PROGESTERONE MONITORING OF ANESTROUS DAIRY-COWS AND SUBSEQUENT TREATMENT WITH A PROSTAGLANDIN-F 2-ALPHA ANALOG OR GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 41  (11) , 1762-1766
Abstract
A field study was conducted in 3 large dairy herds (50-300 cows) which were the objects of a reproductive health-status program, including the use of a progesterone measurement in plasma or milk. The anestrous syndrome was specifically studied and was defined as no estrus occurrence by postpartum day 60 (postpartum anestrus) or by 21-24 days after insemination, if a negative early pregnancy test based on milk progesterone concentrations was obtained (postinsemination anestrus). Two treatments were tested: gonadotropin-releasing hormone [gonadoliberin, GRH] or a prostaglandin [PG]F2 analog was used according to results of progesterone monitoring. In the largest herd, reproductive performances were recorded on 2 successive years before and after the beginning of such a reproductive health program. The overall decrease in the nonpregnant days was 17 days. This was due to early and appropriate usage of PGF2.alpha. analog in cycled postpartum anestrous cows, and in cows not seen in estrus and not pregnant after insemination and to shortening of the nonpregnant period in noncycling anestrous cows treated with GRH and monitored simultaneously in terms of progesterone concentrations.