Livestock Research for Rural Development 21 (8) 2009 Guide for preparation of papers LRRD News

Citation of this paper

Pregnancy rates of crossbred dairy cattle synchronized using GnRH and one injection of PGF2alpha versus two injections of PGF2alpha prior to insemination

F O K Mgongo, P Mujuni and A Kitambi

Sokoine University of Agriculture, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, P. O. Box 3020, Morogoro, Tanzania, Tanzania
fmgongo@suanet.ac.tz

Abstract

Prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha  and Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) are used to improve oestrus detection in artificial insemination (AI) programs. However, pregnancy rates after GnRH – PGF2alpha administration are poor in crossbred dairy cattle partly due to asynchronous ovarian events. This study tested the theory that two injections of PGF2alpha may increase pregnancy rates. Data on cows inseminated at spontaneous oestrus formed control group 1 (n = 1120) and those synchronized with prostaglandin PGF2alpha and inseminated twice upon detection of oestrus formed group 2 (n = 166). Animals in group 3 (n = 47) and 4 (n = 47) received GnRH on Day 1 and PGF2alpha on Day 7 and were inseminated twice upon detection of oestrus. Animals in group 3 received additional PGF2alpha on Day 8. Starting on Day 8 oestrus behavioural signs were graded and progesterone as well as vagina mucus electrical resistance determined in all animals of group 3 and 4.

 

Pregnancy rates determined 60 to 70 days after AI were 58.8% in group 1, 60.2% in group 2, 69.8% in group 3 and 63.6% in group 4. It is concluded that administration of PGF2alpha prior to AI improved pregnancy rates.

Keywords: crossbred cattle, double insemination, GnRH, prostaglandin


Introduction

Cost management of artificial insemination (AI) programs include reducing costs emanating from failures to become pregnant after AI and costs incurred during detecting of oestrus (Thatcher et al 2002; Cairoli et al 2006). One goal with any program is to attain maximum pregnancy rates at the lowest possible cost (Holm et al 2008). Double insemination protocols are therefore rarely used due to pregnancy rates being consistently similar to those after single inseminations (Wahome et al 1985; Mgongo 1988 and Stevenson et al 1990) or lower (Young and Henderson 1981). By and large double inseminations protocols undertaken in routine AI programs raise costs and may jeopardize chances of first inseminations (Mgongo1988; Prinzen et al 1991 and Dransfield et al 1998).

 

However, there are numerous cases in the field that demand double inseminations. Essentially these are cases due to heat stress, asynchronous ovarian events exhibiting incomplete or delayed luteolysis, weak or delayed oestrus or may simply be a part of a protocol of synchronization of oestrus. The rate of occurrence of such cases requiring double insemination is very high in the tropics, ranging between 4 and 30% (Dobson and Kamonpatana 1986 and Mgongo 1988). One of the most significant differences between cows bred once at spontaneous oestrus and cows requiring double insemination are the rates at which progesterone levels decline (Mgongo 1988). Researchers have claimed that double AI may benefit difficult cases particularly those associated with poor detection of oestrus (Thatcher et al 2002; Holm et al 2008).

 

Strategies taken to increase effectiveness and value of scheduled double inseminations include use of Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) prior or after insemination. GnRH controls follicular development by inducing ovulation or luteinization (Lemaster et al 2001 and Thatcher et al 2002). However, the ability of GnRH to induce ovulation or luteinization is influenced by the dose and stage of follicular development at time of injection (DeJarnette et al 2001a, 2001b). Eight to 10 percent of cows treated with GnRH fail to respond in the designed manner by either exhibiting spontaneous oestrus prematurely or exhibiting asynchronous ovarian events (Taponen et al 2002). Results obtained after use of GnRH - PGF2alpha protocols in Bos taurus cross Bos indicus cows show that premature oestrus and asynchronous ovarian events with weak or no oestrous signs are very high in tropics and therefore GnRH - PGF2alpha protocols in crossbred cattle in tropical environments require refinement.

