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Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 76 No. 9 2619-2623
© 1993 by American Dairy Science Association ®
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Induction of Estrus After Thyroidectomy in Nonlactating Holstein Cows

R. E. Stewart 1, J. S. Stevenson 1, M. O. Mee 1, I. Rettmer 1, and J. E. Schneider 2

1 Department of Animal Sciences and Industry
2 Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-0201

Hypothyroidism reportedly decreased sexual behavior in several species. To confirm the role of hypothyroidism in the expression of estrus in cattle, our objective was to determine whether estrus could be induced in ovariectomized cows without intact thyroid glands using estradiol benzoate and progesterone. Eight nonlactating, nonpregnant Holstein cows were thyroidectomized and ovariectomized, and another four cows were ovariectomized only. All cows were given either estradiol benzoate or progesterone plus estradiol benzoate in a crossover design with two replicates during 4 consecutive wk. Cows were observed continuously for estrus from 9 to 45 h after treatment with gonadal steroids. Intensity of estrus was assessed by quantitative measurement of the frequencies of mounting activity and standing behavior. The percentage of cows showing estrus was influenced by thyroidectomy-ovariectomy (78.1%) compared with ovariectomy (31.1%) but was unaffected by hormonal treatment. In contrast, other measures of estrous behavior (duration of standing estrus and frequencies of mounting and standing activities) were unaffected by thyroid status or by hormonal treatments. We concluded that ovariectomized cows without intact thyroid glands exhibit estrus and that the exhibited behavior is similar in intensity and duration to that in ovariectomized cows treated with gonadal steroids. Hypothyroidism may not cause failure to express estrus.

Key Words: thyroidectomy • ovariectomy • estrus • bovine

Submitted on March 26, 1993
Accepted on May 10, 1993




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Copyright © 1993 by the American Dairy Science Association ®.