9 EFFECT OF TIMING OF INSEMINATION WITH SORTED SEMEN ON SUBSEQUENT PREGNANCY RATE IN POSTPARTUM BEEF COWS SYNCHRONIZED WITH A MODIFIED 14-DAY PROGESTERONE PROTOCOL

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
A. J. Davis ◽  
J. G. Powell ◽  
T. D. Lester ◽  
R. W. Rorie

A study investigated the effect of AI timing on pregnancy rate when using X sorted semen, and whether prostaglandin F2α (PGF2) injection on Day 7 of a modified 14-day progesterone (P4) protocol improved oestrous response in beef cows. Angus-based cows were allotted across treatment groups by cyclicity, parity, weight, body condition, and days postpartum. Treatment 1 (n = 132) cows received a CIDR P4 insert (Eazi-Breed CIDR, Pfizer Animal Health, Groton, CT, USA) on Day 0, with CIDR removal on Day 14, followed by 100 μg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; Factrel, Pfizer) on Day 16, and 25 mg of PGF2 (Lutalyse, Pfizer) on Day 23. Treatment 2 (n = 132) cows received the same synchronization treatment, except for an additional 25 mg dose of PGF2 given on Day 7 of CIDR treatment. Cows were observed for oestrus over an 84-h period and inseminated with X-sorted semen at 9 to 14, 15 to 17, 18 to 21 or 22 to 24 h after detected oestrus, followed 10 days later by exposure to fertile bulls for 45 days. Ultrasonography was used to determine pregnancy status ~45 days after AI and again 45 to 55 days after bull removal. Chi-squared analysis was used to determine the effects of treatment on oestrus response, AI pregnancy, and seasonal pregnancy rates, and the effect of AI timing on pregnancy rate. Analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of treatment on the interval from PGF2 dosing to detected oestrus. Oestrus response to synchronization treatment was similar (P = 0.33) at 76.5 and 71.2% for cows in Treatments 1 and 2, respectively. The mean interval from PGF2 to the onset of oestrus was extended (P = 0.03) ~3 h for cows in Treatment 2 (57.4 v. 54.3 h, respectively). About two-thirds of the cows in each treatment were cyclic at the start of synchronization. The extended interval from PGF2 to observed oestrus was due to an effect on cyclic, but not acyclic, cows in Treatment 2. Of the cows expressing oestrus, 69 and 89% expressed oestrus 48 to 72 h post-PGF2 in Treatments 1 and 2, respectively. Pregnancy rates after AI with sorted semen were similar (P = 0.64) at 63.3 and 66.7% for Treatments 1 and 2, respectively. No differences (P = 0.98) were detected in AI pregnancy rates for insemination intervals ranging from 9 to 24 h after detected oestrus. At the end of the breeding season, seasonal pregnancy rates were also similar (P = 0.74), at 83.3 and 84.9% for cows in Treatments 1 and 2, respectively. The addition of a PGF2 treatment on Day 7 of our 14-day CIDR-based protocol was expected to ensure all cows has sub-luteal P4 concentrations and would develop a persistent follicle capable of ovulation in response to GnRH given on Day 16. Whereas the Day 7 PGF2 treatment had no effect on oestrus response or pregnancy rate, it did result in a more synchronous oestrus within a 24-h period. Results indicate that acceptable pregnancy rates can be achieved in lactating beef cows when using sorted semen over a range of insemination times.

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 90 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Small ◽  
F. Dias ◽  
L. Pfeifer ◽  
K. Lightfoot ◽  
M. Colazo ◽  
...  

