A note on the effects of calf stimuli on the response of Zebu cows to Synchro-mate-B

The effect of Synchro-mate-B (SMB) was measured on the estrous response and the establishment of cyclicity using different calf stimuli. Multiparous Zebu cows, were divided in three groups. In the first, 32 animals were treated with SMB leaving the calves present (SMB+CP). In the second, 33 cows were treated with SMB and calves partially removed (fence-line contact) for 48h (SMB+CPR). In the third group (n=33), cows received SMB and calves were removed for 48h (SMB+CCR) with no visual or olfactory contact. A control group (CG, n=33) involved neither SMB or calf separation. Blood samples for progesterone assessment were obtained at 11 and 4d prior to SMB treatment and on days 7 and 11 after the average return to estrous for each group. All animals were observed continuously for mounting activity during 72h after SMB implant removal. A significant difference (P<0.05) in estrous response was found between SMB-treated and non-treated animals, regardless of calf management (56 versus 8%, respectively). Cows with SMB+CCR and SMB+CPR came into estrous sooner (P<0.05) (26.5+/-2.6 and 18.1+/-4.94h, respectively), than those that remained with their calf present (40.4+/-12.8h). Cows with SMB+CCR displayed longer (P<0.05) periods of mounting behavior (13.0+/-4.4h) in comparison with SMB+CPR and SMB+CP (7.4+/-1.8 and 8.1+/-4.0h), respectively. Furthermore, 84% (P<0.05) of the cows in the SMB+CCR had high concentrations of progesterone after mounting behavior was displayed, in comparison with 68 and 54% in the other two groups, respectively. No difference was found (P>0.05) in the number of mounts per hour in estrous. It was concluded that: (1) SMB increases the number of cows that display estrous; (2) temporary weaning shortens the period from SMB implant withdrawal to mounting activity, and (3) SMB+CCR, increases the length of sexual receptivity and the number of cows that continue to cycle.