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Resynchronizing estrus and ovulation after not-pregnant diagnosis and various ovarian states including cysts.

We compared outcomes of 2 protocols used to resynchronize estrus and ovulation in dairy females after a not-pregnant diagnosis. Nulliparous heifers and lactating cows in which artificial insemination (AI) occurred 41 +/- 1 d earlier were presented every 2 to 3 wk for pregnancy diagnosis by using ultrasonography. Ovaries were scanned, follicles were mapped and sized, presence of corpus luteum was noted, and GnRH was injected (d 0). Females were assigned randomly to receive PGF(2alpha) 7 d later (d 7) and then either received estradiol cypionate (ECP) 24 h after PGF(2alpha) (d 8; Heatsynch; n = 230) or a second GnRH injection 48 h after PGF(2alpha) (d 9; Ovsynch; n = 224). Those detected in estrus since their not-pregnant diagnosis were inseminated, whereas the remainder received a timed AI (TAI) between 65 and 74 h after PGF(2alpha). Ovarian scans and blood collected before injections for progesterone analysis were used to classify 4 ovarian status groups: anestrus, follicular cysts, luteal cysts, and cycling, plus an unknown group of females in which no blood sampling or ovarian scans were made. Few females (5.1%) were inseminated between not-pregnant diagnosis and d 8. On d 10, more ECP- than GnRH-treated females were inseminated after detected estrus (24 vs. 6%). Overall, more Ovsynch than Heatsynch females received a TAI (82 vs. 62%). Conception rates tended to be greater for females inseminated after estrus (37%) than after TAI (29%), particularly for those treated with Heatsynch (41 vs. 27%) than with Ovsynch (33 vs. 31%). Those inseminated after estrus conceived 31 +/- 8 d sooner than those receiving the TAI. Conception rates for females having elevated progesterone 7 d after the not-pregnant diagnosis were greater than those having low progesterone in Heatsynch (42%; n = 133 vs. 25%; n = 55) and Ovsynch protocols (33%; n = 142 vs. 15%; n = 45), respectively. Conception rates were greater in nulliparous heifers than in lactating cows (43 vs. 28%) regardless of protocol used. Although overall pregnancy outcomes after a not-pregnant diagnosis were similar in response to either the Ovsynch and Heatsynch protocols, inseminations performed after detected estrus before the scheduled TAI reduced days to eventual conception and tended to increase conception rates, particularly after Heatsynch.

Animals↗

Timed artificial insemination with estradiol cypionate or insemination at estrus in high-producing dairy cows.

A total of 799 Holstein cows from 3 herds were randomly assigned at 37 +/- 3 d in milk (DIM) to timed artificial insemination (AI) or insemination at detected estrus. Cows were presynchronized with injections of PGF(2alpha) at 37 and 51 DIM. At 65 DIM, cows received an injection of GnRH, followed 7 d later by PGF(2alpha). Cows in the estrus-detected group were inseminated after being observed in estrus during the 7 d after the last PGF(2alpha). Cows in the timed AI group received an injection of 1 mg of estradiol cypionate (ECP) 24 h after the last PGF(2alpha). If detected in estrus or=1 ng/mL; L = <1 ng/mL), resulting in 8 combinations (LLL, LHL, LLH, LHH, HHH, HHL, HLH, and HLL). Conception rates and pregnancy rates were higher for cows in the timed AI group than in the estrus-detected group at 30, 44, and 58 d (e.g., at 58 d, pregnancy rates were 42.2% for multiparous cows or 34.4% for primiparous cows in the group receiving ECP and timed AI compared with only 20.8 or 18.8% for respective parity subgroups for the treatment group inseminated only at detected estrus). Pregnancy losses were 11.5% from 30 to 58 d and did not differ between treatments. Cyclic cows within both treatments had higher estrous responses, conception rates, and pregnancy rates. Cows that responded to presynchronization and to luteolysis (HHL) had the highest conception and pregnancy rates, followed by cows classified as LHL. Use of 1 mg of ECP to induce ovulation as part of a synchrony regimen improved reproduction at first postpartum insemination in dairy cows.

Animals↗

Effect of interval from timed artificial insemination to initiation of resynchronization of ovulation on fertility of lactating dairy cows.

