8 COMBINATION OF OESTRUS DETECTION AND FIXED-TIME ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN BEEF HEIFERS FOLLOWING A SHORTENED OESTRADIOL-BASED PROTOCOL THAT PROVIDES FOR A LENGTHENED PROESTRUS

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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 160
Author(s):  
A. Tribulo ◽  
A. Cedeño ◽  
B. Bernal ◽  
S. Andrada ◽  
J. L. Barajas ◽  
...  

A retrospective analysis evaluated pregnancy rates and embryo losses with in vitro-produced embryos in a commercial embryo transfer program on 15 different beef farms. Recipients were beef cows and heifers (n = 1841) that were synchronized with 5 different protocols and transferred at a fixed-time (FTET). Recipients were examined by ultrasonography on Day 0, and those with a corpus luteum (CL) or a follicle ≥8 mm in diameter and with body condition score 2 to 4 (1 to 5 scale) were synchronized. The synchronization treatments were as follows. (T1) Recipients received an intravaginal device with 0.5 g of progesterone plus 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate on Day 0; device removal, plus 500 μg of cloprostenol (prostaglandin F2α), 400 IU of eCG, and 0.5 mg of oestradiol cypionate on Day 8; and FTET on Day 17. (T2) This treatment was similar to T1 but 1 mg of oestradiol cypionate was injected at device removal instead of 0.5 mg of oestradiol cypionate. (T3) This treatment was similar to T1 except that animals were tail-painted on Day 8 and observed on Day 10. Those with the tail-paint intact on Day 10 received 100 μg of gonadorelin (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) and all recipients were FTET on Day 17. (T4) Recipients received a progesterone device on Day 0; device removal, prostaglandin F2α, and eCG on Day 5; gonadotropin-releasing hormone on Day 8; and FTET on Day 15. (T5) Recipients received a progesterone device and 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate on Day 0; device removal, prostaglandin F2α, and eCG on Day 6; gonadotropin-releasing hormone on Day 9; and FTET on Day 16. On the day of FTET all recipients with CL ≥18 mm in diameter (G1), ≥16 and <18 mm in diameter (G2), and ≥14 mm and <16 mm in diameter (G3) received in vitro-produced fresh embryos. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography at 30 and 60 days of gestation, and data were analysed by logistic regression. The overall proportion of recipients synchronized that were FTET was 80.8% (1487/1841), with a 30-day pregnancy rate to FTET (P/FTET) of 45.6% (678/1487) and the rate of 30- to 60-day embryo/fetal loses on the 528 recipients that were re-checked at 60 days was 12.8% (68/528). There were no significant differences in P/FTET among operators, animal category, time of the year, embryo stage, or body condition score; however, there was a significant effect of farm (P < 0.001) and CL diameter (P < 0.05), but no interaction between CL diameter and farm or treatment (P > 0.1). Recipients with G1 (443/953, 46%) and G2 (221/462, 47%) CL had higher pregnancy rates than those with G3 CL (23/71, 32%). There was a significant effect of synchronization treatment on the proportion of recipients transferred and on P/FTET (P < 0.01) that was highly influenced by farm (farm by treatment interaction P < 0.01). The proportions of recipients selected for embryo transfer were as follows: T1: 386/486, 79.4%; T2: 233/331, 70.3%; T3: 342/377, 90.7%; T4: 126/160, 78.7%; and T5: 400/487, 82.1%. The P/FTET were as follows: T1: 190/386, 49.2%; T2: 96/233, 41.2%; T3: 175/342, 51.1%; T4: 49/126, 38.8%; and T5: 168/400, 42.0%. Although 30- to 60-day embryo/fetal losses were not influenced by synchronization treatments, they were highly influenced by farm (P < 0.001) and ranged from 0 to 34.5%. In conclusion, P/FTET in a commercial program with beef in vitro-produced embryos was influenced by factors related to the recipient (CL diameter) and the environment (farm), whereas embryo/fetal losses were influenced by farm but not treatment or recipient factors.



