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Intraperitoneal insemination of the guinea pig with synchronized estrus induced by progesterone implant.

Female guinea pigs with synchronized ovulation by means of implantation of progesterone-filled tubing (P-tube) followed by a progesterone injection, were inseminated by intraperitoneal injection with sperm suspension. First, to obtain the optimum conditions for insemination, the females were inseminated singly over the range of 1-10 x 10(7) spermatozoa before and after the synchronized ovulation. The incidence of conception and implantation was 100% in the females given more than 5 x 10(7)/animal at 9:00 h on the 5th day after removal of the P-tube. Second, the reproductive ability of the inseminated females under this optimal condition was observed throughout the pregnancy to delivery. Inseminated females had a mean +/- S.D. gestation period of 68.7 +/- 0.5 days, a litter size of 2.8 +/- 0.6 pups and body weight of 110 +/- 14 g. These data were comparable to those of naturally-mated females. Our findings suggest that the artificial insemination by intraperitoneal injection in combination with the synchronized estrus technique is very useful for production control in a small colony of guinea pigs.

Animal Husbandry↗

Estrus synchronization of beef cattle with a combination of melengestrol acetate and an injection of progesterone and 17beta-estradiol.

Our hypothesis was that estrus synchronization in beef cattle using melengestrol acetate (MGA) and an injection of progesterone (P4) and 17beta-estradiol (E2) to regress dominant ovarian follicles would improve pregnancy rate (number conceived/number in group) to AI compared with feeding only MGA or injecting PGF2alpha. During 2 yr, peripubertal heifers (n = 52) and cows (n = 327) received either 1) MGA for 18 d (d 0 = 1st d of MGA) plus an injection of P4 and E2 in sesame oil (vehicle) on d 11 to regress persistent ovarian follicles (MGA+P4), 2) MGA for 18 d plus vehicle on d 11 (MGA), or 3) two injections of PGF2alpha 10 d apart (d 7 and 17, PG). Concentration of P4 was assessed in blood samples obtained on d 0, 7, and 17 to indicate estrual status (anestrual or estrual) during treatment to induce estrus synchrony. Observations for detection of estrus occurred every 6 h for 180 h following treatment cessation. Females showing estrus were inseminated 6 to 12 h after estrus detection. Conception to AI was determined by ultrasonography 35 to 40 d later. Conception rate was greater (P < .05) in females in the PG than in those in the MGA group but did not differ from conception rate of females in the MGA+P4 group. Among anestrual females, estrus synchrony rates were greatest (P < .10) among females treated with MGA+P4. Among females that were estrual before treatment cessation, estrus synchrony rates were greater (P < .10) among females treated with MGA+P4 or PG than among those given MGA. Pregnancy rates were greater (P < .05) among females that were anestrual before treatment cessation and treated with MGA or MGA+P4 than among those treated with PG. Estrus synchronization using MGA+P4 and E2 differentially improves estrus synchronization and pregnancy rates among anestrual and estrual beef cattle while maintaining conception rates similar to those of PGF2alpha-treated females.

Animals↗

Characteristics of estrus before and after first insemination and fertility of heifers after synchronized estrus using GnRH, PGF2alpha, and progesterone.

