Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
com
Abstract
Two experiments were performed to test the hypothesis that elevated progesterone concentrations impair pregnancy rate to timed
artificial insemination (TAI) in postpuberal Nelore heifers. In Experiment 1, postpuberal Nelore heifers (n = 398) received 2 mg
estradiol benzoate (EB) and either a new progesterone-releasing intravaginal device containing 1.9 g of progesterone (CIDR) (first
use) or a CIDR previously used for 9 d (second use) or for 18 d (third use) on Day 0, 12.5 mg prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) on Day 7,
0.5 mg estradiol cypionate (ECP) and CIDR withdrawal on Day 9, and TAI on Day 11. Largest ovarian follicle diameter was
determined on Day 11. The third-use CIDR treatment increased largest ovarian follicle diameter and pregnancy rate. Conception to
TAI was reduced in heifers with smaller follicles in the first- and second-use CIDR treatments, but not in the third-use CIDR
treatment. In Experiment 2, postpuberal Nelore heifers received the synchronization treatment described in Experiment 1 or
received 12.5 mg PGF2a on Day 9 rather than Day 7. In addition, 50% of heifers received 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin
(eCG) on Day 9. Heifers were either TAI (Experiment 2a; n = 199) or AI after detection of estrus (Experiment 2b; n = 125 of 202).
In Experiment 2a, treatment with eCG increased pregnancy rate to TAI in heifers that received PGF2a on Day 9 but not on Day 7 and
in heifers that received a first-use CIDR but not in heifers that received a third-use CIDR. Treatments did not influence reproductive
performance in Experiment 2b. In summary, pregnancy rate to TAI in postpuberal Nelore heifers was optimized when lower
concentrations of exogenous progesterone were administered, and eCG treatment was beneficial in heifers expected to have greater
progesterone concentrations.
# 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
1. Introduction beef cattle herd, and timed AI (TAI) protocols have been
developed to overcome challenges associated with
Artificial insemination (AI) is the most effective estrus detection failure. There is a need for development
technique available to introduce new genetics into a of TAI protocols for Bos indicus breeds because of a
shorter duration of estrous behavior compared with that
of Bos taurus breeds [1].
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +55 14 38117185;
Low TAI pregnancy rate was reported in Nelore
fax: +55 14 38117180. heifers in studies in which the estrous synchronization
E-mail address: vasconcelos@fca.unesp.br (J.L.M. Vasconcelos). protocol was initiated with estradiol administration and
0093-691X/$ see front matter # 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.03.006
C.C. Dias et al. / Theriogenology 72 (2009) 378385 379
multiple small follicles that were <6 mm in diameter at and the interassay coefficient of variation was 5.4%.
TAI). Synchronized ovulation rate was defined as the Sensitivity was 0.01 ng/mL.
