Synchronisation of oestrus and ovulation in cows by OVSYNCH programme during postparturient period

Abstract

Programmed application of hormones brings advantages for the breeder in planning the reproduction and examination activities, suitable term of artificial insemination, etc. In our experiments we tested the so called “Ovsynch” method in cows of Holstein breed, 4 – 8 years old, in the period from day 60 after parturition, in the conditions of an agricultural cooperative. Good state of health in sexual organs was the precondition for incorporation into the experimental group. The control group consisted of cows of the same herd; they were treated with PGF2 alpha (Remophan inj. ad us. vet., Léčiva joint-stock company Prague, CZ), in the presence of yellow body on ovaries, for oestrus synchronisation. Out of the total number of cows used in the experiment n = 191 became pregnant 52 %, and out of cows used as control n = 100 became pregnant 48 %. After the first insemination were pregnant 47 % cows in the experimental group, and 44 % cows in the control one. After second insemination were pregnant 57 % cows in the experimental group versus 52 % in the control, and with three and more inseminations it was 65 % versus 50 %, respectively. The difference between groups was significant (P<0.05) after third and more inseminations. The breeder referred positive influence of hormonal treatment on the state of health in sexual organs, with lower occurrence of pathological states. However, it was not the objective of our experiment. All diagnostic examinations, inclusive of early diagnostics of pregnancy, were performed by means of sonographic apparatus ALOKA SSD 200 with 7.5 MHz linear probe.