Our objectives were to determine fertility of heifers after synchronization of estrus using PGF2alpha, preceded by progesterone (P4), GnRH, or both, and to examine the variability of estrual characteristics in heifers before first and second AI. Dairy (n = 247) and beef (n = 193) heifers were assigned randomly to each of three treatments: 1) 50 microg of GnRH (injected i.m.) administered on d -7 followed by 25 mg of PGF2alpha (i.m.) on d -1 (GnRH + PGF; modified Select Synch protocol); 2) placement of an intravaginal progesterone (P4)-releasing insert on d -7, PGF2alpha on d -1, and insert removal on d 0 (P4+PGF); and 3) 50 microg of GnRH plus a P4 insert on d -7, followed by 25 mg of PGF2alpha on d -1, and insert removal on d 0 (P4+GnRH+PGF). Characteristics of estrus were examined before first AI and before the next eligible AI (18 to 26 d later), including duration of estrus, number of standing events, and total and individual duration of standing events. In addition, all heifers were checked visually at least twice daily for estrus. Blood samples were collected on d -7, -1, and 0 for determination of P4, and pregnancy status was diagnosed by ultrasonography 27 to 34 d after AI. Rates of detected estrus were less (P < 0.05) in dairy than in beef heifers, and greater (P < 0.05) in heifers treated with P4. Pattern of conception and pregnancy rates among treatments differed between beef and dairy heifers (treatment x group interaction; P < 0.05). In dairy heifers, conception and pregnancy rates were greatest with P4+PGF, followed by P4+GnRH+PGF and GnRH+PGF, respectively. The opposite was observed among treatments in beef heifers. Administration of P4 without the preceding injection of GnRH produced the lowest pregnancy rates in beefheifers. Ofthe quantified sexual behavioral characteristics during the synchronized estrus, the number of standing events and total duration of standing events were greater (P < 0.01) than those observed during the next eligible estrus before second AI, whereas duration of estrus was unaffected.

Animals↗

Control of FSH, follicular development and estrus synchronization in the mare with steroid-free follicular fluid.

Twenty-two pony mares were used in a project designed to determine the effectiveness of different treatments in controlling FSH, follicular development and synchronization of estrus and ovulation. Mares in Group 1 (n=8) received daily oral altrenogest (0.044 mg/kg); those in Group 2 (n=7) received daily altrenogest (0.044 g/kg) and, during the last 4 days of treatment they received steroid-free follicular fluid, (15 cc) intravenously (I.V.) two times a day; Mares in Group 3 (n=7) received daily intramuscular (I.M.) injections of progesterone (80 mg) and estradiol valerate (7 mg). All treatments lasted for 10 days, at the end of which prostaglandin (PgF(2)alpha, 10 mg) was administered. Sexual behavior, follicular development and FSH concentrations were monitor daily. Concentrations of FSH in Group 2 mares, were not significantly different (P>0.05) from those of Group 1 until the mares in Group 2 were treated with follicular fluid (P<0.05). Concentrations of FSH in Group 3 mares, were significantly lower than those of Groups 1 and 2 (P<0.05) until the mares in Group 2 were treated with steroid-free follicular fluid. At this point there was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (P>0.05). Steroid-free follicular fluid appears to induce atresia in larger follicles (>11 mm), and the initiation of new follicular wave. The combination of progesterone and estradiol valerate appears to delay follicular growth and not to induce atresia, since larger follicles (>11 mm) continued to grow after treatment. Both treatments (groups 2 and 3) resulted in ovulations within 5 days period. The treatment in Group 1 did not have any effect on FSH or follicular development and ovulations were dispersed through a 9-day period. We concluded that steroid-free follicular fluid offers a new possibility to synchronize ovulation in the mare by controlling FSH and follicular development.

Journal Article↗

Efficacy of altrenogest in synchronizing estrus in two swine breeding programs and effects on subsequent reproductive performance of sows.

In two herds that used different breeding and housing schemes, altrenogest (15 mg/d) was fed for 14 d to gilts or 10 d to sows in .45 kg of a diet formulated to meet or exceed their nutrient requirements. In Herd 1 (five breeding seasons per year), 63 of 123 gilts and 40 of 70 sows in seven replications were fed in individual crates to ensure proper intake. In Herd 2 (continuous breeding), 244 of 484 gilts in 20 replications received the treated feed in individual feeding stalls to which animals had free access. Average and median days to estrus were reduced (P less than .01) for treated gilts and sows compared with controls in both herds. Of 29 treated gilts that did not mate or become pregnant, three had cystic follicles, compared to 1 of 14 controls. There were no statistically significant treatment differences in litter size born or number of stillborn pigs in either herd, but farrowing rates of cycling gilts were 8% lower (P less than .05) in Herd 2 for treated gilts than for controls. Overall, altrenogest could be a valuable tool for improving reproductive efficiency by allowing producers to better control the estrous cycle.

Administration, Oral↗

Synchronizing estrus and(or) ovulation in beef cows after combinations of GnRH, norgestomet, and prostaglandin F2alpha with or without timed insemination.