In previous studies, giving eCG at CIDR removal significantly increased the pregnancy rate after timed-AI in beef cows. However, eCG is not universally available. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that giving pFSH at CIDR removal might improve the pregnancy rate in a CIDR-based, Cosynch protocol in postpartum, suckled Bos taurus beef cows; a secondary objective was to compare pregnancy rates when GnRH v. pLH was used to synchronize wave emergence and ovulation. This work was conducted as two experiments (separate locations). All cows were given a CIDR (containing 1.9 g progesterone; Pfizer Animal Health, Montreal, QC, Canada) on Day 0 (without regard to stage of estrous cycle or cyclicity). On Day 7, CIDRs were removed, all cows were concurrently given 25 mg PGF (Lutalyse; Pfizer Animal Health, Groton, CT, USA), half were given 20 mg pFSH (Folltropin-V; Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, ON, Canada), and all cows were timed-AI 54 h later (Day 9). In Experiment 1, 240 cows [94 � 10.8 days postpartum; body condition score (BCS: 1 = emaciated, 9 = obese; mean � SD): 5.8 � 0.4] were used; at CIDR insertion and AI, cows were allocated to receive either 100 µg GnRH (n = 160; Cystorelin, Merial Canada Inc., Victoriaville, QC, Canada) or 12.5 mg pLH (n = 80; Lutropin-V, Bioniche Animal Health). In Experiment 2, 109 cows (59.2 � 19.5 days postpartum; BCS: 5.6 � 1.1) were used; all received 100 µg GnRH (Cystorelin) at CIDR insertion and AI. In Experiment 1, three cows that lost their CIDR were excluded; pregnancy rates after timed-AI (logistic regression, backward selection: parity, pFSH, synchronizing treatment, and their interactions) were not different between cows given pFSH v. control cows (64.7 v. 65.2%; P > 0.80), nor between cows given GnRH v. pLH (62.7 v. 69.6%; P = 0.91). However, there was an interaction (P < 0.04) between parity and the synchronizing treatment; in primiparous cows, pregnancy rates were significantly lower in those given GnRH v. pLH (59.3 v. 83.3%). In Experiment 2, pregnancy rates after timed-AI (logistic regression, backward selection: parity, pFSH, and their interaction) were not different between cows given pFSH v. control cows (38.2 v. 42.6%; P > 0.6). In conclusion, our hypothesis was not supported; giving pFSH at CIDR removal did not significantly improve the pregnancy rate in a CIDR-based, Cosynch protocol in postpartum, suckled Bos taurus beef cows.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 281-282
Author(s):  
Nicole N Noga ◽  
Jeremy G Powell ◽  
Brittni P Littlejohn ◽  
Whitney L Rook ◽  
Martin Mussard ◽  
...  

Abstract Preliminary data indicate that shortening the progesterone exposure with CIDR can improve conception rates compared to the established 7-day CO-Synch protocols. The objective was to determine the effects of shortening progesterone exposure from 7 days to 6 days among crossbred beef cows and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) with sex-sorted semen. A total of 147 fall calving (September-November) crossbred beef cows from one location were randomized to one of four treatments: 1 and 4) 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol with administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and a CIDR insert on day 0, prostaglandin F2α (PGF) at CIDR removal on day 7, and FTAI occurring 66 h (Treatment 1) or 74 h (Treatment 4) later; 2 and 3) 6-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol with administration of GnRH and CIDR insert on day 0, prostaglandin F2α (PGF) at CIDR removal on day 6, and FTAI occurring 72 h (Treatment 2) or 80 h (Treatment 3) later. Sex-sorted semen from Angus sires was used for AI. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasound 40 days after AI. Pregnancy rate was analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with CIDR and AI service time as fixed effects. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the number of pregnant and open cows in each treatment using the FREQ procedure of SAS. There was no difference (P = 0.78) in pregnancy rates between 6-d CIDR (0.59 ± 0.05%) and 7 d CIDR (0.57 ± 0.05%) protocols. Cattle bred a shorter period after CIDR removal (0.64 ± 0.05%) had numerically (P = 0.11) greater pregnancy rates compared to those with a longer period after CIDR removal (0.51 ± 0.05%). There was no difference in the number of pregnant and open cows between treatment groups. These data suggest that using a 6-day or 7-day protocol, regardless of breeding time, results in similar conception rates.