To compare 2 strategies for systematically resynchronizing ovulation, lactating Holstein cows (n = 763) at various days in milk and prior artificial insemination services were assigned randomly at timed AI (TAI) to receive the first GnRH injection of Ovsynch 26 (D26) or 33 (D33) d after TAI to resynchronize ovulation (Resynch) in cows failing to conceive. Cows in the D26 treatment received GnRH 26 d after TAI and continued Resynch only when diagnosed not pregnant by using ultrasonography 33 d after TAI, whereas D33 cows initiated Resynch only when diagnosed not pregnant 33 d after TAI. Cows were classified based on the presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL) at the not-pregnant diagnosis, and cows without a CL received an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert during Resynch. When analyzed as a systematic strategy, pregnancy rate per AI (PR/AI) was greater for cows assigned to the D33 than the D26 Resynch treatment (39.4 vs. 28.6%). A treatment x parity interaction was detected for PR/AI after Resynch for nonpregnant cows having a CL in which primiparous cows had a greater PR/AI than multiparous cows when Resynch was initiated 33 d after the initial TAI, and primiparous and multiparous cows when Resynch was initiated 26 d after the initial TAI. Pregnancy loss for Resynch was 6.4% between 33 and 40 d, and 2.6% between 40 and 61 d after Resynch TAI. We concluded that delaying initiation of Resynch until 33 d after TAI increased PR/AI for primiparous cows.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

Reproduction in dairy cows following progesterone insert presynchronization and resynchronization protocols.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of an intravaginal insert containing progesterone (CIDR, controlled internal drug releasing) administered in presynchronization and resynchronization protocols on cyclicity, detection of estrus, pregnancy rate, and pregnancy loss to first AI; reinsemination patterns; and pregnancy rates to second postpartum AI before and after the time of first-service pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cows. Holstein cows (n = 1,052) were blocked by parity and BCS at 3 +/- 3 d in milk (study d 0 = day of calving) and assigned randomly to 1 of 3 presynchronization treatments. During the presynchronization programs, all cows received 2 injections of PGF2alpha, on study d 35 and 49. Cows enrolled in the control presynchronization treatment received AI after detected estrus from study d 49 to 62. Cows enrolled in the CIDR estrus-detection (CED) presynchronization treatment received a CIDR insert from study d 42 to 49 and AI on detection of estrus from d 49 to 62. Cows enrolled in the CIDR timed AI (CTAI) presynchronization treatment received the same treatment as CED, but were subjected to timed AI on study d 72 after the Ovsynch (GnRH, 7 d PGF2alpha, 2 d GnRH, 24 h timed AI) protocol. The control and CED cows not inseminated by study d 62 were enrolled in the Ovsynch protocol on the same day and received timed AI on study d 72. After first AI, cows were assigned to no resynchronization (RCON) or resynchronization with a CIDR insert (RCIDR) between 14 and 21 d after AI. Blood samples collected on study d 35, 49, and 62 were analyzed for concentrations of progesterone and cows were classified as anestrous when progesterone was < 1.0 ng/mL in the first 2 samples. On study d 62, anestrous cows with progesterone > or = 1.0 ng/mL were classified as having resumed cyclicity. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 31 and 60 d after first AI and at 42 d after second AI. A greater proportion of anestrous cows in CED and CTAI became cyclic by d 62 postpartum than control cows. Resynchronization with the CIDR insert increased the pregnancy rate at 31 d after first AI in CED and CTAI, and at 60 d after AI in all cows because of reduced pregnancy loss. These results indicate that presynchronization with the CIDR insert increased induction of cyclicity in anestrous cows and that resynchronization with the CIDR insert did not affect the reinsemination rate but did reduce pregnancy loss and increased the pregnancy rate at 60 d after first AI.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Regulation of interferon-stimulated genes in peripheral blood leukocytes in pregnant and bred, nonpregnant dairy cows.

