Estrus induction and fertility response following different treatment protocols in Murrah buffaloes under field conditions.

L Kumar,A K Pandey,S K Phulia,J Dalal,S Kumar,J B Phogat

doi:10.14202/vetworld.2016.1466-1470

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three different treatment protocols for estrus induction and conception rate in postpartum anestrus buffaloes during breeding season under field conditions.Materials and Methods:The 47 postpartum anestrus buffaloes of the 2nd to 6th parity were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=16): Buffaloes received cosynch treatment, that is, buserelin acetate 10 µg on day 0 and 9, cloprostenol 500 µg on day 7 followed by fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) at the time of second buserelin acetate and 24 h later. Group 2 (n=15): Buffaloes received norgestomet ear implant subcutaneously for 9 days, estradiol benzoate 2 mg on the day of implant insertion (day 0), pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) 400 IU and cloprostenol 500 µg on day 9 followed by AI at 48 and 72 h after implant removal. Group 3 (Cosynch-plus, n=16): Buffaloes received Cosynch protocol as per Group 1 except an additional injection of PMSG 400 IU (i.m.) was given 3 days before the start of protocol and FTAI done at the same time of Group 1. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed after 45 days of AI.Results:The estrus induction response following the treatment was 81.3%, 100%, and 93.7% in Group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The buffaloes of Group 1, 2, and 3 expressed intense (38.4%, 60% and 46.6%, respectively) and moderate estrus (46.1%, 26.6%, and 40%, respectively). The conception rates in Group 1, 2, and 3, at FTAI and overall including subsequent estrus were 37.5% and 62.5%, 53.3%, and 66.6%, 56.3%, and 75%, respectively.Conclusion:All the three treatment protocols can be effectively used for induction of estrus with acceptable conception rate in postpartum anestrus buffaloes during breeding season under field conditions. However, Cosynch-plus (similar to Cosynch protocol except addition of PMSG, 400 IU 3 days before the start of first buserelin acetate administration) protocol results comparatively better pregnancy rate.

Highlights

The animal husbandry practices are vogue in most of the buffalo rearing countries including India are such that the single or few buffaloes are kept by individual farmers
All the three treatment protocols can be effectively used for induction of estrus with acceptable conception rate in postpartum anestrus buffaloes during breeding season under field conditions
As per our expectations estrus induction rate was higher in Group-2 animals since the combined effect of progesterone priming of the brain for estradiol receptors and high endogenous estradiol with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) administration mainly responsible for behavioral signs [15]

Summary

Introduction

The animal husbandry practices are vogue in most of the buffalo rearing countries including India are such that the single or few buffaloes are kept by individual farmers. Anestrus condition in buffaloes is considered the most frustrating and challenging reproductive problem responsible for economic losses to the farmer by decreasing milk production and net calf crop in a female’s lifetime. Estrus induction protocols using various hormones such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), progesterone (CIDR, Crestar), estradiol, pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG), and prostaglandins associated with fixed-time. When the negative feedback is withdrawn, there is reflex release of these gonadotrophins resulting in induction of estrus within 2-5 days of progesterone removal [6,7]. Administration of PMSG and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF ) at the time of proges-

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