2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 118 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Veneranda ◽  
L. Filippi ◽  
D. Racca ◽  
G. Romero ◽  
E. Balla ◽  
...  

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of different treatments for the synchronization of ovulation on pregnancy rates following fixed-time AI (FTAI) of lactating dairy cows. In Experiment 1, 394 Holstein cows that were 61.7 � 13.6 days postpartum (range 35 to 94 days), with a milk yield of 30.7 � 6.8 liters per day (range 12.0 to 52.4 liters) and a body condition score (BCS) between 2.5 to 3.5 out of 5, were used. Cows were blocked by days postpartum and milk yield and randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Cows in P4+EB treatment groups received an intravaginal DIB device (1 g P4; Syntex, Argentina) and 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB; Syntex) i.m. on Day 0. On Day 8, DIB devices were removed, and cows received PGF (150 �g D+cloprostenol: Ciclase; Syntex), and were subdivided to receive 400 IU eCG (Novormon 5000, Syntex) i.m. or no further treatment at that time. On Day 9, all cows received 1 mg of EB and were FTAI 60 h after DIB removal. Cows in P4-Synch groups received a DIB device and 50 �g of GnRH (Lecirelina, Gonasyn; Syntex) i.m. on Day 0. On Day 7, DIB devices were removed; cows received PGF and were divided to receive 400 IU eCG i.m. or no further treatment. On Day 9, all cows received a second GnRH treatment and were FTAI 60 h after DIB removal. Blood samples were taken on Days -10 and 0 to determine plasma P4 concentrations; 93% of the cows had >1 ng/mL P4 in at least one sample. In Experiment 2, 200 lactating cows from the same farm were treated with the P4+EB+eCG and P4-Synch without eCG treatments with either a DIB or a CIDR-B (1.9 g P4; Pfizer Animal Health, Groton, CT, USA) in a 2 � 2 factorial design. Cows were examined by rectal palpation 50 days after FTAI to determine pregnancy status, and data were analyzed by chi-square Mantel-Haenszel test. There was an EB/GnRH by eCG interaction (P < 0.05) which was attributed to a higher pregnancy rate in the P4+EB+eCG group (44/98; 44.9%) than in the P4+EB without eCG group (30/100; 30.0%) and P4-Synch+eCG group (30/98; 30.6%); the P4-Synch without eCG group had an intermediate pregnancy rate that did not differ from the other treatment groups (37/98; 38.8%). In Experiment 2, no significant differences (P = 0.40) in pregnancy rates were detected between cows treated with DIB (51/100; 51.0%) or CIDR-B (42/100; 42.0%), and there was no difference (P = 0.18) between P4+EB+eCG (52/100; 52.0%) and P4-Synch without eCG (41/100; 41.0%) treated groups. Results suggest that the addition of eCG will improve pregnancy rates following FTAI in lactating dairy cows treated with EB but not in those treated with GnRH at the time of insertion and after removal of a P4 releasing device. Although treatment with P4+EB+eCG resulted in numerically higher pregnancy rates, results were not different from those obtained in the GnRH-based treatment, without the addition of eCG.


2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 156
Author(s):  
L. R. Gentry ◽  
R. W. Walker ◽  
J. Lambe-Steinmiller ◽  
R. A. Godke ◽  
G. T. Gentry