Three experiments were conducted to induce estrus and(or) ovulation in 1,590 suckled beef cows at the beginning of a spring breeding season. In Exp. 1, 890 cows at three locations were allotted to three treatments: 1) GnRH on d -7 + prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) on d 0 (Select Synch); 2) GnRH on d -7 + PGF2alpha on d 0 (first day of the breeding season) plus a norgestomet implant (NORG) between d -7 and 0 (Select Synch + NORG); or 3) two injections of PGF2alpha given 14 d apart (2xPGF2alpha). More (P < 0.05) cycling cows were detected to have been in estrus after both treatments that included GnRH, whereas, among noncycling cows, the addition of norgestomet further increased (P < 0.05) the proportion in estrus. Pregnancy rates were greater (P < 0.01) among noncycling cows after treatments that included GnRH. For cows that calved >60 d before the onset of the breeding season, conception rates were greater (P < 0.01) than those that calved < or =60 d regardless of treatment, whereas days postpartum had no effect on rates of detected estrus. When body condition scores were < or =4 compared with >4, rates of detected estrus (P < 0.05) and conception (P = 0.07) were increased. In Exp. 2, 164 cows were treated with the Select Synch + NORG treatment and were inseminated either after estrus or at 16 h after a second GnRH injection (given 48 h after PGF2alpha). Conception and pregnancy rates tended (P = 0.08) to be or were less (P < 0.05), respectively, for noncycling cows inseminated by appointment, but pregnancy rates exceeded 53% in both protocols. In Exp. 3, 536 cows at three locations were treated with the Select Synch protocol as in Exp. 1 and inseminated either: 1) after detected estrus (Select Synch); 2) at 54 h after PGF2alpha when a second GnRH injection also was administered (Cosynch); or 3) after detected estrus until 54 h, or in the absence of estrus, at 54 h plus a second GnRH injection (Select Synch + Cosynch). Conception rates were reduced (P < 0.01) in cows that were inseminated by appointment. An interaction of AI protocol and cycling status occurred (P = 0.05) for pregnancy rates with differing results for cycling and noncycling cows. Across experiments, variable proportions of cows at various locations (21 to 78%) were cycling before the breeding season. With the GnRH or GnRH + NORG treatments, ovulation was induced in some noncycling cows. Conception rates were normal and pregnancy rates were greater than those after a PGF2alpha program, particularly when inseminations occurred after detected estrus.

Animal Husbandry↗

Synchronized estrus and fertility of beef cows after weaning calves for short intervals.

In Exp. 1, the objective was to determine if interval of separating calves from cows (24 or 48 h) immediately before insemination affects detection and precision of estrus and pregnancy rates of lactating beef cows implanted with norgestomet. Separation of calves from cows for 24 h (n = 418) lengthened intervals to estrus, did not affect precision of estrus, reduced success of detecting estrus and lowered pregnancy rates relative to positive controls (48 h separation, n = 508). Cows with poor body condition, and not suckled for 24 h, conceived at lower rates than cows with similar condition that were not suckled for 48 h. Adverse effects of separation for only 24 h on fertility are apparently due to inadequate intervals between estrus and insemination at 48 h after removing implants. In Exp. 2, the objective was to determine effects of separating calves from cows for 48 h immediately before insemination on detection and precision of estrus and on pregnancy rate of ovulatory lactating beef cows injected twice with prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha). Weaning increased detection of estrus but overall pregnancy rates did not differ between suckled (n = 256) and nonsuckled (n = 221) cows. But, weaning calves improved pregnancy rates of young (2 to 3 yr) cows and reduced fertility among middle (4 to 6 yr)-aged cows. Increased pregnancy rates after weaning calves for 48 h are due largely to greater detection of estrus and inseminating more cows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

[Selection of laboratory rats for fertility components in synchronized estrus using Suisynchron-Praemix. 2. Results of litter development].

