Effects of resynchronization strategies for lactating Holstein cows on pattern of reinsemination, fertility, and economic outcome

Theriogenology. 2012 Apr 1;77(6):1151-8. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.10.021. Epub 2012 Jan 26.

Abstract

The objectives were to evaluate the pattern of re-insemination, pregnancy outcomes to re-insemination in estrus and at fixed time, and economic outcomes of lactating Holstein cows submitted to three resynchronization protocols. Cows were enrolled in the Experiment at 32 ± 3 d after pre-enrollment Artificial Insemination (AI), 7 d before pregnancy diagnosis, and randomly assigned to three resynchronization protocols. All cows diagnosed not pregnant at 39 ± 3 d after pre-enrollment AI were submitted to the Cosynch72 (Day 0 GnRH, Day 7 prostaglandin F(2α), and Day 10 GnRH and fixed time AI). Cows assigned to the control treatment received no further treatment, cows assigned to the GGPG treatment received a GnRH injection on Day -7, and cows assigned to the CIDR treatment received a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) insert containing 1.38 g of progesterone from Days 0-7. Cows observed in estrus were re-inseminated on the same day. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 39 ± 3 and 67 ± 3 d after re-insemination. Costs of the resynchronization protocols were calculated for individual cows enrolled in the study and pregnancies generated were given a value of $275. The GGPG treatment resulted in the slowest (P ≤ 0.06) rate of re-insemination. Overall pregnancy per AI (P/AI) at 39 ± 3 (P = 0.50) and 67 ± 3 (P = 0.49) d after re-insemination were not affected by treatment. Although cost of the control protocol was (P < 0.01) the smallest, return per cow resynchronized was (P < 0.01) greater for GGPG and CIDR protocols. We concluded that presynchronizing the estrous cycle of cows with GnRH or treating cows with a CIDR insert during resynchronization altered the pattern of re-insemination and improved the economic return of resynchronized cows.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle*
  • Dairying / economics
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Estrus Synchronization*
  • Female
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / pharmacology
  • Insemination, Artificial / methods
  • Insemination, Artificial / veterinary*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Progesterone / administration & dosage
  • Progesterone / pharmacology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Progesterone