Heritability of reproductive traits is relatively low, leaving only management strategies as an alternative to affect reproductive efficiency in beef cattle. The use of assisted reproductive technologies such as fixed-timed AI (FTAI) offers the ability to increase reproductive efficiency through selection of superior genetics and manipulation of calving dates through estrous-synchronization protocols. Application of these technologies has not been fully embraced by cattlemen due to variation in success rate, primarily associated with the apparent lack of control of follicular waves. While it has been reported that an endogenous increase in FSH precedes the emergence of follicular waves in cattle, we could find no reports on the effects of exogenous FSH on FTAI pregnancy rates. Artificial insemination remains the most important reproductive technology that could positively affect cattlemen. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that incorporation of FSH into the CO-Synch synchronization protocol would increase FTAI pregnancy rates in beef cattle. Crossbred beef cows (n = 182) with a mean body weight (BW) of 596 ± 6.6 kg and mean body condition score (BCS) of 5.4 ± 0.07 from 3 different locations were stratified across treatment groups by BW, BCS, and days postpartum or cyclicity status based on plasma progesterone concentrations. Females were estrus synchronized using the 7-day CO-Synch+CIDR protocol. All females received a CIDR insert and 100 µg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; Factrel) on Day 0, followed by CIDR removal, 25 mg of prostaglandin (Lutalyse) IM and fitted with an estrus-detection patch (Estrotect) on Day 7. On Day 2, all females (n = 92) in the FSH treatment group were administered 20 mg of FSH (Folltropin) IM and the remaining females (n = 90) served as nontreated controls. Fixed-timed AI was performed at 72 h following CIDR removal when all females were administered 100 µg of GnRH and the estrus-detection patch was evaluated. The overall FTAI pregnancy rate was 55% (100/182) and there was no difference (P = 0.41) in pregnancy rates across locations so the data were pooled and reanalyzed. Pregnancy rates were not affected (P = 0.54) by treatment group and were 52% (48/92) for the FSH-treated females and 58% (52/90) for the nontreated control group. Similarly, based on evaluation of the estrus-detection patch, there was no difference (P = 0.68) in the percentage of females responding to the synchronization protocol [61% (55/92) v. 68% (61/90)] and no difference (P = 0.55) in the pregnancy rate of responding females [62% (34/55) v. 69% (42/61)] for the FSH-treated and nontreated control groups, respectively. In conclusion, administration of FSH 10 days prior to FTAI in CO-Synch+CIDR synchronized crossbred beef cows did not increase subsequent pregnancy rates. However, exogenous FSH administration should be evaluated further to determine its effects, if any, on follicular dynamics related to FTAI in the lactating beef cow.


2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 105 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Kesler ◽  
D. B. Faulkner ◽  
F. A. Ireland ◽  
J. Dahlquist ◽  
S. Z. El-Zarkouny ◽  
...  

Improving AI pregnancy rates in beef cattle will enhance the profitability of beef herds during these current times of increasing cost inputs by enhancing the quality of the calf crop. This experiment was aimed at determining the effect of calf removal (from CIDR removal to timed AI) during estrous cycle synchronization on AI pregnancy rates. This experiment was conduced at the Dixon Springs Research Station (Simpson, IL) during the fall 2007 breeding season. The beef cows used for this research project were crossbred Angus cows between 2 and 8 years of age that had calved in August to October of 2007. Cows were at least 45 days postpartum at the timed AI (November 2007). All cows were randomly divided into 1 of 2 treatment groups: cows in treatment group 1 (control group, n = 284) were allowed to keep their calves for the entire estrous cycle synchronization and AI program (except during brief times of treatment administration), whereas cows allotted to treatment group 2 (n = 258) had their calves removed at the time of CIDR implant removal/PGF2α treatment and returned following AI. The calves were maintained on creep feed out of sight and sound of their dams. All cows were synchronized by using the CO-Synch + CIDR protocol [CIDR (1.38 g) + GnRH (100 μg) on Day 0 and CIDR removal on Day 7 + PGF2α (25 mg)] and were inseminated at a predetermined time of 60 to 66 h post PGF2α with semen from proven bulls. At AI, cows also received an injection of GnRH (100 μg). All cows were pregnancy checked 50 to 65 days after timed AI via ultrasonography. Statistical comparisons were performed by using the chi-square test of SAS. The pregnancy rate for cows in the control treatment group was 47% (132 of 284) and was 57% (147 of 258) for the calf-removal treatment group. There was a significant increase in pregnancy rate in the treatment group (P < 0.02) that resulted in 10 more calves per 100 synchronized AI breedings. Although excellent facilities are needed to maintain calves away from their dams during this 60 to 66 h and there are additional costs for the feedings required for the calves, there is a savings in time (one calf separation from the cow is eliminated). In conclusion, removing the calves at the onset of estrous cycle synchronization can improve pregnancy rates to synchronized timed AI and can increase the ease of cattle handling during this process by reducing the number of calf removals during routine cow workings. Table 1.Pregnancy rates to single synchronized timed AI for control and calf removal treatment groups


