Use of Estradiol Cypionate to induce ovulation in buffalo raised in floodplain areas of Itacoatiara, Amazonas

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the efficiency of estradiol cypionate (EC) as an ovulation inducer in a Timed Artificial Insemination protocol. 69 buffalo cows received an intravaginal progesterone device and 2mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) at D0. On D9, the intravaginal device was removed and 0.53mg of prostaglandin (PGF2α) and 400UI of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) were applied. The cows were distributed into two groups: the first group received 1mg of EC (ECG) in D9, and the second group received 1mg of EB (EBG) in D10. Inseminations occurred on D11. Ovarian activity and pregnancy diagnosis were analyzed by ultrasonography. There was no difference (P>0.05) in follicular diameter (9.6 ± 0.89mm vs. 10.7 ± 1.12mm; P=0.06), in ovulation rate (90.9% vs. 90.9%; P=1) and pregnancy rate (58.8% vs. 62.9%; P=0.79), however, buffalo cows from the ECG treatment have less time between P4 removal and ovulation when compared to EBG buffalos (37.4h vs. 52.8h; P=0.001), respectively. Thus, it was concluded that the implantation of TAI in the floodplain of Amazonas is feasible and the use of EC results in successful rates, similar to EB.

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Comparison of estradiol benzoate and cypionate in Girolando cows submitted to a timed artificial insemination

Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science ◽

10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2019.155078 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 56 (3) ◽

pp. e155078

Author(s):

Otávia Reis Silva ◽

Marco Roberto Bourg de Mello ◽

Lara Nogueira Silenciato ◽

Joaquim Esquerdo Ferreira ◽

Samuel Rodrigues Bonamichi do Couto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Estradiol Benzoate ◽

Ovulation Rate ◽

Maximum Diameter ◽

Dominant Follicle ◽

Device Removal ◽

Timed Artificial Insemination ◽

The Moment ◽

Intravaginal Device

The various studies on the manipulation of the estrous cycle culminated in the development of estrous and ovulation synchronization protocols, to the point of defining an optimum moment for artificial insemination. The induction of ovulation is a primordial part for the determination of the moment of the TAI, so to study which hormones and how they behave allows a better understanding of this physiological process and, to manipulate it efficiently. The aim of the present study was to compare the use of estradiol benzoate (EB) and cypionate (ECP) as ovulation inducer in Girolando cows submitted to Timed Artificial Insemination (TAI). Ovulations of 108 Girolando cows were synchronized and the initial day of treatment, recorded as D0, which was when the animals received an intravaginal device containing 1g of progestogen and an intramuscular application (im) of 2mg of EB. After 8 days (D8), the device was removed and 500μg of cloprostenol (im) was administered to all females. Then, the animals were randomly divided into two treatments: BG Group (n = 52) and CG Group (n = 56). The CG animals received 1mg of ECP (im) as the ovulation inducer at the time of device removal, while BG Group cows received 1mg of EB (im) 24 h later (D9). TAI occurred at D10. After device removal, ultrasound evaluations were performed every 12 h up to ovulation. The following reproductive parameters were evaluated: interval from intravaginal device removal to ovulation - IDO (hours); interval from ovulation to TAI-IOT (hours); diameter of the largest follicle at intravaginal device removal (mm); maximum diameter of the DF (mm) at D10; the dominant follicle growth rate (mm/day); synchronization rate - SR (%); ovulation rate - OR (%) and PR - pregnancy rate (%). Only the ovulation rate presented a statistical difference (p<0.05). In conclusion, despite the ovulation rate difference, both estradiol esters administered were effective and presented similar pregnancy rates in Girolando cows submitted to TAI.

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13 USE OF A NEW INTRAVAGINAL DEVICE TO RELEASE PROGESTERONE IN FIXED-TIMED ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN NELLORE COWS (BOS TAURUS INDICUS)

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv22n1ab13 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 164

Author(s):