The following results were obtained from experimental studies into selection of laboratory rats for fertility and random mating with oestrus being synchronised by means of Suisynchron-Prämix, through eight generations: --Success of selection without synchronised oestrus was higher than that with synchronised oestrus by selection according to the basic index and with one and the same selection intensity. --Litter size and weight were higher in the selected variants, as a result of increased potential fertility (rate of ovulation). --In the population with selection and synchronised oestrus a negative relationship was found to exist between the directly correlated selection results regarding fertility parameters, on the one hand, and the effect of synchronisation, on the other. --Both the rates of ovulation and litter parameters were lower in the population with selection and synchronised oestrus, as a result of synchronisation. --The effect of synchronised oestrus on the population with selection and synchronised oestrus was partially eliminated owing to selection for fertility.

Animals↗

Development of an estrus synchronization protocol for beef cattle with short-term feeding of melengestrol acetate: 7-11 synch.

An estrus synchronization protocol (7-11 Synch) was developed to synchronize the first follicular wave and timing of ovulation in postpartum beef cows. In Exp. 1, follicular development and timing of ovulation in response to the following protocol were evaluated. Beef heifers (n = 12) and cows (n = 6), at random stages of the estrous cycle, were fed melengestrol acetate (MGA; .5 mg x animal(-1) x d(-1)) for 7 d and injected with PGF2alpha (PG; 25 mg) on the last day of MGA. A second injection of PG was administered 11 d after cessation of MGA. After the second injection of PG, estrus was synchronized in 6/12 heifers and 3/6 cows. The interval to estrus in heifers and cows was 54 and 64 h, respectively (P > .10). All animals exhibiting estrus ovulated first-wave follicles. Animals that failed to respond to the second injection of PG were in estrus later than 6 d after cessation of MGA and had corpora lutea that were unresponsive to the injection of PG. Based on the variation in interval to estrus following the first PG injection on the last day of MGA feeding in Exp. 1, an injection of GnRH (100 microg) was added to the protocol 4 d after the cessation of MGA to ensure ovulation or luteinization of dominant follicles and synchronization of first-wave follicular development. This revised protocol was termed "7-11 Synch." In Exp. 2, two estrus synchronization protocols were compared. Multiparous beef cows were stratified by breed and postpartum interval and randomly assigned to the 7-11 Synch (n = 44) or Select Synch protocols (GnRH injection followed by PG injection 7 d later; n = 45). Timing of estrus after the last PG injection (0 h) ranged from 42 to 102 h in the 7-11 Synch group and -30 to 114 h in the Select Synch group. Eight cows (18%) in the Select Synch group exhibited estrus 30 h before to 18 h after PG. Synchronized estrus peaked between 42 and 66 h after the last PG injection, and a maximum number of cows were in estrus at 54 h for both treatment groups. Synchrony of estrus from 42 to 66 h was greater (P < .05) in 7-11 Synch (91%: 41/44) than in Select Synch cows (69%: 31/45). Artificial insemination pregnancy rate from 42 to 66 h was greater (P < .05) in the 7-11 Synch group (66%: 29/44) than in the Select Synch group (40%: 18/45). In summary, the 7-11 Synch protocol improved synchrony of estrus without reducing fertility. This protocol has potential future application for fixed-time AI in beef cattle production systems.

Animals↗

Comparison of Melengestrol Acetate-Prostaglandin F(2)alpha to Syncro-Mate B for estrus synchronization in beef heifers.