2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.A Bo ◽  
L. Cutaia ◽  
P. Chesta ◽  
D. Moreno

Treatments with progesterone (P4) releasing devices and estradiol benzoate (EB) have been extensively used in fixed-time AI (FTAI) programs in beef cattle. However, pregnancy rates in postpartum cows kept on pasture often have been lower than expected because of poor body condition score (BCS) and a high incidence of anestrous. A recent study (Cutaia L et al., 2003 Theriogenology 59, 216) suggested that the addition of eCG to a P4/EB FTAI program may improve pregnancy rates in cows with fair to poor BCS, but results were not conclusive. Therefore, this experiment was designed to further investigate the effect of eCG treatment on pregnancy rates in postpartum beef cows in those conditions. The experiment was performed at 2 locations with lactating Angus cows (n=93), 60 to 90d postpartum with a BCS 1.9 (1 to 5 scale; Location 1), and crossbred Zebu cows (n=290), 60 to 90d postpartum with a BCS 2.0 (Location 2). In each Location, cows were randomly allocated to 1 of the following treatment groups: Control, eCG Day6, or eCG Day8. All cows received a P4 intravaginal device (DIB, Syntex, Argentina) and 2mg EB i.m. (Syntex) on Day0, 500mg cloprostenol (Estroplan, Syntex) at the time of DIB removal (Day8), 1mg EB i.m. on Day9 and FTAI 52 to 56h after DIB removal. Cows in the Control group received no further treatment, whereas cows in the eCG-treated groups received 400 IU eCG (Novormon 5000, Syntex) on Day6 or Day8. Cows were examined on Day0 by rectal palpation (Location 1) or by ultrasonography (US; Location 2) and were classified as those with a CL or without a CL, with either large (&gt;8mm) or small (&lt;8mm)small follicles. Pregnancy was determined by US 45d after FTAI. Data were analyzed by logistic regression and the effects of location, treatment, ovarian status, AI technician and semen were considered in the model. There was no effect of location (P=0.3), AI technician (P=0.2) or semen (P=0.8) on pregnancy rates. However, there was an effect of treatment (P=0.02), attributed to higher pregnancy rates in the eCG Groups than in the Control Group (Table). Furthermore, cows with a CL or without a CL but with large follicles on Day 0 had higher pregnancy rates than those with small follicles (P=0.04). It was concluded that the use of eCG in a P4/EB FTAI program improved pregnancy rates in postpartum beef cows that were in fair topoor BCS.



2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Cedeño ◽  
A. Tribulo ◽  
S. Andrada ◽  
J. L. Barajas ◽  
J. Fonseca ◽  
...  