proportion of all heifers that ovulated between Days 11
and 13. Conception rate was calculated as the 2.3. Statistical analyses
proportion of synchronized heifers that were pregnant
on Day 41, and pregnancy rate was calculated as the 2.3.1. Experiment 1
proportion of all heifers that were pregnant at that time. Continuous dependent variables (i.e., progesterone
concentration on Day 7 and diameter of the largest
2.1.2. Experiment 2 ovarian follicle on Day 11) were analyzed by least-
This experiment was conducted between November squares (PROC GLM; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC,
2006 and January 2007 in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. USA [14]) using a model that included treatment (first-
Nelore heifers (n = 650), 24 to 26 mo of age, with BCSs use, second-use, and third-use CIDRs), progesterone
between 2.75 and 3.25 were observed for estrus for 21 d concentration on Day 0, and the interaction. Progester-
before initiation of the synchronization program. one concentrations (Days 0 and 7) and largest ovarian
Heifers detected in estrus (n = 401) were used in the follicle diameter were tested for normality (Kolmo-
experiment, as they were considered as to be gorov-Smirnov test) and homogeneity of variances
reproductively mature. Heifers were maintained on (Brown-Forsythe test). Progesterone concentrations
two pastures (Brachiaria humidcola) with mineral salt were submitted to a log transformation due to
provided ad libitum. On Day 0, all heifers received 2 mg heterogeneity of variance. Specific mean comparisons
EB im and were randomly assigned to receive either a were made using the Tukey-Kramer test. A secondary
first-use, second-use, or third-use CIDR as described in analysis was performed to understand the factors that
Experiment 1, PGF2a (12.5 mg, im) given on Day 7 or contribute to variation in largest ovarian follicle
Day 9, and either no eCG or 300 IU eCG im (Folligon; diameter. To accomplish this, a model that included
Intervet, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil) on Day 9. treatment, progesterone concentration on Day 0,
Heifers from the two pastures had their CIDRs progesterone concentration on Day 7, and the relevant
withdrawn on Day 9 and were randomly assigned either interactions, with BCS as a covariate, was used. The
to receive ECP (0.5 mg, im) at this time, followed by GLM procedure of SAS was used for this analysis. The
TAI on Day 11 (Experiment 2a; n = 199), or to be model was reduced by sequentially removing non-
artificially inseminated 12 h after detection of estrus significant (P > 0.10) terms (backwards stepwise
between Days 9 and 15 (Experiment 2b; n = 202). All regression), with the final model including treatment
heifers were artificially inseminated by two technicians and progesterone concentration on Day 0.
using frozen-thawed semen from a single sire. Dependent binomial variables (ovulation, synchro-
Pregnancy diagnoses were performed by transrectal nization, conception, and pregnancy rate) were ana-
ultrasonography 30 d after TAI. lyzed by logistic regression (PROC LOGISTIC; SAS
Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA [14]) using a model that
2.2. Blood samples and progesterone RIA analyses included treatment (first-use, second-use, and third-use
CIDRs), progesterone concentration on Day 0, the
2.2.1. Experiment 1 interaction, and BCS as a covariate. For conception and
Blood samples for progesterone analyses were pregnancy rate, AI technician and the appropriate
collected from a coccygeal vessel into Vacutainer tubes interactions were also included in the model. Specific
(Becton Dickinson Co., Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA). mean comparisons were made using the Bonferroni test.
Blood was allowed to clot at 4 8C for 24 h and Secondary analyses were performed to understand the
centrifuged at 1500 g for 15 min at room tempera- relationships of treatment, progesterone concentrations
ture. Serum was removed and frozen at 20 8C until on Days 0 and 7, and largest ovarian follicle diameter
assays were performed. Serum progesterone concentra- with dependent binomial variables. For ovulation rate,
tions were determined using a solid-phase radio- the model included treatment, progesterone concentra-
immunoassay kit containing antibody-coated tubes tion on Day 0, progesterone concentration on Day 7, and
and 125I-labeled progesterone (Coat-a-count; Diagnos- the relevant interactions (with BCS as a covariate). For
tic Products Corporation, Los Angeles, CA, USA) that pregnancy rate, AI technician and interactions were
had been previously validated in our laboratory [13]. added to the model, and largest ovarian follicle diameter
The intra-assay coefficients of variation were 6.7% and was removed. For synchronization and conception
8.5% for assays 1 (Day 0) and 2 (Day 7), respectively, rates, largest ovarian follicle diameter and interactions
C.C. Dias et al. / Theriogenology 72 (2009) 378385 381
were also added. Logistic regression was used for these For both experiments, probability values of a 0.05
analyses, with the model reduced by sequentially were considered significant, whereas probability values
removing non-significant (P > 0.10) terms (backwards of 0.05 < a 0.1 were considered as tendencies.
stepwise regression).