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 96 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. de la Mata ◽  
M. Ré ◽  
G. A. Bó

Studies have shown that gonadotropin-releasing hormone-based protocols that reduce the period of progestin insertion and prolong the period from progestin removal to gonadotropin-releasing hormone and fixed-time AI (FTAI; named 5-day Co-Synch) results in similar or higher pregnancy rates than the conventional 7-day Co-Synch protocol in beef cows and heifers (Bridges et al. 2008 Theriogenology 69, 843–851). Similar findings have been reported following the use of an oestradiol-based protocol that also provides for a longer period of proestrus (named J-Synch; de la Mata and Bó 2012 Taurus 55, 17–23). An experiment was designed to compare the J-Synch protocol for synchronization of ovulation that allows for a prolonged proestrus with a conventional 7-day oestradiol-based protocol for FTAI in heifers. Cycling 18-month old Angus and Hereford heifers (n = 208) with a body condition score of 6 to 7 (scale of 1 to 9) were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups. Heifers in the 7-day EB group (n = 105) received a progesterone (P4) device (DIB 0.5 g of P4, Syntex SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina) and 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate (EB, Syntex SA) on Day 0 and 500 μg of cloprostenol (PGF; Ciclase DL, Syntex SA) and 0.5 mg oestradiol cypionate (Cipiosyn, Syntex SA) on the day of DIB removal (Day 7). Heifers were also tail painted at the time of DIB removal and observed for signs of oestrus (i.e. tail paint rubbed off). Those with the tail paint rubbed off by 36 h after DIB removal were inseminated 12 h later, whereas those not showing oestrus by 36 h were FTAI at 54 h. Heifers in the J-Synch group (n = 103) received DIB and 2 mg of EB on Day 0 and PGF on the day of DIB removal (Day 6). Heifers in this group were also tail painted at DIB removal, and those with their tail paint rubbed off by 48 h were inseminated 12 h later; those not showing oestrus by 60 h received 100 μg of gonadorelin acetate (gonadotropin-releasing hormone, Gonasyn gdr, Syntex SA) and were FTAI at 72 h after DIB removal. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography at 55 days after FTAI (Honda 101V, 5.0-MHz transducer). Data were analysed by logistic regression. Oestrus detection rate and pregnancy rate to FTAI did not differ (P > 0.1) between groups (38.8%, 40/103 and 60.3%, 38/ 63 for heifers in the J-Synch group v. 28.5%, 30/105 and 45.3%, 34/75 for those in the 7-day EB group). However, pregnancy rates to observed oestrus tended (P < 0.09) to be higher and the overall pregnancy rate was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in heifers in the J-Synch group (80.0%, 32/40 and 67.9%, 70 /103) compared with those in 7-day EB group (50%, 15/30 and 46.6%, 49/105). Furthermore, heifers within the J-Synch group that had their tail paint rubbed off by 48 h after DIB removal and were AI 12 h later (i.e. 60 h) had higher (P < 0.05) pregnancy rate than those in the same group that were FTAI. In conclusion, reducing the time of progestin device insertion and lengthening the proestrus period, as in the J-Synch protocol, results in higher pregnancy rates than with the conventional oestradiol-based protocol. Furthermore, the combination of oestrus detection and FTAI would appear to improve the pregnancy outcome even more.