An experiment was designed to evaluate whether expression of oestrus in recipients synchronized with progesterone devices and oestradiol affects pregnancy rates to a fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET). A secondary objective was to determine whether administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to those recipients not showing oestrus by 48 h after device removal had an effect on pregnancy rates. Mature, non-lactating beef recipients (Bonsmara, Brangus, and Braford; n = 729), with a corpus luteum (CL) or a follicle ≥8 mm in diameter detected by ultrasonography (Mindray DP 30, Shenzhen, China) and body condition score 2 to 4 (1 to 5 scale) were synchronized in 7 replicates. On Day 0, recipients received a progesterone device (DIB 0.5 g, Zoetis, Buenos Aires, Argentina) and 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate (Gonadiol, Zoetis). On Day 8, DIB were removed and recipients received 400 IU eCG (Novormon 5000, Zoetis) plus 0.5 mg of oestradiol cypionate (Cipiosyn, Zoetis) and 500 μg of cloprostenol (Cyclase, Zoetis). In addition, all cows were tail-painted on the sacrococcygeal area (CeloTest, Biotay, Buenos Aires, Argentina) at DIB removal and were observed to determine the expression of oestrus, according to the percentage of paint loss 48 h later. The animals that showed oestrus (paint loss >30%) were recorded, and those with paint loss ≤30% (not in oestrus) were randomly allocated to receive 100 μg of gonadorelin (GnRH; Gonasyn, Zoetis) or no treatment. On Day 17, all recipients were examined by ultrasonography and those with a CL ≥18 mm (G1), ≥16 and <18 mm (G2), or ≥14 and <16 mm (G3) in diameter received in vivo-produced frozen-thawed embryos by direct transfer or fresh in vitro-produced embryos. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography at 23 days after FTET, and data were analysed by logistic regression. There were no differences between replicates, in vivo- and in vitro-produced embryos, or operators (P > 0.2). However, the proportion of recipients transferred and pregnant (P/FTET) was higher (P < 0.05) for those that showed oestrus at 48 h after DIB removal (422/454, 93.0% and 227/471, 48.2%) than those that did not show oestrus (109/211, 51.7% and 45/120, 37.5%). Within the recipients not showing oestrus, P/FTET was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in those that received GnRH (34/74, 45.9%) than in those that did not receive GnRH (12/46, 26.1%). There was a significant interaction (P < 0.05) between CL diameter and expression of oestrus. When recipients had CL ≥18 mm in diameter (G1), P/FTET did not differ (oestrus: 164/338, 48.5% v. no oestrus 30/65, 46.2%); however, when CL diameter was <18 mm and ≥14 mm (G2 and G3), P/FTET was higher (P < 0.05) in those that showed oestrus (37/85, 43.5%) than in those that did not show oestrus (11/43, 25.6%). Finally, P/FTET was higher (P < 0.05) in recipients with a CL (268/573, 46.8%) on Day 0 than in those with follicles >8 mm in diameter (4/18, 22.2%). In conclusion, the expression of oestrus significantly affected the percentage of recipients selected for embryo transfer and P/FTET. Furthermore, treatment of recipients not showing oestrus by 48 h after DIB removal with GnRH at that time increased P/FTET.



2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 168 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Cutaia ◽  
M. Ramos ◽  
P. Chesta ◽  
G. A. Bó

An experiment was designed to test the following hypotheses: (1) the administration of 400IU of eCG (Novormón, Syntex SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina) 14 days after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) increases pregnancy rates in cross-breed Zebu × Bonsmara suckled cows synchronized with progesterone releasing devices (DIB 0.5, 0.5 g of progesterone, Syntex SA); and (2) pregnancy rates in cows treated with estradiol or GnRH, combined with a DIB device, are not different. Primiparous suckled cows (n = 260), between 60 and 120 days postpartum (DPP) and with a body condition score between 2.0 and 2.5 (1 to 5 scale) were used. At the beginning of the experiment (Day 0), all cows were examined by rectal palpation (only 11% had a CL), received a DIB device, and were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatment groups. Cows in the E2 group received 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) intramuscularly (i.m.) at DIB insertion and those in the two GnRH groups received 100 μg of gonadorelin (GDR Gonasyn, Syntex SA) at the same time. On Day 7, DIB devices were removed and all cows received 500 μg of cloprostenol (Ciclase DL, Syntex SA) plus 400 IU of eCG (i.m.). Cows in the E2 group received 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate (ECP, Cipiosyn, Syntex SA) and underwent FTAI administered by one technician, using semen from 1 of 2 bulls between 52 and 56 h later. Cows in the GnRH groups received a dose of 100 μg of gonadorelin (full GnRH group) or 50 μg of gonadorelin (1/2 GnRH group) at the time of the FTAI (52 to 56 h after DIB removal). Fourteen days after FTAI cows in the 3 groups were further subdivided (3 × 2 factorial) to receive or not 400 IU of eCG i.m. Pregnancy was determined 30 days after FTAI using real-time ultrasonography. Data were analyzed by logistic regression, taking into account the effect of the synchronization treatment, eCG or noteCG, 14 days after FTAI and sire used. No differences in pregnancy rates were found (P = 0.16) among treatment groups (E2: 39/87, 43.7%, full GnRH: 38/92, 41.3%, and 1/2 GnRH: 25/81, 30.9%). However, there was a significant (P = 0.02) effect of eCG treatment 14 days after FTAI (eCG: 60/127, 47.2% v. no eCG: 41/133, 30.8%). Furthermore, bull A (77/155, 47.1%) resulted in higher pregnancy rate (P = 0.009) than bull B (28/107, 26.2%), but there were no significant interactions between bull and synchronization treatment or eCG administration 14 days after FTAI (P > 0.1). We conclude that the application of 400 IU of eCG 14 days after FTAI increases pregnancy rates in suckled Bos taurus × Bos indicus primiparous cows with fair to poor body condition score synchronized with progesterone releasing devices. Furthermore, the use of estradiol ester or GnRH at DIB insertion and removal did not affect pregnancy rates.



