Induction of ovulation in nonlactating dairy cows and heifers using different doses of a deslorelin implant

The objective of this study was to evaluate ovarian function after inducing ovulation with a deslorelin implant in nonlactating dairy cows and heifers. Cattle received GnRH on Day -9, and PGF2alpha on Day -2. On Day 0, in Experiment 1, cows received either 100 microg GnRH (Control), a 750 microg (DESLORELIN 750) or 1000 microg (DESLORELIN 1000) deslorelin implant. On Day 0, in Experiment 2, cows received 100 microg of GnRH or a 450 microg (DESLORELIN 450) deslorelin implant. In Experiments 1 and 2, cows received PGF2alpha on Day 16. Ultrasonography and blood sampling for plasma progesterone (P4) were used to monitor ovarian activity. On Day 0, in Experiment 3, heifers received either 100 microg of GnRH or 750 microg (DESLORELIN 750) deslorelin implant. On Day 16, all heifers received PGF2alpha. Blood samples were collected on Days 7, 13 and 16. In Experiments 1-3, deslorelin implants did not elevate plasma concentrations of P4 in a systematic manner during the late luteal phase. In Experiments 1 and 2, deslorelin implants decreased the size of the largest follicle and the number of Class II and III follicles. In Experiments 1 and 2, deslorelin-treated cows failed to ovulate by Day 28. In conclusion, deslorelin implants induced ovulation, stimulated development of a normal CL, and delayed follicular growth during the subsequent diestrus period. For future applications, the dose of the deslorelin implant will have to be adjusted, and if used for timed-inseminations, nonpregnant cows will have to be resynchronized to minimize delayed returns to estrus and ovulation.