F. A. Braga ◽

F. J. D. Pardo ◽

P. H. Miguez ◽

A. Kehrle ◽

J. R. V. Pimentel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Estradiol Benzoate ◽

Sao Paulo ◽

Pregnancy Rates ◽

Control Group ◽

São Paulo ◽

Effect Of Treatment ◽

Intravaginal Device

Artificial insemination results can be improved using fixed-timed AI (FTAI). Currently, progesterone release devices, indispensable in FTAI procedures, such as DIB® (Schering-Plough, Kenilworth, NJ, USA), are made of silicone, a nonbiodegradable biocompatible polymer. Recently, biodegradable progesterone (P4)-releasing devices made of poly(3-hydroxy)butyrate-valerate copolymer (PHB-V) and poly-ϵ-caprolactona (PCL) have been developed. To investigate the efficiency on pregnancy rate of FTAI programs using a new intravaginal device made of PHB-V (Progestar®, Innovare, São Paulo, Brazil), 240 Nellore (Bos indicus) cows, between 3 and 8 years of age, were randomly assigned to 2 experiments. In experiment 1, new P4 devices DIB (control group, DIB1; n = 60) were compared with PHB-V (Progestar1; n = 76); in experiment 2, previously used DIB (DIB2; n = 52) and PHB-V (Progestar2; n = 52) devices were compared. All groups were treated with 2 mg of estradiol benzoate i.m. (Innovare) and received the intravaginal device according to group (Day 0). Together with P4 device withdrawal (Day 8) all animals received 300IU of eCG i.m. (Novormon®, Schering-Plough) and 150 μg i.m. of D-cloprostenol (Croniben®, Biogenesis-Bagó, Buenos Aires, Argentina). On Day 9, all cows were treated with 1 mg of estradiol benzoate and the FTAI was performed 30 h later. The data were submitted to ANOVA (PROC GLM of SAS, SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA), separating as causes of variance the effect of treatment, postpartum period (PPP1-45 until 70 days and PPP2-71 until 90 days), body condition score (BCS4, BCS5, and BCS6 using a 1 to 9 scale), cyclicity (cycling and noncycling) and clean-up bulls (5 bulls nominated with numbers 1 to 5). Significant differences were considered to have P < 0.05. In experiment 1, interactions were not significant, there was no effect of treatment on FTAI (DIB1: 66.7% v. Progestar1: 65.8%) or breeding season pregnancy rates (BSPR; DIB1: 95.0% v. Progestar1: 94.7%) and no effect of other variables on FTAI pregnancy rates (FTAIPR) and BSPR. In experiment 2 there was no effect of treatment on FTAIPR (DIB2: 61.6% v. Progestar2: 55.8%) and BSPR (DIB2: 94.2% v. Progestar2: 88.5%). As ANOVA indicated a significant effect of clean-up bulls on BSPR, Tukey test was used to split it up. A bull of the Progestar2 group had lower performance (41.7%) causing the difference (albeit nonsignificant) on BSPR. This experiment showed that Progestar and DIB had the same efficiency on pregnancy rate and both treatments have the potential to produce FTAIPR >50% and BSPR >90%. Fapesp-Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo. CNPq-Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico.

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Evaluation of synchronization protocols and methods of early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle

South African Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4314/sajas.v50i6.4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (6) ◽

Author(s):

A.H. Shahzad ◽

A. Sattar ◽

N. Ahmad ◽

I. Ahmad ◽

M.S. Yousaf ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Early Pregnancy ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Pregnancy Loss ◽

Holstein Cows ◽

Plasma Progesterone ◽

Pregnancy Diagnosis ◽

Milk Samples ◽

Timed Artificial Insemination ◽

In Pregnancy

The studies aimed to evaluate the pregnancy rate (PR) for timed artificial insemination (TAI) after G7G-Ovsynch, modified G7G-Ovsynch (MG7G-Ovsynch) and Ovsynch protocols and to assess the accuracy of using pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and plasma progesterone (P4) in pregnancy diagnosis compared with ultrasonography (US). In study 1, Holstein cows (n = 37) were bred by TAI following the G7G-Ovsynch protocol (n = 19) or MG7G-Ovsynch (n = 18). Pregnancy was evaluated by US at days 31, 59, and 87 after breeding. The PR was not different for the G7G-Ovsynch and MG7G-Ovsynch. Blood and milk samples were collected on day 3 after insemination and then weekly through day 59 post TAI in cows diagnosed as not pregnant on day 31 and through day 87 in pregnant cows. PAGs were measured using ELISA and P4 by radioimmunoassay (RIA). In the second study, Holstein cows (n = 212) were bred by TAI following G7G-Ovsynch protocol (n = 110) or standard Ovsynch (n = 102). Cows were subjected to pregnancy diagnosis on days 30, 60, and 90. A subset (n = 15 in each group) was subjected to blood and milk samples on days 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 to measure PAGs and P4. In study 2, PR was not significantly different between synchronization protocols on days 30, 60, and 90. Pregnancy loss averaged 15% between day 30 and day 90. The use of PAGs and P4 proved equally effective in diagnosis of pregnancy. Thus, G7G-Ovsynch was deemed the protocol of choice in postpartum cows, and PAGs assayed in milk or plasma could be used to diagnose pregnancy.

