Effect of Modified Estradiol/Progesterone and hCG Protocol for Time Artificial Insemination on Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cows
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Abstract
This study evaluated estrus synchronization protocols using estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in dairy cows. Fifteen Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 (E2+P4, n=5); Group 2 (E2+P4+hCG, n=5); and Group 3 (E2+P4+double dose hCG, n=5). On day 0, cows received intramuscular (IM) injections of estradiol benzoate (2 ml, 1 mg/ml) and insertion of a progesterone device (CIDR, 1.38 g). On day 7, CIDR was removed, and cows received prostaglandin (2 ml, 0.25 mg/ml cloprostenol). Additionally, Group 2 received 300 IU hCG on day 7 while Group 3 received 300 IU hCG on days 7 and 8. On day 8, all cows received estradiol cypionate (1 ml, 1 mg/ml), and artificial insemination was performed on day 10. Results showed no significant differences (P>0.05) among groups regarding uterine and ovarian characteristics. The diameter of the largest follicle on day 10 was also not significantly different (P=0.45). On day 20, no significant differences were found among groups regarding ovulation rate (P=0.72), corpus luteum diameter (P=0.24), and blood flow score (P=0.26). In conclusion, adding hCG to an E2/P4-based estrus synchronization protocol did not improve reproductive performance in dairy cows compared to protocols without hCG
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