In ruminants, pregnancy results in up-regulation of a large number of IFN-stimulated genes (ISG) in the uterus. Recently, one of these genes was also shown to increase in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) during early pregnancy in sheep. Our working hypothesis is that conceptus signaling activates maternal gene expression in PBL in dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to characterize ISG expression in PBL from pregnant (n = 20) and bred, nonpregnant (n = 30) dairy cows. Steady-state levels of mRNA for Mx1, Mx2, beta2-microglobulin, ISG-15, IFN regulatory factor-1, and IFN regulatory factor-2 were quantified. Holstein cows were synchronized to estrus and artificially inseminated (d 0). Blood samples were collected (coccygeal venipuncture) on d 0 and 16, 18, and 20 d after insemination for progesterone analysis and PBL isolation. Pregnancy was confirmed by transrectal ultrasonography at approximately 40 d after breeding. A status x day interaction was detected for Mx1, Mx2, and ISG-15 gene expression. When analyzed within day, levels of mRNA for ISG-15 and Mx1 were greater in pregnant compared with bred, nonpregnant cows on d 18 and 20, respectively. Expression of the Mx2 gene increased in the pregnant group compared with bred, nonpregnant cows on d 16, 18, and 20 after insemination. beta2-Microglobulin, IFN regulatory factor-1, and IFN regulatory factor-2 were not different between groups. The results clearly indicated that components of the innate immune response are activated in PBL during the period of pregnancy recognition and early embryo signaling. The physiological implications of these changes on maternal immune function are as yet unknown; however, they do provide a unique opportunity to identify bred, nonpregnant, cows 18 d after insemination in dairy cattle.

Animals↗

Fertility of lactating dairy cows administered recombinant bovine somatotropin during heat stress.

Administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) to lactating dairy cows during heat stress increases milk yield, but it also can increase body temperature and may therefore compromise fertility. However, it is possible that bST treatment could increase fertility during heat stress because it has been reported to increase fertility in lactating cows. In addition, bST increases secretion of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) that promotes embryo survival. The purpose of this study was to determine effects of bST on reproductive function in lactating dairy cows during heat stress. The experiment was conducted in southern Georgia from July to November 2005 using lactating Holstein cows (n = 276 for reproductive traits). For first service timed artificial insemination (TAI), cows were presynchronized with 2 injections of PGF(2alpha) given 14 d apart followed by a modified Ovsynch protocol (GnRH and insemination at 72 h following PGF(2alpha) ). Pregnancy was diagnosed by using ultrasonography on d 29 and reconfirmed by palpation between d 45 and 80 post-TAI. Nonpregnant cows were resynchronized with the modified Ovsynch protocol and received a second TAI. Treatment with bST started 1 wk before the start of Ovsynch and continued at 2-wk intervals. Blood samples were collected from a subset of cows to determine IGF-I profiles immediately before the first bST injection, 1 wk later, and at d 35 of bST treatment. Rectal temperatures were assessed on d 29 of bST treatment. Pregnancy rates (d 45 to 80 post-TAI) did not differ between bST and control cows for first- (16.7 vs. 15.2%) or second-service TAI (14.8 vs. 17.2%). Plasma concentrations of IGF-I and milk yield were greater for bST-treated cows following the initiation of bST treatment and bST increased rectal and vaginal temperatures. Body condition score was less for bST-treated cows. In conclusion, treatment with bST during heat stress increased IGF-I concentrations, milk yield over time, and rectal and vaginal temperatures without affecting first- or second-service pregnancy rates. Thus, at least under certain housing conditions, bST can be used to improve milk yield during heat stress without compromising fertility.

Animals↗

Reproduction and breeding of goats.

Reproduction and genetics of the goat are reviewed with a view of increasing their contribution to mankind. The goat contributes most in tropical regions (within 30 degrees of the equator). The most important product from the goat is milk with meat a close second. Other products are minor. Reproductive rate is a problem only with the Angora goat, but increased reproduction with any type of goat would contribute to improved efficiency. Also, a knowledge of the reproductive phenomenon is necessary for effective management. Genetic studies of goats are limited, but this should not limit improvement programs. Excellent genotypes for producing milk and fiber are available, but adaptation to tropical conditions is needed. Even within temperature regions, there is little evidence of progress in breeding for milk production. Little has been done on the development of the goat as a meat animal. Also, research on crossbreeding for milk or meat production is limited.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

Effect of adrenocorticotropin and cortisol on luteinizing hormone surge and estrous behavior of cows.

