Reproductive Management of Lactating Dairy Cows Using Synchronization of Ovulation

¹ Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706

Lactating dairy cows have poor reproductive efficiency because of low fertility and low rates of estrus detection. To eliminate the dependence on detection of estrus, we have recently developed a timed artificial insemination (AI) protocol that synchronizes the time of ovulation using GnRH and PGF₂. The effectiveness of this protocol as a management tool was compared with standard reproductive management. Lactating dairy cows (n =333) from three herds were randomly assigned at parturition to two groups. Control cows were managed according to the typical reproductive strategy of the farm that relied on detection of estrus, the a.m.–p.m. breeding rule, and periodic use of PGF₂. Treated cows had timed AI after synchronization of ovulation with GnRH and PGF₂. For both groups, the voluntary waiting period was 50 d postpartum. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound between 32 and 38 d post-AI. Nonpregnant cows were inseminated again using the original treatment until diagnosed as pregnant or until culled from the herd. Median days to first AI (54 vs. 83) and days open (99 vs.118) were lower for treated cows than for control cows, respectively. Pregnancy rates for the first AI were similar (37% vs. 39%) for the two groups even though treated cows were bred at an earlier time postpartum. More treated cows than control cows were pregnant at 60 d (37% vs. 5%) and at 100 d (53% vs. 35%) after calving. Thus, this protocol allowed effective management of AI in lactating dairy cows without the need for estrus detection.

Key Words: reproduction • gonadotropin-releasing hormone • prostaglandin F₂ • synchronized ovulation

Submitted on March 13, 1996
Accepted on July 29, 1996

This article has been cited by other articles:

				H. M. Rutigliano, F. S. Lima, R. L. A. Cerri, L. F. Greco, J. M. Vilela, V. Magalhaes, F. T. Silvestre, W. W. Thatcher, and J. E. P. Santos Effects of Method of Presynchronization and Source of Selenium on Uterine Health and Reproduction in Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, September 1, 2008; 91(9): 3323 - 3336. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. L. Stevenson, J. C. Dalton, J. E. P. Santos, R. Sartori, A. Ahmadzadeh, and R. C. Chebel Effect of Synchronization Protocols on Follicular Development and Estradiol and Progesterone Concentrations of Dairy Heifers J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2008; 91(8): 3045 - 3056. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				E. Silva, R. A. Sterry, D. Kolb, M. C. Wiltbank, and P. M. Fricke Effect of Pretreatment with Prostaglandin F2{alpha} Before Resynchronization of Ovulation on Fertility of Lactating Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2007; 90(12): 5509 - 5517. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. S. Stevenson, M. A. Portaluppi, and D. E. Tenhouse Factors Influencing Upfront Single-and Multiple-Ovulation Incidence, Progesterone, and Luteolysis Before a Timed Insemination Resynchronization Protocol J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2007; 90(12): 5542 - 5551. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				Q. Li, F. Jimenez-Krassel, A. Bettegowda, J. J Ireland, and G. W Smith Evidence that the preovulatory rise in intrafollicular progesterone may not be required for ovulation in cattle J. Endocrinol., March 1, 2007; 192(3): 473 - 483. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. S. Stevenson, M. A. Portaluppi, and D. E. Tenhouse Ovarian Traits After Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-Induced Ovulation and Subsequent Delay of Induced Luteolysis in an Ovsynch Protocol J Dairy Sci, March 1, 2007; 90(3): 1281 - 1288. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. H. Miller, H. D. Norman, M. T. Kuhn, J. S. Clay, and J. L. Hutchison Voluntary Waiting Period and Adoption of Synchronized Breeding in Dairy Herd Improvement Herds J Dairy Sci, March 1, 2007; 90(3): 1594 - 1606. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. P. Meyer, R. P. Radcliff, M. L. Rhoads, J. F. Bader, C. N. Murphy, and M. C. Lucy Timed Artificial Insemination of Two Consecutive Services in Dairy Cows Using Prostaglandin F2{alpha} and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone J Dairy Sci, February 1, 2007; 90(2): 691 - 698. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. Z. Caraviello, K. A. Weigel, M. Craven, D. Gianola, N. B. Cook, K. V. Nordlund, P. M. Fricke, and M. C. Wiltbank Analysis of Reproductive Performance of Lactating Cows on Large Dairy Farms Using Machine Learning Algorithms J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2006; 89(12): 4703 - 4722. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. E. Sprinkle, S. P. Cuneo, H. M. Frederick, R. M. Enns, D. W. Schafer, G. E. Carstens, S. B. Daugherty, T. H. Noon, B. M. Rickert, and C. Reggiardo Effects of a long-acting, trace mineral, reticulorumen bolus on range cow productivity and trace mineral profiles J Anim Sci, June 1, 2006; 84(6): 1439 - 1453. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. Moore and W. W. Thatcher Major advances associated with reproduction in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2006; 89(4): 1254 - 1266. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				Q. Li, F. Jimenez-Krassel, Y. Kobayashi, J. J Ireland, and G. W Smith Effect of intrafollicular indomethacin injection on gonadotropin surge-induced expression of select extracellular matrix degrading enzymes and their inhibitors in bovine preovulatory follicles. Reproduction, March 1, 2006; 131(3): 533 - 543. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. B. Sellars, J. C. Dalton, R. Manzo, J. Day, and A. Ahmadzadeh Time and Incidence of Ovulation and Conception Rates After Incorporating Estradiol Cypionate into a Timed Artificial Insemination Protocol J Dairy Sci, February 1, 2006; 89(2): 620 - 626. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. R. Rabiee, I. J. Lean, and M. A. Stevenson Efficacy of Ovsynch Program on Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cattle: A Meta-Analysis J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2005; 88(8): 2754 - 2770. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. C. Goodling Jr., G. E. Shook, K. A. Weigel, and N. R. Zwald The Effect of Synchronization on Genetic Parameters of Reproductive Traits in Dairy Cattle J Dairy Sci, June 1, 2005; 88(6): 2217 - 2225. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. A. Portaluppi and J. S. Stevenson Pregnancy Rates in Lactating Dairy Cows After Presynchronization of Estrous Cycles and Variations of the Ovsynch Protocol J Dairy Sci, March 1, 2005; 88(3): 914 - 921. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. S. Stevenson and A. P. Phatak Inseminations at Estrus Induced by Presynchronization Before Application of Synchronized Estrus and Ovulation J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2005; 88(1): 399 - 405. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				Q. Li, L. J Bakke, J R. Pursley, and G. W Smith Localization and temporal regulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 3 and 4 in bovine preovulatory follicles Reproduction, November 1, 2004; 128(5): 555 - 564. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. L. A. Cerri, J. E. P. Santos, S. O. Juchem, K. N. Galvao, and R. C. Chebel Timed Artificial Insemination with Estradiol Cypionate or Insemination at Estrus in High-Producing Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, November 1, 2004; 87(11): 3704 - 3715. