Abstract
Previous research demonstrated that an estrus-synchronization program using a short period of melengestrol acetate (MGA) feeding in conjunction with a Cosynch protocol was effective in synchronizing estrus in postpartum beef cows. The objective of our study was to test this synchronization protocol (7-11 Cosynch) in yearling beef heifers in comparison to a Cosynch protocol. Fifty-eight commercial beef replacement heifers were assigned randomly to two protocols: Cosynch (n=29) and 7-11 Cosynch (n=29). Beginning on day 1, heifers in the 7-11 Cosynch protocol were fed MGA (0.5 mg/heifer daily) for 7 days. On day 7, the last day of MGA feeding, the heifers on the 7-11 Cosynch protocol received an injection of PGF2α. On day 11 all 58 heifers received an injection of GnRH (100 μg). On day 18, all 58 heifers were injected with PGF2α. On day 20, all of the heifers received a 100 μg dose of GnRH by injection and were artificially inseminated. Ultrasonography was used to determine pregnancy status 29 days after breeding. A greater percentage (P<0.01) of heifers were pregnant after the 7-11 Cosynch treatment (67%) than after the Cosynch treatment (31%). This study demonstrates the potential of achieving acceptable pregnancy rates using timed artificial insemination in yearling beef heifers.
Highlights
The use of artificial insemination (AI) is limited in the beef industry due to the added costs, labor, time, and the additional skills required
Previous research demonstrated that an estrus-synchronization program using a short period of melengestrol acetate (MGA) feeding in conjunction with a Cosynch protocol was effective in synchronizing estrus in postpartum beef cows
On day 7, the last day of MGA feeding, the heifers on the 7-11 Cosynch protocol received an injection of PGF2α
Summary
The use of artificial insemination (AI) is limited in the beef industry due to the added costs, labor, time, and the additional skills required. Application of estrus-synchronization protocols has reduced the time required for using AI, making it a feasible option for some producers. Most protocols require estrus detection, but in recent years timed AI protocols for cows have yielded acceptable results, further reducing the time requirement for AI. A common protocol for synchronizing estrus in heifers is to feed melengestrol acetate (MGA) for 14 days at a rate of 0.5 mg/heifer daily. Heifers receive an injection of PGF2α 17 to 19 days after MGA feeding and are inseminated according to observed estrus. This synchronization system is effective but requires 31 to 33 days from the initiation of MGA feeding to the beginning of AI
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