In six cows, twice daily administration of 100 IU corticotropin for 3.5 days during the follicular phase delayed the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge and onset of behavioral estrus. Corticotropin increased progesterone and decreased estradiol and basal luteinizing hormone concentrations of blood. Following corticotropin withdrawal, a shortened period of behavioral estrus (50% of control) was accompanied by an apparent luteinizing hormone surge and ovulation. To ascertain if these effects were caused by the elevated corticosteroid concentrations induced by corticotropin, we infused intravenously four heifers with cortisol sodium succinate. During this infusion, luteinizing hormone surge and estrous behavior were inhibited; however, estradiol and basal luteinizing hormone concentrations were not affected. Furthermore, there was no luteinizing hormone surge, ovulation, or behavioral estrus after cessation of cortisol treatment. These results are consistent with a role for corticosteroids in mediating inhibitory effects on reproduction produced by corticotropin administration.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Enhanced reproduction and its economic implications.

Reproductive performance affects profit of dairy herds because it directly affects milk produced per cow per day, number of replacements produced, and rates of voluntary and involuntary culling. High producing cows will reproduce at a satisfactory rate if they are managed properly. There appears to be direct relationship between herd management and reproductive performance. Thus, reproductive performance and profit respond positively to improvements of rates of detection of estrus, improvements of rates of conception, and improvements of management of the periparturient cow. Pharmacological procedures are now available for controlling time of estrus and insemination in groups of cattle. It is feasible to limit the breeding period in a herd to 1 wk of each 3-wk interval. Primary benefits of controlled breeding are convenience and efficient use of labor for detection of estrus and insemination. Biotechnical procedures such as embryo transfer and insertion of specific genes may enhance rates of genetic improvement for important economic traits.

Animals↗

Effect of high crude protein on pituitary and ovarian function in Holstein cows.

Intact and ovariectomized cows were used to determine the effect of high amounts of dietary crude protein on pituitary regulation of luteinizing hormone. Estrus was synchronized with prostaglandin F2 alpha in 10 intact dry cows fed 15 or 25% crude protein, and serum luteinizing hormone profiles were evaluated during both follicular and luteal phases of the estrous cycle. Serum progesterone, pituitary luteinizing hormone content, and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptors were also measured. Basal concentrations of serum luteinizing hormone tended to be lower during the follicular phase and were significantly higher during the luteal phase in cows fed 25% crude protein. Serum progesterone was not affected by dietary treatment. In 10 ovariectomized cows fed 24% crude protein, amplitude of luteinizing hormone response to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone challenge tended to be smaller than that of 8 cows fed 16% crude protein, although total luteinizing hormone released in response to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone challenge was not different between dietary treatments. In both intact and ovariectomized cows, pulsatile luteinizing hormone patterns, pituitary luteinizing hormone content, and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptors were not influenced by treatment. High dietary crude protein did not have a primary effect on luteinizing hormone or progesterone in nonlactating cows.

Ammonia↗

Use of concentrations of progesterone and estradiol-17 beta in milk in monitoring postpartum ovarian function in dairy cows.

Data from artificial insemination, rectal palpation, and hormone assays were used to characterize postpartum reproductive activity in 54 dairy cows. Progesterone and estradiol-17 beta were measured in milk samples collected for 120 d (Trial 1) or 65 d (Trial 2). Progesterone was higher and estradiol was lower in milk than in serum. Values for both hormones in milk were highly correlated with those in serum. Most cows (64%) had short first luteal phases (less than or equal to 12 d). First rise (28 d) in progesterone was later (33.4 vs. 24.9 d) for cows having short rather than normal (greater than 12 d) luteal phases. Cows were classified as having a short luteal phase followed by a normal luteal phase or as having normal luteal phases for the first two estrous cycles. Estradiol for the 6 d prior to each luteal phase was higher preceding the second phase than the short phase or those preceding both phases of cows with normal phases. Follicular function prior to ovulation, as measured by estradiol, was not responsible for short-lived corpora lutea. Concentrations of progesterone in milk in the late luteal phase prior to insemination were related to fertility.

Animals↗

Effect of bovine interferon-tau on body temperature and plasma progesterone concentrations in cyclic dairy cows.