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
J. K. Jeong ◽  
H. G. Kang ◽  
I. H. Kim

This study determined the effect of supplementation with oestradiol or oestradiol plus GnRH after PGF2α administration on pregnancy rates after timed artificial insemination (TAI) in dairy cows. Three hundred and six Holstein dairy cows with corpus luteum confirmed by ultrasonography (Tringa Linear with 5.0 MHz array transducer; Esaote Pie Medical, Maastricht, the Netherlands) were randomly allocated to three treatments: a single injection of 500 μg of cloprostenol, PGF2α analogue (Estrumate, Schering-Plough Animal Health, Friesoythe, Germany; PGF2α group, n = 115) designated as 0 h, an injection of 500 μg of cloprostenol and an injection of 1 mg of oestradiol benzoate (EB, SY Esrone; Samyang, Seoul, Korea) 56 h later (PGF2α + EB group, n = 114), or the same treatment as in the PGF2α + EB group and an additional injection of 100 μg of gonadorelin, GnRH analogue (Godorel, Uni-Biotech Co., Ltd., Korea) 24 h later (PGF2α + EB + GnRH group, n = 77). All cows in each group received TAI 80 h after the PGF2α injection. Pregnancy was determined at 40 to 50 days after TAI by using both ultrasonography and rectal palpation. Pregnancy rate among groups were compared by the chi-square test using the SAS program (version 9.1: SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Pregnancy rate following TAI were higher (P < 0.05) in the PGF2α + EB + GnRH group (34/77, 44.2%) than in the PGF2α group (31/115, 27.0%), with the PGF2α + EB group intermediate (39/114, 34.2%). In conclusion, the supplementation with oestradiol plus GnRH after PGF2α administration improved pregnancy rate after TAI in dairy cows. This work was supported by the research grant of the Chungbuk National University in 2011.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 132
Author(s):  
A. Bover ◽  
J. Casellas ◽  
T. Mogas

Timed AI (TAI) programs have been developed to increase the service risk. However, when Ovsynch is used as a synchronization protocol, lack of regression of the corpus luteum after prostaglandin F2α (PGF) administration has been demonstrated, leading to reductions in fertility. In this way, a second PGF administration might increase the frequency of achieving complete luteolysis. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an additional treatment with PGF on fertility when an Ovsynch synchronization protocol was applied at different postpartum intervals. Multiparous high-production dairy cows (n=471) of a commercial farm were stratified by postpartum intervals [&lt;120 (n=136), 120-150 (n=131), 150-180 (n=92), 180-210 (n=52), and &gt;210 days (n=60)] and randomly allocated to receive either the Ovsynch (n=108) or Ovsynch with second PGF protocol (n=243). Cows inseminated 12h after observed heat detection (AI) served as a control (n=120). The Ovsynch protocol consisted of an injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (100 µg; Fertagyl®, Intervet, Millsboro, MD, USA) on Day 0, an injection of PGF (0.5 mg; Estrumate®, Schering-Plough Animal Health, Montréal, QC, Canada) on Day 7, another injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (100µg) on Day 9, and timed insemination on Day 10. The Ovsynch with second PGF protocol consisted of the same hormone injection schedule as the Ovsynch protocol, but a second injection of PGF (0.5 mg; Estrumate®) was administered 24h after the first PGF. Data were analysed using the chi-square test. The level of significance was taken as P&lt;0.05. When data were pooled at 120 to 150 days of postpartum interval, pregnancy rate was higher, but not significantly different (P&gt;0.05), for cows that received the Ovsynch (37.5%, n=32) or Ovsynch with second PGF protocol (33.8%, n=77) compared to nonsynchronized cows (22.8%, n=22). After 180 days of postpartum interval, Ovsynch with second PGF protocol triggered pregnancy rates similar to those of nonsynchronized cows (33.3%, n=21 and 28.6%, n=14), whereas the Ovsynch protocol resulted in lower percentages (11.8%, n=17; P&gt;0.05). Similar pregnancy rates (P&gt;0.05) were observed when TAI protocols were administered before 120 days (26.5 and 30.2% for Ovsynch and Ovsynch with second PGF, respectively) or between 150 and 180 postpartum days (31.8 and 33.9% for Ovsynch and Ovsynch with second PGF, respectively) compared with AI cows (25.7 and 28.8% for &lt;120 days and between 150 and 180 postpartum days, respectively). These preliminary results showed a tendency of a better pregnancy rate when both TAI synchronization protocols were applied between 120 and 150 postpartum days when compared with AI. Also, the application of a second dose of PGF seems recommendable when the Ovsynch protocol is used to synchronize cows of &gt;180 postpartum days. Ongoing research will allow an increase in the number of the samples in each postpartum interval in order to confirm these results.