Author(s):  
Abubakr O. Ismail ◽  
◽  
Erneo B. Ochi ◽  
Ambrose S. Jubara ◽  
Bakri Ahmed A/Rahim ◽  
...  

A comparative hormonal study of prostaglandin, gonadotropin releasing hormone and their combination was conducted on 30 randomly selected cross-bred dairy cows of SEMEX project for artificial insemination in Hillat Kuku, Khartoum North, Sudan. The study attempts to determine the response of the animals to hormonal induction and synchronization of estrous as well as fertility following fixed time artificial insemination. Three treatment groups of 10 cows each were undertaken. Groups 1, 2 and 3 involved administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and a combination of PGF2α + GnRH, respectively. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. The results revealed that all the three protocols induced and synchronized estrous were almost synchronous in all the treated groups. However, protocol 3 revealed a significantly (p<0.05) better result of 70% pregnancy rate compared to other two protocols that equally provided 50% pregnancy rates. The study resolves that protocol 3 be highly recommended to change the mindset of farmers about the spread of reproductive technology in Sudan. Protocols 1 and 2 provided acceptable pregnancy rates that can be enhanced with the improvement of management.



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.



2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 177 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ramos ◽  
L. Cutaia ◽  
P. Chesta ◽  
G. A. Bó

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of the timing of fixed-time AI (FTAI) in relation to the removal of an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (1 g of progesterone, DIB, Syntex SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina) on pregnancy rates in Bos indicus × Bos taurus cross-bred heifers. In experiment 1, 285 Bonsmara × zebu cross-bred heifers, between 18 and 24 months of age and with a body condition score (BCS) between 3.0 and 3.5 (1-5 scale) were used. On the day of initiation of treatment (Day 0), the heifers’ ovaries were palpated (92% of them had a CL) and they received a new DIB plus 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB; Syntex SA) and 250 μg of cloprostenol (Ciclase DL, Syntex SA). On Day 8, DIB devices were removed and all heifers received 250 μg of Ciclase plus 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate (ECP; Cipiosyn, Syntex SA). At that time the heifers were randomly divided to receive FTAI between 48 to 49 h, 53 to 54 h, or 58 to 59 h after DIB removal. The heifers underwent FTAI with semen from 4 bulls by 2 inseminators. In experiment 2, 260 heifers from the same group as those used in experiment 1 (87% with a CL) were treated exactly as those in experiment 1, except that previously used DIB was inserted on Day 0. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 days post-fixed-time AI by ultrasonography. The data were analyzed by logistic regression, taking into account the effect of time of FTAI, semen, and inseminator on pregnancy rates. In experiment 1, pregnancy rates were lower (P = 0.04) in the heifers undergoing FTAI between 48 and 49 h after DIB removal (46/95, 48.4%) than those undergoing FTAI 53 to 54 h (61/99, 61.6%) or 58 to 60 h (57/91, 62.6%) after DIB removal. However, no differences in pregnancy rates were found (P = 0.72) in experiment 2 between the 3 treatment groups, with 39/91 (42.9%) for the 48 to 49 h group, 45/89 (50.6%) for the 53 to 54 h group, and 35/89 (43.8%) for the 58 to 59 h group. There was no effect of the semen or inseminator (P > 0.2) in either experiment. We conclude that when Bos indicus × Bos taurus beef heifers are synchronized with new DIB devices and ECP, higher pregnancy rates are obtained in heifers undergoing FTAI late (between 53 to 60 h after DIB removal) than in those undergoing FTAI early (48 to 49 h after DIB removal). However, time of insemination does not apparently affect pregnancy rates when Bos indicus × Bos taurus beef heifers are synchronized with previously used DIB devices and ECP.



