Response of cross breed and local Cows to estrus synchronisation using a prostaglandin or a combination of prostalglandin and progestrone
Date
2012
Authors
Mwanza, Yvonne
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
Two studies were conducted in Mazabuka (Southern province) to investigate the response of
crossbreed and local cows to estrus synchronization using prostaglandin and progesterone.The
study involved 55 crossbreed cows and 35 local cowsof body condition score of atleast 2.0.
Study 1 involved 35 crossbreed cows and 35 local cows. A l l the cows were injected with 2ml of
alfaglandin (prostaglandin) and repeated 11 days later. The cows were then observed for estrus
signs. In study 2, a total of 55 crossbreed cows were used. Of these , 35 cows were injected with
2ml alfaglandin while 20 cows were inserted with vaginal implants(CIDRs) followed by an
injection of 2ml of ciderol; on day 8, the 20 cows were injected with 2ml of alfaglandin. Estrus
signs were observed in all the cows. The cows that were observed to be on estrus were
artificially inseminated 12 hours after they were first seen on heat. In study 1, the results
obtained showed that the response rate for the crossbreed cows and the local cows that were
given alfaglandin were relatively low (34% andl4% respectively). The crossbreed cows had a
higher response rate as compared to the local cows. There were no significant differences in the
response time to estrus synchronization between the two breeds. BCS had an effect on the
response rate and cows with a BCS of 3 had the highest response rate. In study 2, the results
obtained showed that the response rate for the crossbreed cows that were inserted with a vaginal
implant and given an alfaglandin injection had a higher response as compared to the crossbreed
cows that were given alfaglandin only (55% and34% respectively). There were no significant
differences in the response time to estrus synchronization between the two protocols. BCS had
an effect on the response rate and cows with a BCS of 3 had the highest response rate. The most
important finding of the first study is that the rate of response to estrus did differ between the two
breed. These results support the concept that there are disparities in several reproductive
characteristics in Bos indicus and Bos Taurus cattle. Another important outcome of the study was
that the response to synchronization occurred over a range of hours such that it was not possible
to achieve timed Artificial insemination (TAI). It was concluded that the protocol was not
economically viable for use by farmers. In the second experiment, it was concluded that the
prostaglandin + progesterone protocol was more effective in synchronizing estrus as compared to
the prostaglandin protocol. The response rate was within the expected range and it was possible
to do TAI. It was then concluded that the prostaglandin+ progesterone protocol was
economically viable for use by farmers.
Description
Student Project Report
Keywords
Cattle , Dairy Cattle breeding