Oestrus response of cows treated with various doses of Prostaglandin F2a
Date
2014
Authors
Katundu, Sibeso I.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
The oestrus response o various doses of Prostaglandin F2a in dairy cows was investigated
to determine the effectiveness of doses lower than the recommended dose. Prostaglandin
analogues are used in reproductive management to induce oestrus in cows. They also
have pharmacological application in the correction of a number of reproductive disorders
in cows. While prescription of a therapeutic dose is expected for the correction of
reproductive disorder , the dose for inducing oestrus and associated ovulation is expected
to be comparatively lower. However, the current dose recommendation prescribes a
blanket application re e of the hormone for all these purposes. The implication of this is
the use of pharmacolgical doses of Prostaglandin F2a where physiological dose should
surfice. Consequenth , costs that would otherwise be eliminated through the use of a
minimum required do .e are incurred. In an experiment with the objective of lowering the
Prostaglandin Faa dost used in oestrus synchronization, the effectiveness of lower doses in
inducing oestrus in d; iry cows was investigated. Four (4) Friesian cows were randomly
allocated to receive e; her 2.0 mL (recommended dose and positive control), 1.5 mL, 1.0
mL or 0.5 mL of Alfa ^landin, an analogue of Prostaglandin F2a, given intramuscularly on
day seven of the oestr lus cycle. There were no differences in response to various doses of
Alfaglandin administered (x^ = 3.1, df = 3, P = 0.4). There was 100% oestrus response
among cows treated \ ith 2.0 or 0.5 mL, 50% at 1.5 mL, and 66.7% at 1.0 mL. A l l the
cows that responded positively to treatment did so within a period of 2.5-3.5 days
{P>0.05). In conclusion, lower doses of Prostaglandin F2u were just as effective as those
recommended for oesi 'us synchronization in cows. Additionally, the time taken to oestrus
was unaffected by the lose of Prostaglandin F2a administered.
Description
Student Project Report
Keywords
Prostaglandin-Physiological effect , Reproduction in Cows