.21 CIDR 0.62 0.19 0.08 Interaction 0.003 0.75 0.38 a,bValues with different superscripts differ (P<0.05).

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