We examined the effect of intramuscular injections of recombinant bovine interferon-tau on basal body temperature and plasma concentrations of progesterone in cows. Six mature, nonlactating Holstein cows were synchronized for estrus and assigned randomly to a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design to receive 0, 1, or 5 mg of recombinant bovine interferon-tau intramuscularly on d 9, 12, or 15 of the estrous cycle. Rectal temperatures were measured, and blood was collected just prior to injection, at hourly intervals for 8 h, and at 10 and 12 h after injection. Treatment with 1 and 5 mg of recombinant bovine interferon-tau caused a rise in body temperature that peaked at 6 h (39.5 +/- .13 degrees C) and 4 h (40.3 +/- .13 degrees C), respectively. Analysis of homogeneity of regression for response curves indicated that 5 mg of recombinant bovine interferon-tau decreased plasma progesterone concentrations. This effect was not detected for the 1-mg dose of recombinant bovine interferon-tau. Intramuscular administration of 5 mg of recombinant bovine interferon-tau caused a hyperthermic response that was temporally associated with the decrease in plasma progesterone. Intramuscular administration of 1 mg of recombinant bovine interferon-tau caused a slight rise in temperature occurring 4 h later than that caused by 5 mg of recombinant bovine interferon-tau, and no decrease in plasma progesterone was detected. Recombinant bovine interferon-tau, administered at a 1-mg dose, warrants further study to determine whether it will alter survival rate of cattle embryos.

Animals↗

Abomasal infusion of glucose and fat--effect on digestion, production, and ovarian and uterine functions of cows.

Four ruminally cannulated lactating dairy cows, arranged in a 4 x 4 Latin square design, were infused abomasally with 1) water (control), 2) 1 kg/d of glucose, 3) 0.45 kg/d of tallow, and 4) 0.45 kg/d of yellow grease. Cows were synchronized for estrus within each 35-d period by injection of a GnRH agonist followed 7 d later by an injection of PGF2 alpha. Dry matter intake was not affected by infusates. Apparent digestibility of total fatty acids was greater for cows receiving the fat infusions relative to those receiving the glucose infusion and tended to increase for cows receiving the yellow grease infusion compared with those receiving the tallow infusion. Energy infusions decreased apparent acid detergent fiber digestibility compared with effects of the control infusion. Fat infusions tended to increase milk fat percentage and decrease the energy status of cows relative to the glucose infusion. The feed efficiency was greater for cows receiving fat infusions than for those receiving the glucose infusion and was greater for cows receiving the yellow grease infusion than for those receiving the tallow infusion. Plasma progesterone concentration peaked higher during the estrous cycle for cows infused with fat than for those infused with glucose. Mean growth rate and maximum size of the first wave dominant follicle were greater with tallow than with yellow grease. During the period of infusion of yellow grease and afterward, release of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha in response to an injection of oxytocin on d 15 of the estrous cycle was attenuated.

Abomasum↗

Protein degradability and calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids in the diets of lactating dairy cows: reproductive responses.

Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 45) were assigned at calving to one of four diets arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial design. The two main factors were dietary concentration (dry matter basis) of 1) degradable intake protein (11.1 or 15.7%) and 2) supplemental fat (Ca salts of long-chain fatty acids; 0 or 2.2%). Soybean meal and urea were replaced with less degradable protein meals (corn gluten meal, meat and bone meal, fish meal, and blood meal). During the first 9 wk postpartum, cows fed diets containing the greater concentration of highly degradable protein demonstrated less follicular development on their ovaries, were delayed in their first luteal activity postpartum (25.2 vs. 38.6 d), accumulated less luteal tissue (< 15 vs. > 70 mm), and had lower plasma progesterone accumulated over time. The supplementation of Ca salts of long-chain fatty acids to the 15.7% degradable protein diet doubled the number of corpora lutea, reduced time to first rise in progesterone by 6 d, doubled the number of normal luteal phases, and restored the pattern of accumulated plasma progesterone concentrations to a pattern that was similar to that induced by other diets. Cows were synchronized to estrus and inseminated at approximately 65 d postpartum. Pregnancy rate was increased from 52.3 to 86.4% when fat was supplemented. Cows fed fat tended to have more corpora lutea and a larger corpus luteum and accumulated more plasma progesterone than did cows not fed fat. Diets containing excess degradable protein or Ca salts of long-chain fatty acids influenced ovarian structures and reproductive performance.

Animals↗

Reproductive performance of dairy cows in various programmed breeding systems including OvSynch and combinations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2 alpha.

