Effects of follicular ablation and GnRH on synchronization of ovulation and conception rates in embryo recipient heifers

Abstract

Two experiments were performed to determine effects of follicular ablation (FA) and GnRH treatment on conception rate and synchronization in timing of ovulation among Holstein heifers. In Experiment 1, heifers were randomly allocated to four groups: Control (n = 84): prostaglandin F2α (PGF) IM on Day 0; FA-5/GnRH (n = 43): FA 5 days before PGF and GnRH on Day 2; FA-4/GnRH (n = 48):FA 4 days before PGF and GnRH on Day 2; andFA-3/GnRH (n = 21): FA 3 days before PGF and GnRH on Day 2. Ultrasonography was performed to determine follicular size, ovulation occurrence, and size of CL. In Experiment 2, heifers were assigned to three groups: Control (n = 264), FA-5/GnRH, and FA-4/GnRH. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at Days 30 and 60. In Experiment 1, size of largest follicle at time of PGF was less variable (P ≤ 0.05) in all FA groups compared to the Control group. With the FA-5/GnRH and FA-4/GnRH treatments, there were greater (P ≤ 0.05) proportions of timing of ovulation synchronization (86 % and 85 %, respectively) compared to the Control (61 %) and FA-3/GnRH (62 %) groups. In Experiment 2, conception rates did not differ among groups, however, there were more pregnancies per cow when timing-of-ovulation treatments were imposed. In conclusion, follicular ablation combined with GnRH treatment resulted in an increased proportion of heifers having synchronized ovulation and, therefore, number of recipient heifers available for embryo transfer. Additionally, there was no effect on conception rate when there was greater synchronization in timing of ovulation among heifers.