 

Animals not responding to GnRH - PGF2alpha protocols by overt signs of oestrus are most likely responding to asynchronous ovarian events, which in the tropics is commonly associated with incomplete or delayed luteolysis (Mgongo et al 1990 and DeJarnette et al 2001a). In such cases, a second injection of PGF2alpha within the anticipated period of occurrence of oestrus may augment conception rates by bringing luteolysis to completion (Kasimanickam et al 2009). Treatment with two prostaglandin injections at an 8 hour interval improves luteolysis than single injections (Archbald et al 1993 and Repasi et al 2005). The second insemination may compromise events between overt - oestrus - insemination and ovulation and thereby increase pregnancy rates.

 

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a second injection of PGF2alpha given within the same oestrus to complete luteolysis may increase pregnancy rates in dairy cattle of the tropics. In addition this study aimed at providing more information concerning efficacy of GnRH - PGF2alpha combinations for induction of oestrus in crossbred cattle (i.e. Bos taurus males crossed to the small Tanzania short horn zebu females).

 

Materials and methods 

Study area

 

The study was conducted within the practice area for the Sokoine University of Agriculture veterinary clinic at Morogoro, Tanzania. Morogoro receives over 800 mm of rain per year. The rainfall pattern is bimodal with a short and a long rains season. Long rains occur between February and May while short rains occur in October and November. The rest of the year consists of the short dry season in January and the long dry season in June and September. Further information on the area is as given by Mujuni et al (1993).

 

Animals

 

Animals studied were sexually mature (over 4 years) Friesian and Ayrshire crosses with indigenous Tanzania short horn zebu. Cows were grazed in the mornings and evenings when temperatures were low and supplemented with concentrates containing maize, cotton seed cake, minerals and vitamins at milking time to meet standard nutrient requirements for dairy cattle. Morning milking was done between 06.00 and 08.00 hour and afternoon milking between 16.00 and 18.00 hour. All animals received regular veterinary care, which included vaccinations against common diseases.

 

Data on spontaneous oestrus (group 1)

 

Retrospective data covering a 20-year period were collected from farm records. Complete records for 1120 single inseminations were available for analysis. In conjunction with routine veterinary clinical practice animals in oestrus were reported to the clinic and animals were inseminated once upon detection of spontaneous oestrus and according to the a.m. / p.m. rule.

 

Data on induced oestrus (group 2)

 

Retrospective data covering a five-year period were collected from farm records. Complete records for 166 successful synchronizations with either 500µg cloprostenol (a synthetic analogue of PGF2alpha; Estrumate®, Imperial Chemical Industries, Cheshire, England) or 5ml Illiren® (a synthetic analogue of PGF2alpha, Hoechst Rousset Vet, Frankfurt, Germany) were made available for analysis. In conjunction with routine veterinary herd health, animals diagnosed not pregnant were selected and treated. All inseminations were done twice upon detection of oestrus.

 

Data on animals injected with GnRH - PGF2alpha (group 3 and 4)

 

At the beginning of the experiment, the cyclic status of each animal was determined through rectal examination. Ninety four cows with healthy uterine environment, that is with no history of dystocia, retained foetal membranes or vaginal abnormal discharge and having a fully grown corpus luteum detected at rectal palpation and confirmed retrospectively by progesterone determination, were selected (day of selection = Day 1). Oestruses were synchronized with an intramuscular (im) injection of 20 μg buserelin (an analogue of GnRH; Receptal®, Hoechst Rousset Vet, Frankfurt, Germany) given on Day 1 followed later by an intramuscular injection of 500μg cloprostenol on Day 7. Cows were divided randomly into group 3 (n = 47) and 4 (n = 47). Group 3 animals received an additional im injection of 500μg cloprostenol (PGF2alpha) on Day 8. Thirty six hours after the first treatment with PGF2alfa the animals were examined daily in mornings and evenings for oestrous signs together with the farm workers. AI was undertaken upon detection of oestrus. Oestrus behavioural signs on day of insemination were subjectively graded and referred to as level 1 = when signs were absent, level 2 = when signs were questionable and level 3 = when signs were clear and animals stood to be mounted. In addition, vagina mucus electrical resistance was determined at the time of insemination by using an ohmmeter (Brunstmessgerate®, Hauptner Co.; Solingen, Germany) and foremilk samples were taken prior to injection of drugs and at insemination. Progesterone was determined by use of a cowside enzyme immunoassay test kit (Target®, A. Albrecht GmbH, Aulendorf, Germany) not later than 2 hours after collection of milk. Concentration of progesterone was classified as low, intermediate or high by comparison with standard colours provided by the kit.