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Effect of Insemination Time on Pregnancy Rate and Ovulatory Events of Nili Ravi Buffalo Heifers in 7 Day CIDR Co-Synch

10.21203/rs.3.rs-627129/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sajjad Haider ◽

Ghazanfar Ali Chishti ◽

Muhammad Usman Mehmood ◽

Muhammad Ameen Jamal ◽

Khalid Mehmood ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Rate ◽

Drug Release ◽

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Pregnancy Rates ◽

Optimal Time ◽

Follicular Growth ◽

Pregnancy Diagnosis ◽

Timed Artificial Insemination

Abstract The present study aimed to compare the pregnancy rates at the optimal time of artificial insemination in a 7-day CIDR Co-synch in Nili Ravi buffalo heifers. Forty Nili Ravi buffalo heifers were randomly separated into two treatments based on artificial insemination (A.I.) timing (72 vs 84 hours). All heifers were subjected to controlled internal drug release (CIDR), containing 1.38 grams of progesterone for 7 days. On CIDR removal, both treatments received 150 µg of prostaglandin intramuscularly. In 7-day CIDR Co-synch (n = 20), animals were injected 100 µg of GnRH intramuscularly and inseminated concurrently at 72 hours after CIDRs removal. The remaining half (n=20) were injected and inseminated concurrently at 84 hours of CIDRs removal. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed after 40 days of timed artificial insemination (TAI). The follicular growth rate in 7-day CIDR Co-synch was more significant at 84 than 72 hours. The interval from GnRH/A.I. to ovulation in 7-day CIDR Co-synch was significantly (P < 0.05) differ between 72 and 84 hours. Pregnancy rates were considerably higher in buffalo heifers inseminated at 84 hours (65%) than 72 hours (25%) in 7-day CIDR Co-synch treatment. In conclusion, the buffalo heifers treated with CIDR Co-synch based protocols in relation to TAI at 84 hours improves follicular growth rate, interval from GnRH/A.I. to ovulation, and pregnancy rate.

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Effect of follicular growth promoters on timed artificial insemination in dairy cows.

Revista Mvz Córdoba ◽

10.21897/rmvz.1966 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. e1966

Author(s):

Ítalo Câmara-de-Almeida ◽

Fabrício Albani-Oliveira ◽

Ana P Madureira ◽

Graziela Barioni ◽

Ciro A Alves-Torres

Keyword(s):

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Body Condition ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Estradiol Benzoate ◽

Control Treatment ◽

Growth Promoters ◽

Timed Artificial Insemination ◽

Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽

And Control

Objective. To evaluate the efficiency of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on the pregnancy rate of crossbred cows from different body condition score (BCS) in the postpartum period in timed artificial insemination (TAI). Material and methods. The cows were subjected to the same hormone protocol: Day zero (D0), progesterone-release intravaginal device (PRID) and 2 mg estradiol benzoate (EB); D8, withdrawal of PRID, application 0.150 mg of prostaglandin. On D8, the animals were distributed into three treatments: 1 – (TeCG; n = 98) injection of 300 IU eCG; 2 – (TFSH; n = 84) injection of 20 mg of FSH and; 3 – (Control; n = 115) without further treatment. On D9, all animals received 1 mg of EB; D10, TAI of all the cows. After 30 days from TAI, ultrasound diagnosis of pregnancy was performed. Results. Pregnancy rate did not differ among eCG (52.04%), FSH (40.47%), and Control (40.00%) treated cows (p>0.05). In cows with low body condition, the pregnancy rate was higher (p<0.05) for cows treated with eCG (41.46%) when compared to FSH (18.18%) and Control (17.07%) cows. The postpartum interval among treatments was similar (p>0.05) (35–65 or 66–95days). Conclusions. The use of eCG or FSH did not result in an increase in the pregnancy rate when compared to the control treatment; however, eCG improved the pregnancy rate of cows with low body condition scores.

