Evaluation of Progesterone Supplementation in a Prostaglandin F2α-Based Presynchronization Protocol Before Timed Insemination

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of treatment with a controlled internal drug-release (CIDR) insert containing progesterone in a PGF2α-based presynchronization protocol on pregnancy rates at first service in lactating Holstein cows. A total of 1,318 (656 treatment and 662 control) cows from 5 farms were used in the analysis. Cows received a CIDR insert as part of the presynchronization protocol of 2 PGF2α injections given 14 d apart. The CIDR insert was applied during 7 d before the second PGF2α injection, whereas control cows received no CIDR insert. Serum progesterone concentrations were measured in samples collected at 37±3 d in milk (DIM; 7 d after the first PGF2α injection) and at 58±3 DIM, just before initiation of the Ovsynch protocol. According to serum concentrations of progesterone, cows were classified as having either high (≥1 ng/mL) or low (<1 ng/mL) progesterone. The proportion of cows with low progesterone at 37±3 DIM was similar for cows treated later with the CIDR insert (60.7%; n=654) and for control cows (59.2%; n=657). In contrast, use of the CIDR insert resulted in fewer low-progesterone cows (17.4%; n=402) compared with control cows (30.6%; n = 399) at 58±3 DIM. No significant effect of the CIDR insert was detected on overall pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates, as measured by the percentage of cows pregnant at 37±3 d post timed artificial insemination, for control cows having high or low progesterone at 58±3 DIM were 46.6 and 22.1%, respectively. For the CIDR group, pregnancy rates were 40.4 and 11.4%, respectively, for high- and low-progesterone cows at 58±3 DIM. Overall pregnancy rates were 36.4 and 34.5% for control cows and cows receiving the CIDR insert, respectively. A significant decreasing trend was observed in the proportion of cows having low progesterone as the body condition score increased, at 37±3 and 58±3 DIM. A significant increasing trend in the pregnancy rate was observed as body condition score increased. In conclusion, incorporation of CIDR inserts into a presynchronization protocol reduced the proportion of cows having low progesterone; however, the pregnancy rate did not differ between control cows and those receiving the CIDR insert. Earlier expression of estrus after the second PGF2α injection, and consequently improper timing of initiation of the Ovsynch protocol, could have negatively affected fertility in the CIDR-treated cows.