 

Transrectal ultrasound examinations were done by a single operator using a realtime, B-mode scanner equipped with a 5 MHz linear array transducer (SonoAce®, Kretz Technik AG, Tiefenbach 20, Austria) to score for follicles, corpus lutea and pregnancy. Pregnancy diagnosis was done 26 days after insemination and was repeated at 60 – 70 days following AI.

 

Statistical analysis

 

Binomial data were analyzed by chi-square (2 x 2 tables) tests using Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS  1999. The general linear model procedure (analysis of variance, t-test) was employed to compare the means and find out effects of month and season on the intervals between injection of prostaglandin and artificial inseminations and pregnancy. The results are expressed as means or percentages (± standard error of mean; SEM). The differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05.

 

Results 

A total of 1120 cows coming to oestrus spontaneously were inseminated between 1985 and 2005. This is the control group. Analysis of data according to season gives 482/1120 (43.0%) inseminations for the long rain season, 141 (12.6%) for the short dry, 315 (28.1%) for the long dry and 182 (16.3%) for the short rain season; with the difference between seasons being significant (P<0.05; n=1120).

 

Out of 1120 cows 658 (58.8 %) cows were confirmed pregnant. The number of cows submitted for insemination that became pregnant within season was 117 of 141 (82.9%) for the short dry season, 321 of 482 (66.6%) for the long rain, 146 out of 315 (46.3%) for the long dry and 74 of 182 (40.6%) for the short rain season.

 

A total of 166 induced oestrus cows in group 2 were injected with prostaglandin and visually observed for oestrus. The proportion of cows that exhibited overt signs of oestrus within the first 7 days of cloprostenol (PGF2alpha) administration was 134 (80.7%). The median day at which oestrus was observed was Day 3.5 (84 hours) with a range of one to ten days. Out of 166 cows 100 (60.2%) were diagnosed pregnant.

 

Out of 47 cows in group 3 that had received GnRH- PGF2alpha-PGF2alpha 43 (91.5%) exhibited overt signs of oestrus with 32 (68.1%) exhibiting very clear grade 3 oestrus behavioural signs. Only four cows in this group did not exhibit oestrous signs at all and were not inseminated. Out of 43 cows exhibiting behavioral signs of oestrus in group 3, 30 (69.8%) became pregnant and comprised of twenty four cows with grade 3 signs and 6 with grade 2 (questionable to intermediate) oestrous signs. Vagina mucus resistance in all 43 cows were bellow 30; with ranges between 25 and 30.

 

Out of 47 cows in group 4 that received GnRH- PGF2alpha- (second PGF2alpha- omitted), a total of 44 (93.6%) exhibited overt signs of oestrus with 26 (55.3%) exhibiting clear grade 3 signs and 18 (38.3%) exhibiting grade 2 (questionable to intermediate) signs of oestrus. Out of the 44 cows exhibiting very clear grade 3 oestrous behavioural signs in group 4, 28 (63.6%) became pregnant. The 28 pregnant in group 4 comprised of 26 cows with grade 3 oestrous signs and 8 with grade 2 (questionable to intermediate) oestrous signs. Further results are given in Text Table 1.


Table 1.  Pregnancy rates in cows in group 3 and 4

 

Group 3 (n = 47)

Group 4 ( = 47)

Three

Two

One**

Three

Two

One**

Grades of oestrus behavioural signs

 

 

 

 

 

Numbers in oestrus

32

11

4

26

18

3

Group Percent

68.1

23.4

8.5

55.3

38.3

6.4

Progesterone levels

32 = L

8 = L and 3 = INT

4 = INT

26 = L

8 = L and 10 = INT

3 = INT

Pregnancy rates

Numbers detected pregnant

24

6

0**

20

8

0**

Percent

75

54.5

 

76.9

44.4

 

Group average

n = 30 (69.8%)

n = 28 (63.6%)

progesterone L = low; progesterone INT = intermediate
Grade of oestrus 3 = clear, 2 = questionable, 1 = absent
** = not inseminated;


Further analysis of data to see if month and season of treatment had any significance to oestrous events in group 1 to 4 shows that month and season had some effect (P 0. 05;  n = 1120) on occurrence of oestrus in group one. In animals receiving cloprostenol (PGF2alpha), that is, group 2 to 4, month of treatment had no effect on the interval between treatment and time of insemination (P 0.23; n = 94). Season had also no effect on the interval between cloprostenol (PGF2alpha) and insemination in all the groups.