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 132 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.W. Rorie ◽  
C.F. Rosenkrans ◽  
A.J. Aishman

Treatment of superovulated cows with bovine somatotropin (bST) at the time of insemination has been reported to decrease the number of unfertilized oocytes, while increasing the development rate and morphological quality of embryos (Thatcher WW et al., 2001 Theriogenology 55, 75–89). These findings suggest that bST treatment might be used to improve pregnancy rates in inseminated cattle. The objective of this study was to further investigate the effects of bST (Posilac; Monsanto Co., St. Louis, MO, USA) treatment at or after insemination on subsequent pregnancy rate in diary heifers. Crossbred dairy heifers (n=73) between 14 to 15 months of age and averaging 331±3.6kg, were used for the study. Estrus was induced by a single or repeated (at 14-day intervals) injections of 25mg of PGF2α. Heifers were observed at least twice daily and artificially inseminated about 12h after detection of estrus. At estrus, heifers were randomly assigned across treatments. Treatments were bST (Posilac) injection (500mg, s.c.) at the time of insemination (Day 0), on Day 14, or both at insemination and on Day 14. Untreated animals served as controls. On Day 45 after estrus, ultrasonography was used to determine pregnancy status and measure fetal-crown rump length. Chi-square analysis was used to evaluate the effect of treatment on pregnancy rate. Analysis of variance was used to compare fetal crown-rump length among treatments. Results are presented in the table below. Treatment of heifers with bST at insemination had no effect (P=0.306) on pregnancy rate when compared with the control group. However, bST treatment on Day 14, or on both Days 0 and 14, reduced (P=0.009)pregnancy rate, when compared with the control and Day 0 bST treatment groups. Pregnancy rate was similar (P=0.729) for heifers receiving bST on Day 14v. Days 0 and 14. Fetal growth, as measured by crown-rump length, was unaffected by treatment (P=0.603). Results indicate the timing of bST treatment after the onset of estrus can influence the subsequent pregnancy rate in dairy heifers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 22-30
Author(s):  
A K Paul ◽  
S M T Rahman

Hormonal treatment of cows at the coastal region of Barisal district of Bangladesh was performed to assess the improvement of pregnancy rate. A total of 100 cows and heifers with irregular history of cyclicity were selected randomly and divided into five treatment groups. The groups were A (treated with anthelmintic), B (treated with anthelmintic, vitamin ADE and multivitamin powder), C (treated with PGF2α), D (treated with GnRH) and E (treated with GnRH and PGF2α). Each group comprised of 20 animals. The age, breed and parity of experimental cows were considered during treatment. In the study, the cows treated with both GnRH and PGF2α (group E) showed significantly (p<0.05) higher estrus (80%) and pregnancy rate (60%) than that of group A, B, C and D. The overall estrus rates of local and crossbred cows were 64% and 70%, respectively and the pregnancy rates were 40 and 52%, respectively. The crossbred cows responded significantly (p<0.05) to hormonal treatment than that of local cows. Parity-2 cows showed higher estrus sign than that of other parities. However, the pregnancy rates were higher significantly (p<0.05) in parity-2 and parity ≥4 cows than that of parity-0, parity-1 and parity-3 cows. The pregnancy rate was also found higher in case of 4 to <5 years old cows than that of 2 to <3, 3 to <4, 5 to <6, and ≥6 years old. It may conclude that the hormonal regimen increases the pregnancy rate as well as decreases the undesired waiting of estrus and conception. Further study with more sample size will reveal the more effective treatment for cows at the coastal areas of Bangladesh.


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