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. R. Bilby, A. Guzeloglu, S. Kamimura, S. M. Pancarci, F. Michel, H. H. Head, and W. W. Thatcher Pregnancy and Bovine Somatotropin in Nonlactating Dairy Cows: I. Ovarian, Conceptus, and Insulin-Like Growth Factor System Responses J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2004; 87(10): 3256 - 3267. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. J. Bakke, Q. Li, C. A. Cassar, M. P.D. Dow, J. R. Pursley, and G. W. Smith Gonadotropin Surge-Induced Differential Upregulation of Collagenase-1 (MMP-1) and Collagenase-3 (MMP-13) mRNA and Protein in Bovine Preovulatory Follicles Biol Reprod, August 1, 2004; 71(2): 605 - 612. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. Navanukraw, D. A. Redmer, L. P. Reynolds, J. D. Kirsch, A. T. Grazul-Bilska, and P. M. Fricke A Modified Presynchronization Protocol Improves Fertility to Timed Artificial Insemination in Lactating Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, May 1, 2004; 87(5): 1551 - 1557. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. E. P. Santos, S. O. Juchem, R. L. A. Cerri, K. N. Galvao, R. C. Chebel, W. W. Thatcher, C. S. Dei, and C. R. Bilby Effect of bST and Reproductive Management on Reproductive Performance of Holstein Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2004; 87(4): 868 - 881. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. Z. El-Zarkouny, J. A. Cartmill, B. A. Hensley, and J. S. Stevenson Pregnancy in Dairy Cows After Synchronized Ovulation Regimens With or Without Presynchronization and Progesterone J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2004; 87(4): 1024 - 1037. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				B.-A. Tenhagen, M. Drillich, R. Surholt, and W. Heuwieser Comparison of Timed AI After Synchronized Ovulation to AI at Estrus: Reproductive and Economic Considerations J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2004; 87(1): 85 - 94. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				E. K. Inskeep Preovulatory, postovulatory, and postmaternal recognition effects of concentrations of progesterone on embryonic survival in the cow J Anim Sci, January 1, 2004; 82(13_suppl): E24 - 39. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. M. Fricke, D. Z. Caraviello, K. A. Weigel, and M. L. Welle Fertility of Dairy Cows after Resynchronization of Ovulation at Three Intervals Following First Timed Insemination J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2003; 86(12): 3941 - 3950. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Gumen, J. N. Guenther, and M. C. Wiltbank Follicular Size and Response to Ovsynch Versus Detection of Estrus in Anovular and Ovular Lactating Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2003; 86(10): 3184 - 3194. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. J. Mapletoft, M. F. Martinez, M. G. Colazo, and J. P. Kastelic The use of controlled internal drug release devices for the regulation of bovine reproduction J Anim Sci, February 1, 2003; 81(14_suppl_2): E28 - 36. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. J. Patterson, F. N. Kojima, and M. F. Smith A review of methods to synchronize estrus in replacement beef heifers and postpartum cows J Anim Sci, February 1, 2003; 81(14_suppl_2): E166 - 177. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. Sartori, R. Sartor-Bergfelt, S. A. Mertens, J. N. Guenther, J. J. Parrish, and M. C. Wiltbank Fertilization and Early Embryonic Development in Heifers and Lactating Cows in Summer and Lactating and Dry Cows in Winter J Dairy Sci, November 1, 2002; 85(11): 2803 - 2812. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. W. Peters and J. R. Pursley Fertility of Lactating Dairy Cows Treated with Ovsynch after Presynchronization Injections of PGF2{alpha} and GnRH J Dairy Sci, September 1, 2002; 85(9): 2403 - 2406. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. M. Fricke Scanning the Future--Ultrasonography as a Reproductive Management Tool for Dairy Cattle J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2002; 85(8): 1918 - 1926. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. C. Cordoba and P. M. Fricke Initiation of the Breeding Season in a Grazing-Based Dairy by Synchronization of Ovulation J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2002; 85(7): 1752 - 1763. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. J. Bakke, M. P.D. Dow, C. A. Cassar, M. W. Peters, J. R. Pursley, and G. W. Smith Effect of the Preovulatory Gonadotropin Surge on Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-14, MMP-2, and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-2 Expression Within Bovine Periovulatory Follicular and Luteal Tissue Biol Reprod, June 1, 2002; 66(6): 1627 - 1634. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. P.D. Dow, L. J. Bakke, C. A. Cassar, M. W. Peters, J. R. Pursley, and G. W. Smith Gonadotropin Surge-Induced Up-Regulation of the Plasminogen Activators (Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Urokinase Plasminogen Activator) and the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor Within Bovine Periovulatory Follicular and Luteal Tissue Biol Reprod, May 1, 2002; 66(5): 1413 - 1421. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				D. H. Townson, C. L. O'Connor, and J. K. Pru Expression of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 and Distribution of Immune Cell Populations in the Bovine Corpus Luteum Throughout the Estrous Cycle Biol Reprod, February 1, 2002; 66(2): 361 - 366. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. W. S. Chan, E. J. Homan, L. U. Ballou, J. C. Burns, and R. D. Bremel Transgenic cattle produced by reverse-transcribed gene transfer in oocytes PNAS, November 24, 1998; 95(24): 14028 - 14033. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]