 

Discussion 

Using hormonal treatment to induce or to synchronize oestrus is often followed by a double insemination. In this study double inseminations were conducted after one injection of prostaglandin in group 2, after GnRH - PGF2alpha - PGF2alpha injections in group 3 and GnRH - PGF2alpha injections in group 4 and were compared to single inseminations undertaken during spontaneous oestrus. Distribution of pregnancy rates after synchronization in group 2 followed the same trend as that for spontaneous oestrus (group 1). Pregnancy rates were highest in animals with highest score of signs of oestrus. However, overall pregnancy rates were better than those after spontaneous oestrus. This can be explained by the timing of inseminations. Pregnancy rates were at 69.8% following double insemination in group 3. This is much higher than pregnancy rates in-group 4, which was at 63.6% after double inseminations. In view of the fact that synchronization was done during the long dry period, the period with minimum chance of pregnancy, the rate of 69.8% is significantly high. Usually double inseminations may have negative effects on conception by influencing uterine contractility through excessive handling of the uterus (Prinzen et al 1991). PGF2alpha increases uterine contractility, compels completion of luteolysis, and through such actions synchronizes ovarian events, and increases pregnancy rates. This may explain benefits of the second dose of PGF2alpha to double insemination in group 3. Usually complete luteolysis lead to higher conception rates than for partial luteolysis. Mgongo (1988) while working with double inseminations showed that decline in progesterone of more than 4ng per ml between Day 1 and Day 2 of contemporaneous oestrus increased conception rates. In this study progesterone values remained unchanged during the two days. Vaginal mucus resistance did not vary between Day 1 and Day 2. All in all strong to medium oestrus signs supported by low progesterone levels resulted in higher conception rates than weak heat signs. The boost in the exhibition of such signs in this study could be explained through use of an additional injection of PGF2alpha and a second insemination.

 

 Results of the retrospective study (group 1) provide fundamental information on oestrus patterns in the tropics. Results show clearly that highest number of inseminations was done during the long rain and highest pregnancy rates occurred during the same season. Statistically, month of carrying out AI had no effect on success of AI and this is partly explained by the fact that once oestrus occurs spontaneously chances of conception are high. However, extrapolated from the rain pattern in Morogoro, the long rain period produced good pastures and consequently had had high occurrence of oestrus. These results conform to reports in the literature on influence of the tropical environment on occurrence of oestrus. The most important aspect of the environment is that there is a time lag between exposure and occurrence of effects. All in all occurrence of oestrus depends on prior and continued exposure to conductive environments, particularly to availability of pasture.

 

Analysis of pregnancy rates according to season gives the short dry (82.9%) and long rain (66.6 %) periods the highest scores. The long dry period with 46.30% and the short rain season with 40.6% were lower than the average (58.8%). Pregnancy rates in Morogoro are such that months with lots of rain and indirectly good pasture obtain highest pregnancy rates.

 

Conclusion 

 

Acknowledgements 

I wish to acknowledge assistance provided by Prof. Dr. Rudolph Stolla of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Munich, Germany, Hoechst Rousset Vet., Frankfurt, Germany and Germany Academic Exchange programme (DAAD) for supply of equipment and drugs.