Three hundred and ten yearling heifers of various breeds were used in five trials to compare two estrus synchronization treatments. Treatment 1 consisted of Melengestrol Acetate-Prostaglandin F(2)alpha (MGA-PGF(2)alpha). Heifers were fed 0.5 mg MGA/head/d for 14 to 16 d. Sixteen or 17 d after the final MGA feeding, heifers were injected i.m. with 25 mg PGF(2)alpha. Treatment 2 consisted of Syncro-Mate B (SMB). Heifers were given a 9-d norgestomet implant plus an injection containing 3 mg norgestomet and 5 mg estradiol valerate i.m. at implant insertion. Heifers were observed for estrus at 6-h intervals for 120 h after the end of treatments and were artificially inseminated 12 to 18 h after observed estrus. Heifers synchronized with MGA-PGF(2)alpha and SMB had a similar (P > 0.10) estrous response (83.4 vs 90.2%) and a similar (P > 0.10) degree of synchrony (71.8 vs 79.0%) following treatment. However, the synchronized conception rate (68.7 vs 40.6%) and the synchronized pregnancy rate (57.3 vs 36.6%) were higher (P < 0.01) in MGA-PGF(2)alpha than SMB heifers. Breeding season pregnancy rates were similar in both treatment groups. Heifers in both groups that were classified as cycling prior to initiation of treatment had improved reproductive performance following synchronization compared with those classified as noncycling. Based on higher synchronized conception and pregnancy rates and lower labor requirements and drug costs, the MGA-PGF(2)alpha system appears to be a better method to synchronize estrus in beef heifers than the SMB system.

Journal Article↗

Effect of CRESTAR on estrus synchronization and the relationship between fecal and plasma concentrations of progestagens in buffalo cows.

In buffaloes estrus synchronization provides an opportunity for enhanced use of AI; however, changes in hormone secretion during synchronization are poorly understood. The aim of this investigation was to determine if the concentration of progesterone metabolites in feces would correlate with the concentration of progesterone in blood and thus, could be used for noninvasive monitoring of the reproductive status in buffalo cows. Additionally, the influence of a norgestomet-estradiol treatment (CRESTAR-ear implant) was investigated. According to the clinical examination and the progesterone profile in blood samples during the three wks before the treatment, the 17 animals were allotted to 3 groups: 1) CL = presence of corpus luteum throughout the period of 3 wks before the treatment (n = 8); 2) CY = cyclic, corpus luteum present for less than 3 wks (n = 6); and 3) AE = anestrous, with inactive ovaries (n = 3). In the first group, 4 animals started an estrous cycle after implant withdrawal and conceived after natural mating. In the second group one of the cyclic cows showed estrus two d after implant withdrawal, the other 3 had a delayed estrus (12 to 16 d). The two cows which had had inactive ovaries at the beginning but were cyclic before the treatment started, remained cyclic after implant withdrawal but did not become pregnant. The 3 anestrous cows of the third group remained anestrous after the treatment. The progesterone concentration in blood clearly correlated with the concentration of the metabolites in feces. Therefore, this noninvasive method is a valuable tool for determining the luteal status, and such information may be useful for developing estrus synchronization regimens in buffalo cows.

Animals↗

Differences between Brahman and Holstein cows in response to estrus synchronization, superovulation and resistance of embryos to heat shock.

Embryos from Bos indicus are more resistant to elevated culture temperature (i.e. heat shock) than embryos from some Bos taurus breeds. The present experiment was designed to determine if Brahman embryos have greater resistance to heat shock than Holstein embryos at a stage in development before the embryonic genome was fully activated. A second objective was to test breed effects on estrus synchronization and superovulation responses. A total of 29 Brahman and 24 Holstein cows were subjected to estrus synchronization using gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) superovulation. Embryos were collected at 48 h and day 5 after insemination. There was a tendency for a lower proportion of Brahmans to be detected in standing estrus than Holsteins. There were no differences between breeds in the proportion of cows detected in estrus using both tailpaint and standing estrus as criteria or in interval from PGF2alpha to estrus. The degree of synchrony in estrus was greater for Brahmans. Superovulation response was generally similar between breeds. At 48 h after insemination, there was a tendency for a greater proportion of Brahman oocytes to have undergone cleavage. Uncleaved oocytes were cultured for an additional 24 h-at this time, cleavage rate was similar between breeds. When embryos reached the 2-4-cell stage, they were heat-shocked for 4.5 h at 41 degrees C. This heat shock reduced the proportion of embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage but there was no breedxtreatment interaction. At day 5 after insemination, the number of embryos recovered was too low to allow comparison of breed effects. In conclusion, genetic effects on cellular thermotolerance that make Brahman embryos more resistant to heat shock are not expressed at the 2-4-cell stage. There were few differences between Brahman and Holstein in response to estrus synchronization and superovulation. The fact that cleavage tended to occur earlier in Brahman than Holstein embryos suggests breed differences in timing of ovulation, fertilization or events leading to cleavage.