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Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin on pregnancy rates of Nellore cows resynchronized with the use of new DIB and third use, and inseminated at fixed-time

JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN AGRICULTURE ◽

10.24297/jaa.v4i1.4304 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 356-362

Author(s):

Josemara Silva Santos ◽

Tania Cavalcante ◽

Francisca Elda Ferreira Dias ◽

Domenica Palomaris Mariano de Souza ◽

Alencariano J.S. Falcão ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Linear Models ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Estradiol Benzoate ◽

Pregnancy Rates ◽

Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin ◽

Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽

Rectal Palpation ◽

Intravaginal Device

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effects of recombinant bovine somatropin (rbST), and the reuse of the progesterone (P4) releasing devices in resynchronization, on the pregnancy rates of Nellore cows submitted to fixed-time artificial insemination. A group of 123 multiparae Nellore cows, was submitted to a resynchronization protocol: on day 0 a Bovine Intravaginal Device (DIB® ) with 1,0g of P4 was implanted, associated with intramuscular administration of 2,0mg of estradiol benzoate (IM); on day 8 DIB was removed; and 1,0mg of estradiol cypionate, 0,15mg of prostaglandin F2? and 300 UI of equine chorionic gonadotropin were administered; on day 10, fixed-time artificial insemination was conducted (FTAI). The cows were randomized into G1 (n=12) – without rbST / with used Bovine Intravaginal Device, G2 (n=50) – without rbST / with new DIB, G3 (n=11) - with rbST / with used DIB and G4 (n=50) – with rbST/ with new DIB. rbST was introduced on the eighth day of the protocol. Sixty days after TAI, pregnancy diagnoses were conducted, via rectal palpation. Blood samples were taken on day 0, 8 and 10 of the protocol, in order to assess P4 plasma concentrations. Pregnancy rates were statistically evaluated through Generalized Linear Models Theory and their significance was tested with Analysis of Deviance. Pregnancy rates were 58%, 40%, 81% and 48% for G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively, with significant statistical difference for G3. Plasma concentrations of P4 were not statistically different among groups, or collections. In view of the results obtained, we concluded that the administration of rbST in association with P4 DIB, used for the third time, improves pregnancy rates. Estrus resynchronization and re-insemination positively impacted pregnancy rates.

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LRH‐A3 and HCG increase pregnancy rate during timed artificial insemination in dairy cows

Animal Science Journal ◽

10.1111/asj.13549 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 92 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Peng Zheng ◽

He Huang ◽

Xiaoyu Li ◽

Fushuo Huang ◽

Samson Olugbenga Adeniran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Timed Artificial Insemination

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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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AVALIAÇÃO DO DESEMPENHO REPRODUTIVO DE VACAS NA REGIÃO DO PANTANAL SUL-MATO-GROSSENSE SUBMETIDAS A IATF Com Aplicação De GnRH

Nativa ◽

10.31413/nativa.v9i3.11184 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 281-285

Author(s):