 

References 

Archbald L F, Risco C, Chavette P, Constant S, Tran T, Klapstein E and Elliot J 1993 Estrus and pregnancy rate of dairy cows given one or two doses of prostaglandin F 2 alpha 8 or 24 hours apart. Theriogenology 40: 873 – 884

 

Cairoli F, Mollo A, Veronesi M C, Renaville B, Faustini M and Battocchio M 2006 Comparison between cloprostenol induced and spontaneous oestrus fertility in dairy cows. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 41: 175 – 179

 

DeJarnette J M, Salverson R R and Marshall C E 2001a Incidence of premature estrus in lactating dairy cows and conception rates to standing estrus or fixed time inseminations after synchronization using GnRH and PGF2alpha. Animal Reproduction Science 67: 27-35

 

DeJarnette J M, Wallace R M, House R B, Salvrson R R and Marshall C E 2001b Attenuation of premature estrous behavior in postpartum beef cows synchronized to estrus using GnRH and PGF2alpha. Theriogenology 56: 493 – 501

 

Dobson H and Kamonpatana M 1986 A review of female cattle reproduction with special reference to a comparison between buffaloes, cows and zebu. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 77: 1 – 36

 

Dransfield M B G, Nebel R L, Pearson R E and Warnick L N 1998 Timing of insemination for dairy cows identified in estrus by radiotelemetric estrus detection system. Journal of Dairy Science. 81: 1874-1884 http://jds.fass.org/cgi/reprint/81/7/1874.pdf

 

Holm D E, Thompson P N and Irons P C 2008 The economic effects of an estrus synchronization protocol using prostaglandin in beef heifers. Theriogenology 70: 1507 – 1515

 

Kasimanickam R, Day M L, Rudolph J S, Hall J B and Whittier W D 2009 Two doses of prostaglandin improve pregnancy rates to timed A.I. in a 5 day progesterone based synchronization in beef cows. Theriogenology 71: 762 - 767

 

Lemaster J W, Yelich J V, Kempfer J R, Fullenwider J K, Barnette C L, Fanning M D and Selph J F 2001 Effectiveness of GnRH plus prostaglandin F 2 alpha for estrus synchronization in cattle of Bos indicus breeding. Journal Animal Science 79: 309-316 http://jas.fass.org/cgi/reprint/79/2/309

 

Mgongo F O K 1988 Experiences with a rapid test for progesterone in insemination programs for cattle. Dr. Med. Vet. Thesis, Ludwig Maximalian University, Munich.

 

Mgongo F O K, Mujuni P F, Henjewele P and Mgasa M N 1990 Effects of stimulation of follicular activity on oestrus synchronization with prostaglandin. Proceedings of the. XVII World Buiatrics Congress, Salvador Brazil 1: 337-342

 

Mujuni P F, Mgongo F O K and Kanuya N L 1993 Ovarian cysts, a postpartum ovarian disorder affecting dairy cows in a tropical area. Animal Reproduction Science 31: 175-186

 

Prinzen R U, Allgayer U, Bartz U and Huber E 1991 The effect of prostaglandin (PGF2alpha) on conception rate of cattle. Tierarztliche Umschau 46:27-35

 

Repasi A, Beckers J F, Sulon J, Karen A, Reiczigel J and Szenci O 2005 Effect of the type and number of prostaglandin treatments on corpus luteum, the largest follicle and progesterone concentration in dairy cows. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 40: 436 – 442

 

Stevenson J S, Call E P, Scoby R K and Phatak A P 1990 Double insemination and Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) treatment of repeat breeding dairy cattle. Journal Dairy Science 73: 1766-1772 http://jds.fass.org/cgi/reprint/73/7/1766.pdf

 

Taponen J, Kulcsar M, Katila T, Katai L, Huszenicza G and Rodriguez-Martinez H 2002 Short oestrus cycles and oestrous signs after premature ovulations induced with cloprostenol and gonadotropin – releasing hormone in cyclic dairy cows. Theriogenology 58: 1291 - 1302

 

Thatcher W W, Moreira F, Pancarci S M, Bartolone J A and Santos J E 2002 Strategies to optimize reproductive efficiency by regulation of ovarian function. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 23: 243 – 254

 

Wahome J N, Stuart M J, Smith A E, Hearne W R and Fuguay J W 1985 Insemination management for a one injection prostaglandin F 2 alpha synchronization system II: one injection versus two injections following detection of estrus. Theriogenology 24: 501 - 507

 

Young I M and Henderson D C 1981 Evaluation of single and double artificial insemination regimes as methods of shortening calving intervals in dairy cows treated with dinoprost. Veterinary Record 109: 446-449



Received 19 May 2009; Accepted 12 June 2009; Published 5 August 2009

Go to top