Animals↗

Inseminations at estrus induced by presynchronization before application of synchronized estrus and ovulation.

A controlled field study examined conception rates after 2 timed artificial insemination (TAI) breeding protocols conducted on 2 commercial dairy farms. Estrous cycles in postpartum lactating cows were presynchronized with 2 injections of PGF(2alpha) given 14 d apart (Pre-synch) and then, after 12 d, the standard Ovsynch protocol (injection of GnRH 7 d before and 48 h after an injection of PGF(2alpha), with one TAI at 12 to 16 h after the second GnRH injection) or Heatsynch protocol [injection of GnRH 7 d before an injection of PGF(2alpha), followed 24 h later by 1 mg of estradiol cypionate (ECP) and one TAI 48 h after ECP] was applied. Experimental design allowed artificial insemination to occur anytime after the second Presynch injection and during the designed breeding week when estrus was detected. Of the 1846 first services performed, only 1503 (rate of compliance = 81.4%) were performed according to protocol. Numbers of cows inseminated, logistic-regression adjusted conception rates, and days in milk (DIM) were for inseminations made: 1) during 14 d after first Presynch injection (n = 145; 22.6%; 54 +/- 0.4 DIM); 2) during 12 d after second Presynch injection (n = 727; 33%; 59 +/- 0.2 DIM); 3) during 7 d after the first GnRH injection of Ovsynch or Heatsynch (n = 96; 32.1%; 74 +/- 0.5 DIM); 4) after estrus as part of Heatsynch (n = 212; 44.6%; 76 +/- 0.3 DIM); 4) after TAI as part of Heatsynch (n = 154; 21.1%; 76 +/- 0.4 DIM); 5) after estrus as part of Ovsynch (n = 43; 48.7%; 77 +/- 0.7 DIM); and 6) after TAI as part of Ovsynch (n = 271; 24.4%; 77 +/- 0.3 DIM). Conception rates when AI occurred after one Presynch injection were less than when AI occurred after 2 Presynch injections. Conception rates for those inseminated after either Presynch injection did not differ from those inseminated after combined Heatsynch + Ovsynch. Cows in the Ovsynch and Heatsynch protocols inseminated after estrus during the breeding week had greater conception rates than those receiving the TAI, but overall conception rates did not differ between protocols. Among cows inseminated after detected estrus, conception was greater for cows in the Heatsynch + Ovsynch protocol (77 +/- 0.4 DIM) than for those inseminated after either Presynch injection (54 +/- 0.4 or 59 +/- 0.2 DIM). We concluded that conception rates after Heatsynch and Ovsynch were similar under these experimental conditions, and that delaying first AI improved fertility for cows inseminated after detected estrus.

Animals↗

Protocols for synchronizing estrus and ovulation in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): a review.

Poor estrus expression and a prolonged intercalving interval compromise the reproductive efficiency of female buffaloes. These limitations are exacerbated during the hot season, when fertility decreases dramatically. Pregnancy rate decrease further because difficulties in detecting estrus. To improve reproductive efficiency, several protocols of estrus and ovulation synchronization have been developed. These procedures are based on manipulating the CL, either to induce premature luteolysis using prostaglandins or to prolong the luteal phase using progestagens. However, it has recently emerged that a more precise manipulation of follicular development may be needed to achieve better synchrony of ovulation and improve fertility. Researchers have therefore turned their attention to evaluating programs in which hormones such as GnRH, FSH, LH, eCG, hCG, prostaglandins, progesterone and estradiol are administered. This review considers the impacts of estrus and ovulation synchronization protocols on fertility in the buffalo. In general, it may be stated that buffaloes respond well to the exogenous administration of hormones, and artificial insemination is possible at a pre-established time after synchronizing ovulation. Most combined hormone protocols give satisfactory pregnancy rates, comparable to those achieved in animals inseminated at natural estrus.

Animals↗

The strategic use of estradiol to enhance fertility and submission rates of progestin-based estrus synchronization programs in dairy herds.

