PSVI-18 Efficiency of the use of ultrafine particles of silicon dioxide in the synchronization scheme of estrus of heifers

Abstract

Abstract The intensification of the reproduction of a herd of cattle requires the use of highly effective synchronization schemes for estrus. All schemes available today give a low percentage of fertilization with frontal insemination. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ultrafine particles of silicon dioxide on fertility and the level of sex hormones in heifers during synchronization of sexual heat with subsequent frontal insemination. Ultrafine particles of silicon dioxide were injected in isotonic sodium chloride solution. The synchronization scheme included two-fold application of prostaglandin preparations; blood was taken from under the tail vein to determine the hormonal status on days 1, 11, and 14 of the experiment. The results of the study showed that ultrafine particles of silicon dioxide had a positive effect on the level of sex hormones. Concerning progesterone, the difference between the values of increase in the level in the experimental and control groups was 112.1% (P ≤ 0.01) on the 11th day. On the 14th day of the experiment, the difference between the values of the decrease level was 19.6% (P ≤ 0.05). Follicle-stimulating hormone increased by 9.1% (P ≤ 0.05) by the 14th day of the experiment compared with the previous value. In the heifers of the experimental group, the excess was more significant, i.e.15.4% (P ≤ 0.05); the level of luteinizing hormone in the experimental group on the 14th day of the experiment exceeded the level of the control by 31.1% (P ≤ 0.05). According to the results of the examination for pregnancy, an increase in fertility was revealed by 20.0% in the experimental group in comparison with the control group. This study demonstrates the potential of using ultrafine silica particles in estrus synchronization schemes for heifers to increase heifer fertility. The research was carried out in accordance with the research plan for 2019–2021. FGBNU FSC BST RAS (No. 0761-2019-0006).