2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Bó ◽  
A. Cedeño ◽  
A. Tribulo ◽  
S. Andrada ◽  
R. Tribulo ◽  
...  

We have previously shown that expression of oestrus significantly influences the time of ovulation and pregnancy rates to timed-AI (P/TAI) in beef cattle synchronized with progesterone devices and oestradiol (Bó et al. 2016 Theriogenology 86, 388–396). Furthermore, delaying TAI from 48 h to 54–58 h after device removal improved P/TAI of those animals not showing oestrus by 48 h. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the administration of GnRH to those animals not showing oestrus by 48 h after device removal had an impact on P/TAI. Non-lactating and suckled beef cows and heifers (Bonsmara, Brangus, and Braford; n = 868), with a corpus luteum (CL) or a follicle ≥8 mm in diameter detected by ultrasonography (Mindray DP 30 Vet, 7.5 MHz, China) and body condition score 2 to 4 (1 to 5 scale) were synchronized in 3 replicates. On Day 0, animals received a progesterone device (DIB 0.5 g, Zoetis, Argentina) and 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate (Von Franken, Argentina). On Day 8, DIB were removed and cows received 0.150 mg of D+cloprostenol (Río de Janeiro, Argentina) plus 0.5 mg oestradiol cypionate (Cipiosyn, Zoetis). In addition, all cows were tail-painted on the sacrococcygeal area (CeloTest, Biotay, Argentina) at DIB removal and were observed to determine the expression of oestrus, according to the percentage of paint loss (PL) 48 h later. The animals that showed oestrus (PL > 30%) were recorded and TAI at that time while those with PL ≤ 30% (not in oestrus) were randomly allocated to receive 100 μg of gonadorelin (GnRH; Gonasyn, Zoetis) or no treatment and TAI between 54 to 58 h after DIB removal. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography at 45 days after TAI, and data were analysed by logistic regression. There were no significant differences among replicates, inseminators, semen source or animal class (dry cows, suckled cows or heifers; P > 0.11). However, animals showing oestrus by 48 h after DIB removal had higher P/TAI (371/666; 55.7; P < 0.04) than those that did not show oestrus (96/202; 47.5%). Within animals not showing oestrus at 48 h, those that were in oestrus by the TAI at 54 to 58 h had higher P/TAI (71/124, 57.3%; P < 0.01) than those that did not show oestrus within that period (27/78; 34.6%). In addition, P/TAI was higher (P < 0.01) in animals that received GnRH (66/113; 58.4%) than in those that did not receive GnRH (30/89; 33.7%). In conclusion, the expression of oestrus significantly affected P/TAI in beef cattle synchronized with progesterone devices and oestradiol. Furthermore, treatment of animals not showing oestrus by 48 h after DIB removal with GnRH resulted in improved P/TAI performed 6 to 10 h later.



2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (10) ◽  
pp. 1219-1221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Augusto Schneider ◽  
Luiz Francisco Machado Pfeifer ◽  
Eduardo Schmitt ◽  
Ivan Bianchi ◽  
Marcelo Brandi Vieira ◽  
...  

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of insulin alone or in association with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) on the fertility of postpartum beef cows subjected to synchronization. A total of 340 cows was subjected to fixed time artificial insemination. In the trial 1, the cows were subjected to temporary weaning (TW), while in the trial 2 the same protocol was tested without TW. The addition of an insulin injection to a progesterone/eCG-based protocol without TW increased the pregnancy rate of beef cows with body condition score (BCS) equal to or lower than 2.5. Insulin had no effect on cows submitted to TW or with BCS equal to or higher than 3.0.