In Experiment 1, 308 Holstein cows were assigned randomly to four treatments: 1) GnRH injection followed in 7 d by PGF2 alpha injection, then another GnRH injection 33 h later, and artificial insemination (AI) 16 to 18 h after the second GnRH injection; 2) GnRH injection followed in 7 d by PGF2 alpha injection and AI only after detected estrus; 3) injections of PGF2 alpha 14 d apart, GnRH injection 33 h after the second PGF2 alpha injection, and AI 16 to 18 h later; and 4) injections of PGF2 alpha 14 d apart, AI only after detected estrus following the second PGF2 alpha injection or, in the absence of detected estrus, at 80 h after the second PGF2 alpha injection. In Experiment 2, 227 Holstein cows were assigned randomly to two treatments: 1) GnRH injection followed in 7 d by PGF2 alpha injection, then another GnRH injection 48 h later, and AI 16 to 18 h after the second GnRH injection; and 2) GnRH injection followed in 7 d by PGF2 alpha injection and AI only after detected estrus. Although conception rates in both experiments resulting from AI made after detected estrus either tended to be greater or were consistently greater than those following GnRH injection and one fixed-time AI, pregnancy rates were of greater magnitude after fixed-time AI because of poor expression or detection of estrus.

Animals↗

A comparative study of the effect of 2 hormonal treatment protocols on the reproductive performance of previously anoestrous dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to compare the reproductive performance of anoestrous dairy cows treated just prior to the mating start date (MSD) with a Controlled Internal Drug Releasing Device (CIDR) which was placed intravaginaly for either 6 or 8 days, and a combination of oestradiol benzoate. Lactating dairy cows (n = 926) that had been diagnosed with anovulatory anoestrus were divided into two sub-groups. A hormonal treatment protocol that involved the use of a CIDR device containing 1.9 g of progesterone was inserted into the vagina of each cow and left intravaginally for either 6 (6-day group, n = 441) or 8 days (8-day group, n = 485). Every cow in the trial was inseminated after being detected in oestrus from Day -2 onwards (where Day 0, was a herd's MSD), using an appropriate detection aid according to the herds' preference. Cows that had been seen in oestrus and were inseminated by Day 2 were selected for re-synchrony. The standardised re-synchrony involved the re-insertion of a previously used CIDR device into the vagina of each cow on Day 14, together with an injection of 1.0 mg oestradiolbenzoate i.m. This CIDR device was removed on Day 22 and each of these cows injected with 1.0 mg oestradiol benzoate i.m. on Day 23. Each re-synchronised cow that was detected in oestrus was re-inseminated. Treatment with an 8-day CIDR increased the proportion of cows submitted for insemination within the first 3 days of the MSD, compared with the 6-day group (83.7 % vs 71.2%, respectively, P < 0.001), as well as the proportion of cows conceiving within the first 3 days of MSD (36.2% vs 27.7%, P = 0.02), but reduced both the interval from MSD to the first service (4.5 +/- 0.5 vs 6.8 +/- 0.7, P = 0.01), and the interval from MSD to conception (28.1 +/- 1.5 vs 34.0 +/- 1.8, P = 0.009). A greater percentage of the cows in the 6-day group that were not pregnant to the first insemination were submitted for a second insemination by Day 28 compared with the 8-day group (81.1% vs 68.3%, P < 0.001). Conception rates for cows submitted for this second insemination by Day 28 of the MSD were also higher in the 6-day than in the 8-day group (48.4% vs 33.9%, P = 0.009). The percentage of cows pregnant at the end of a herd's AI period of 6 weeks did not differ (57.1% vs 54.8% for 8-day and 6-day groups, respectively, P = 0.42); neither did the proportion of cows pregnant at the end of the a herd's combined AI and natural mating period of 21 weeks (81.4% vs 79.2%, for 8-day and 6-day groups respectively P = 0.36). Treatment of anovulatory anoestrous dairy cows with a combination of an 8-day CIDR and oestradiol benzoate before the MSD improved their reproductive performance by increasing the portion of cows submitted for insemination within the first 3-days of the MSD by reducing the interval from MSD to first service and by increasing the conception rate to the first insemination to collectively reduce the average interval from MSD to conception.

Administration, Intravaginal↗