Two experiments were performed to evaluate the efficacy of a progestin-based estrus synchronization program that incorporated the use of estradiol at the initiation of progestin treatment and at 48 h after progestin withdrawal (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, cyclic, lactating dairy cows (n = 112) were assigned to receive either 1 (1mg) or 2 (2mg) mg of estradiol benzoate via an i.m. injection on d -9 (d 0 = initiation of the breeding season). All cows received an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (IPI; CIDR-B) on d -9. On d -2, the IPI was withdrawn and all cows were administered 500 microg of cloprostenol sodium. Beginning on d 0, cows were bred by AI upon detection of estrus. Estrus was observed in similar proportions of cows in each treatment during the first 6 d of AI (90% across treatments), but the interval to estrus was shorter (P < .05) in 1mg (1.26 +/- .18 d) than in 2mg (1.77 +/- .18 d). Conception and pregnancy rates did not vary among treatments; however, cows in estrus on d 0 tended to be less fertile (P = .11) than those in estrus on d 1. In Exp. 2, 408 cyclic cows from three herds were assigned to receive either no synchrony treatment (Control, n = 214) or the treatments described in Exp. 1 (1mg, n = 100; 2mg, n = 94). Anestrous cows from all herds received an IPI from d -9 to -2 (n = 143; Anestrus). All cows in the 1mg, 2mg, and Anestrus groups, with the exception of those detected in estrus between d -1 and 0, also received 1 mg of estradiol benzoate on d 0. Greater than 90% of cows that received an IPI were in estrus between d -1 and 3, and 92.1% of cows in the Control group were in estrus by d 21. Conception rate to first service in 2mg (61.7%) was similar to Control (57.0%), tended to be higher (P = .06) than 1mg (49.0%), and was greater (P < .05) than Anestrus (39.9%). The mean day of conception was earlier (P < .05) in the 2mg (d 13.1 +/- 2.0) than the Control (d 23.2 +/- 1.6) and Anestrus (d 22.4 +/- 1.9) groups. Conception occurred earlier in 1mg (d 17.4 +/- 2.1) than in Control. The proportion of cows that were pregnant at the end of the breeding season tended (P = .09) to be greater in the 2mg and Anestrus groups. This regimen of estrus synchronization improved reproductive competence in cyclic cows and resulted in similar reproductive performance in anestrous cows and untreated cyclic cows inseminated at a spontaneous estrus.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Melengestrol acetate and norgestomet for the induction of synchronized estrus in seasonally anovular ewes.

Two commercially available progestogen products for cattle, melengestrol acetate (MGA) and norgestomet (SMB), were evaluated for their ability to induce synchronized estrus in anovulatory ewes. Seasonally anestrous ewes (n = 232) were randomly assigned to one of seven treatments: 1) control (C); 2) MGA only (OMGA; .3 mg of MGA/d); 3) MGA+zeranol (RMGA; 2.5 mg of zeranol); 4) MGA+PG-600 (PMGA; 400 IU of PMSG + 200 IU of hCG in a 5-mL dose); 5) SMB only (OSMB); 6) SMB + zeranol (RSMB); and 7) SMB + PG-600 (PSMB). Treatments were initiated 10 d before breeding. Immediately preceding progestogen treatment, RMGA and RSMB ewes were given a single i.m. injection of zeranol. Concomitant to progestogen removal, PMGA and PSMB ewes were given a single i.m. injection of PG-600. On May 4, 1992, all treatment groups were combined into one breeding group for a 30-d breeding period. Mating at synchronized estrus was greater (P < .001) for progestogen-treated ewes. Within progestogen treatments, more (P < .001) SMB ewes than MGA ewes were marked within the first 5 d of breeding. Overall, there were no treatment differences in estrus response for the 30-d breeding period. Progestogen-treated ewes had a shorter (P < .001) mean interval from ram introduction to lambing. Fertility and prolificacy were not different for C, MGA, or SMB ewes. Ewes primed with zeranol before MGA or SMB treatment had fertility and intervals from ram introduction to lambing similar to those of ewes receiving an injection of PG-600 after progestogen treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