Gabriel Rodrigo Hass Perucchi ◽

Gabriela de Souza Sartori ◽

Richarlla Aparecida Buscariol Silva ◽

Murilo da Silva Garcia ◽

Rodrigo José Delgado Jardim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

The Body ◽

Mato Grosso ◽

Condition Score ◽

Timed Artificial Insemination ◽

Mato Grosso Do Sul

A Inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) está se difundindo no Brasil, pois contribui para o aumento da produtividade. O objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar o uso do GnRH em protocolos de IATF de vacas criadas no pantanal Sul-mato-grossense. Participaram da pesquisa 531 vacas paridas da raça Nelore, que foram avaliadas de acordo com o escore de condição corporal (ECC), submetidas a três tipos de protocolos de IATF (lote 1, 2 e 3). Após 40 dias da inseminação artificial foi realizado diagnóstico de gestação. As matrizes que não receberam GnRH no lote 1 (estro aparente), lote 2 (estro parcial) e lote 3 (sem apresentação de estro) apresentaram, respectivamente 55,4%, 19,2% e 25,9% de prenhez, enquanto as que receberam o fármaco apresentaram 48,6%, 37,2% e 38,8%. Relacionado ao ECC, pode-se observar que a maior taxa de prenhez ocorreu em animais com ECC 3. Primíparas apresentaram melhor taxa de prenhez quando receberam GnRH independente do ECC. Concluiu-se que o uso de GnRH mostrou-se eficiente para melhoria da taxa de prenhez principalmente em primíparas, assim como nos animais que não apresentaram estro ou apresentaram estro parcial, e que matrizes com ECC 3 apresentaram melhores taxas de prenhez que vacas com escore inferior. Palavras-chave: bovino de corte; inseminação artificial em tempo fixo; produtividade; GnRH; Nelore. Evaluation of cow reproductive performance in the region of Mato Grosso do Sul swamp submitted to TAI with GnRH application ABSTRACT: The technique of timed artificial insemination (TAI) is spreading in Brazil, as it contributes to the increase of productivity. The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of GnRH in TAI protocols of cows raised in the swamp of Mato Grosso do Sul. 531 Nelore breed calved cows participate in the survey, which were evaluated according to the body condition score (BCS), and then performed three types of TAI protocols (batch 1, 2 and 3). After 40 days of the insemination, a pregnancy diagnosis was made. The matrices that did not receive GnRH in batch 1 (apparent oestrus), batch 2 (partial oestrus) and batch 3 (no oestrus presentation) presented respectively 55.4%, 19.2% and 25.9% of pregnancy, while those receiving the drug showed 48.6%, 37.2% and 38.8%. Related to BCS, it can be observed that the highest pregnancy rate occurred in animals with BCS 3. Primiparous had a better pregnancy rate when receiving GnRH regardless of BCS. It was concluded that the use of GnRH was efficient to improve the pregnancy rate mainly in primiparous as well as animals that showed no oestrus or partial oestrus, and matrices with BCS 3 had better pregnancy rates than cows with lower scores. Keywords: beef cattle; timed artificial insemination; productivity; GnRH; Nelore.

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14 CONCEPTION RATE OF BUFFALO HEIFERS TREATED WITH OESTRADIOL CYPIONATE TO INDUCE OVULATION IN TIMED ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION PROGRAMS

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv26n1ab14 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 121

Author(s):

D. G. Souza ◽

A. Martins ◽

E. Oba ◽

A. S. Camargos ◽

E. P. Moreira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Bubalus Bubalis ◽

Control Group ◽

San Jose ◽

Animal Science ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Chi Squared ◽

Timed Artificial Insemination ◽

Animal Handling ◽

Intravaginal Device

Reducing animal handling and costs in timed artificial insemination (TAI) systems are of great interest in animal production, regardless of the species. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of administering oestradiol cypionate (EC) or hCG to induce ovulation in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in TAI programs. The 79 Bufalipso heifers housed at Institute of Animal Science, San José de las Lajas, Cuba, were, on average, 24 months of age with a body weight of 310 to 380 kg at the beginning of the experiment. The investigation was conducted out of the breeding season (25 June through 28 July 2012). Heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups; either hCG (control group) or EC1 and EC2, in which TAI was performed at either 48 or 56 h after the EC injection, respectively. On the first day of the treatment regime (Day 0), animals received oestradiol benzoate (2 mg i.m.; Sincrodiol®, Ourofino, Brazil), followed by the insertion of an intravaginal device containing 1 g of progesterone (Primer®, Tecnopec, São Paolo, Brazil). On Day 9, an intramuscular luteolytic dose of cloprostenol (500 μg; Ciosin®, Intervet, Brazil) and eCG (500 UI; Novormon®, Intervet) were given in all heifers along with the removal of the intravaginal device. On the same day, 0.5 mg of EC (ECP®, Pfizer, Brazil) was administered intramuscularly in the EC1and EC2 groups. Animals in the hCG group received hCG (1000 IU i.m.; Vetecor®, Hertape Calier, Spain) on Day 11 and were inseminated 14 h later. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound 35 days after TAI. Data were analysed by a chi-squared test, with P < 0.05 taken as significant. There were no differences among treatment groups, with values of 57.7 (15/26), 60.7 (17/28), and 64% (16/25) for the EC1, EC2, and hCG groups, respectively. In conclusion, oestradiol cypionate was effective at inducing ovulation in buffalo heifers in TAI programs comparable to the control group, as evidenced by the conception rates. In addition, animals subjected to the EC protocol pass just 3 times through the corral instead of 4 when receiving hCG, which decreases the animal handling and costs.

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