2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 224
Author(s):  
L. C. Peres ◽  
D. Pincinato ◽  
L. Cutaia ◽  
R. Tribulo ◽  
G. A. Bo

An experiment was designed to evaluate alternative treatment protocols for fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) in recipients in order to reduce cattle handling. Non-lactating, cycling Bos taurus � Bos indicus beef cows (n = 918), with a body condition score (BCS) of 2.5 to 3.5 out of 5, received a progesterone-releasing device (DIB; Syntex, Buenos Aires, Argentina) and 2 mg estradiol benzoate (EB; Syntex) IM on random days of the cycle (Day 0); DIB were removed on Day 8. Cows were placed randomly into 6 treatment groups in a 3 � 2 factorial design. The factors evaluated were time of administration of PGF and eCG [control treatment: PGF Day 5 and eCG Day 5 (Bo et al. 2002 Theriogenology 57, 53–72); PGF Days 0 and 8 and eCG Day 5; PGF Days 0 and 8 and eCG Day 8] and the time of administration of the second injection of EB (at DIB removal or 24 h later). Therefore, cows in the control treatment received 150 �g of d-Cloprostenol (PGF, Ciclase; Syntex) and 400 IU eCG (Novormon; Syntex) on Day 5, whereas cows in the other 2 treatments received 75 �g of PGF on Days 0 and 8 and 400 IU eCG on either Day 5 or Day 8. Each treatment group was further subdivided to receive 1 mg EB IM on either Day 8 (EB Day 8) or Day 9 (EB Day 9). All recipients, whether observed in estrus or not and with more than one CL with luteal area (total CL area minus cavity area) &gt;76 mm2 on the day before embryo transfer, received frozen-thawed embryos (IETS Grade 1) on Day 16 (EB Day 8) or Day 17 (EB Day 9) by direct transfer. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography 30 days after FTET. Continuous data were analyzed by ANOVA and pregnancy rates were analyzed by logistic regression. No effects of body condition score or technician were detected (P &gt; 0.1). Although there were no differences in conception rates between recipients treated with EB on Day 8 or Day 9 (168/321, 52.3% vs. 203/350, 58.0%, respectively; P &gt; 0.1), treatment with EB on Day 8 resulted in fewer recipients selected/treated (321/460, 69.7% vs. 350/458, 76.4%; P &lt; 0.05) and pregnant/treated (168/460, 36.5% vs. 203/458, 44.3%; P &lt; 0.05) than 24 h later (EB Day 9), respectively. The mean interval from DIB removal to estrus was shorter (P &lt; 0.05) for recipients in the EB Day 8 (28.1 � 7.2 h) than in the EB Day 9 (43.5 � 9.4 h) group, and the mean (� SEM) CL area was also less in the EB Day 8 group than in the EB Day 9 group (261.7 � 96.7 vs. 293.1 � 114. mm2; P &lt; 0.05). The number of recipients selected/treated was higher in the group receiving PGF on Days 0 and 8 and eCG on Day 8 (243/305, 79.6%) than in the group receiving PGF on Days 0 and 8 and eCG on Day 5 (208/301, 69.1%) or the control group (220/312, 70.5%). Although the luteal area was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in the PGF on Days 0 and 8 and eCG on Day 5 group (304.4 � 127.1 mm2) than in the groups receiving PGF and eCG on Day 5 (274.6 � 98.6 mm2) or PGF on Days 0 and 8 and eCG Day 8 (258.4 � 90.2 mm2), pregnancy rates did not differ between PGF and eCG treatment groups (P &gt; 0.05). It was concluded that it may be possible to reduce animal handling by treating recipients with a half dose of PGF at the time of DIB insertion and removal, when eCG is also administered, without compromising pregnancy rates.



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