Control of new follicular wave emergence and rate of follicular maturation in bos indicus-influenced cattle with estradiol benzoate, temporary calf removal and progesterone

Objectives were to determine: 1) whether estradiol benzoate (EB) provides a superior alternative to GnRH for synchronizing emergence, growth and maturation of a new follicular wave for fixed timed AI (TAI) in Bos indicus-influenced cattle using CIDR-based protocols, 2) the effect of 48 h calf removal at CIDR removal on the rate of maturational synchrony of the dominant follicle and 3) the effect of varying the magnitude of peak plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations following CIDR insertion on the suppression of FSH and LH secretion in a CIDR-based protocol using EB. In experiment 1, sixty-four Braford (F-1) females were stratified by BCS, parity and days postpartum and assigned randomly to one of four groups in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: 1) Select-Synch + CIDR, 2) Select-Synch + CIDR with 48 h calf removal, 3) E-Synch + CIDR or 4) E-Synch + CIDR with 48 h calf removal. A greater number of cattle in the EB treated group exhibited NFWE compared to the GnRH group, 29 vs 17 cows for EB and GnRH respectively, (P<0.0006). Intervals to NFWE were also greater in EB treated cattle than in GnRH treated cattle, 4.2 vs 2.7 d for EB and GnRH treated cattle respectively, (P<0.0001). Proportions of GnRH- and EB-treated cows ovulating after CIDR removal did not differ. Post-CIDR suckling status did not affect ovulation frequency or interval to ovulation. In experiment 2, eight pubertal (F-1) heifers were used in a Latin Square design with four treatment levels of P4: 1) EB only, 2) EB and new CIDR, 3) EB and new autoclaved CIDR, 4) EB, new autoclaved CIDR and P4 injection at CIDR insertion. Treatments 2 through 4 increased (P < 0.01) mean plasma P4 concentrations compared to treatment 1, with treatment 4 creating the greatest increase in P4 with the longest duration. Suppression of plasma FSH was greatest in group 4 (P<0.08), with mean 60 h concentrations less than in all other groups. Mean concentrations of LH were lesser in group 4 than groups 1 and 2. Frequencies of occurrence of NFWE and ovulation and intervals to NFWE did not differ among treatments. Results indicate that the use of EB and CIDR to synchronize Brahman x Hereford females may provide better synchronization for TAI compared to GnRH and CIDR based protocols.