Evaluation of timed insemination during summer heat stress in lactating dairy cattle

We wished to compare the effect of summer heat stress on pregnancy rate in cows that were inseminated at a set interval associated with a synchronized ovulation vs those inseminated upon routine estrus detection. The study was carried out on a commercial dairy farm in Florida from May to September 1995. Lactating dairy cows were given PGF2 alpha (25 mg i.m.) at 30 + 3 d postpartum and randomly assigned to be inseminated at a set time (Timed group) or when estrus was detected (Control group). Cows in the Timed group were synchronized by sequential administration of Buserelin (8 micrograms i.m.) on Day 0 at 1600 h, PGF2 alpha (25 mg i.m.) on Day 7 at 1600 h and Buserelin (8 micrograms i.m.) on Day 9 at 1600 h. They were inseminated on Day 10 between 0800 and 0900 h (Day 9 + 16 h). Cows in the Control group were given PGF2 alpha at 57 + 3 d postpartum and inseminated when detected in estrus. Estrus detection or insemination rate for control insemination cows was 18.1 +/- 2.5% versus 100% for time inseminated cows (P < 0.01). Mean interval from PGF2 alpha to insemination was shorter for time inseminated cows (3 +/- 2.1 d < 35.5 +/- 1.9 d; P < 0.01). Pregnancy rate was greater for time inseminated cows (13.9 +/- 2.6 > 4.8 +/- 2.5%; P < 0.01) as was overall pregnancy rate by 120 d postpartum (27.0 +/- 3.6 > 16.5 +/- 3.5%; P < 0.05). Number of days open for cows conceiving by 120 d postpartum was less for time inseminated cows (77.6 +/- 3.8 < 90.0 +/- 4.2 d; P < 0.05), as was interval to first service (58.7 +/- 2.1 < 91.0 +/- 1.9 d; P < 0.01). Services per conception were greater for time inseminated cows (1.63 +/- 0.10 > 1.27 +/- 0.11; P < 0.05). The timed insemination program did improve group reproductive performance. However, the timed insemination program will not protect the embryo from temperature-induced embryonic mortality, but management limitations induced by heat stress on estrus detection are eliminated. An economical evaluation of the timed insemination program indicates an increase in net revenue per cow with implementation of timed insemination for first service during the summer months.