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Intravaginal progesterone devices in synchronization protocols for artificial insemination in beef heifers
M F Martinez1, G de Nava, K J Demmers
1AgResearch Limited, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand. marcelo.martinez@agresearch.co.nz
Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene
|September 3, 2011
Summary
Controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices enhance follicle size in beef heifers during estrus synchronization. The progesterone content in intravaginal devices impacts artificial insemination timing, with lower progesterone shortening the estrus interval.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Livestock management
- Veterinary science
Background:
- Estrus and ovulation synchronization protocols are crucial for efficient beef cattle reproduction.
- Intravaginal progesterone devices are commonly used in these synchronization protocols.
- Understanding the impact of different progesterone devices is essential for optimizing artificial insemination outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of intravaginal progesterone administration on estrus and ovulation synchronization in beef heifers.
- To compare the efficacy of different intravaginal progesterone devices (CIDR, used DIB, MAP) within synchronization protocols.
- To evaluate the influence of progesterone device type on follicle development, estrus response, and conception rates.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Ovsynch protocol with and without a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device in Black Angus heifers.
- Experiment 2: 3x2 factorial design comparing CIDR, used bovine intravaginal device (DIB), and medroxiprogesterone acetate (MAP) sponge with two GnRH analogues in Polled Hereford heifers.
- Estrus detection, artificial insemination (AI), and pregnancy diagnosis were performed at specific time points post-PGF2α administration.
Main Results:
- CIDR treatment in Experiment 1 significantly increased dominant follicle size prior to ovulation (P < 0.02).
- In Experiment 2, the used-DIB group showed higher estrus detection and conception rates to AI on Day 9 compared to CIDR or MAP (P < 0.01).
- Pregnancy rates to fixed-time AI (FTAI) on Day 10 were higher with CIDR or MAP than with used-DIB (P < 0.01), with no overall effect of progesterone source or GnRH analogue on pregnancy rates (64.9%).
Conclusions:
- Progesterone administration via intravaginal devices during Ovsynch protocols promotes larger pre-ovulatory follicles in beef heifers.
- The progesterone content of intravaginal devices is critical for synchronizing estrus and optimizing AI timing.
- Lower progesterone devices may shorten the interval to estrus, influencing insemination strategies and conception rates.
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