In a final analysis, heifers were categorized based on 3. Results
largest ovarian follicle diameter as previously described
by Gimenes et al. [15]. Categories were Class 1 3.1. Experiment 1
(follicles smaller than 8.5 mm), Class 2 (between 8.5
and 10 mm), and Class 3 (larger than 10 mm). 3.1.1. Progesterone concentrations and largest
Synchronized ovulation rate and conception rate were ovarian follicle diameter
analyzed using the Logistic procedure of SAS, with On Day 0, concentration of progesterone did not
treatment, largest ovarian follicle class, and the differ among treatments (2.8 2.4 ng/mL). On Day 7,
interaction included in the model. Specific mean progesterone concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in
comparisons were made using the least square means the third-use CIDR group than in the first-use CIDR
(LSM) procedure. group; with the second-use CIDR group intermediate
(P > 0.1, Table 1). Concentrations of progesterone on
2.3.2. Experiment 2 Day 7 were not influenced by concentrations of
Dependent binomial variables, pregnancy rate after progesterone on Day 0. Diameter of the largest ovarian
TAI (Experiment 2a), percentage of heifers detected in follicle on Day 11 was greater (P < 0.05) for the third-
estrus, and conception rate of these heifers (Experiment use CIDR treatment than for the first-use CIDR
2b) were analyzed by logistic regression (PROC treatment and tended (P < 0.10) to be greater than that
LOGISTIC; SAS Institute Inc.) using a model that for the second-use CIDR treatment (Table 1). Addi-
included CIDR uses (first, second, or third), day of tionally, serum progesterone concentrations on Day 0
PGF2a, eCG, AI technician, and the appropriate were associated with largest ovarian follicle diameter
interactions. The model was reduced by sequentially (Fig. 1). In the secondary analysis, progesterone
removing non-significant (P > 0.10) terms (backwards concentrations on Day 7 did not influence largest
stepwise regression), with the final model for Experi- ovarian follicle diameter on Day 11.
ment 2a including CIDR uses, eCG, day of PGF2a,
CIDR uses by eCG, and day of PGF2a by eCG. For 3.1.2. Reproductive parameters
Experiment 2b, the reduced model included CIDR uses, Neither ovulation (73.6%) nor synchronized ovula-
day of PGF2a, and eCG. Specific mean comparisons tion rate (68.7%) were influenced by treatment or
were made using the Bonferroni test. progesterone concentration on Day 0 (Table 1). How-
Table 1
Serum progesterone concentration on Day 7, diameter of largest ovarian follicle at TAI, ovulation, synchronized rates of ovulation, conception
(synchronized heifers), and pregnancy related to CIDR treatments (Experiment 1).
CIDR Serum P4 on Follicle diameter Ovulation rate,6 Synchronized Conception rate,8 Pregnancy rate,9
Day 7 4 at TAI,5 mm (n) % (n) ovulation rate,7 % (n) % (n) % (n)
First use1 3.0 1.9 A 10.1 2.0A (121) 70.5A (103/146) 64.5A (78/121) 37.2a (29/78) 20.5A (30/146)
Second use2 2.3 1.6A,B 10.6 2.3A,B, a (109) 72.7A (93/128) 67.9A (74/109) 37.8a (28/74) 22.7A (29/128)
Third use 3 2.0 1.2 B 11.0 2.1B, b (106) 78.2A (97/124) 74.5A (79/106) 53.2b (42/79) 35.5B (44/124)
Total 2.5 1.6 10.5 2.2 (336) 73.6 (293/398) 68.7 (231/336) 42.9 (99/231) 25.9 (103/398)
A,B
Values with different superscripts within a column are different (P < 0.05).
a,b
Values with different superscripts within a column tended to differ (P < 0.1).
1
CIDR devices with no previous use.
2
CIDR devices with 9 d of previous use.
3
CIDR devices with 18 d of previous use.
4
Raw means SD for serum progesterone concentrations on Day 7 of the protocol.
5
Raw means SD for diameter of largest ovarian follicle at TAI.
6
Percentage of all heifers that ovulated by 48 h after TAI, including heifers that ovulated between CIDR removal and TAI, and within 48 h after TAI,
reported as raw mean.
7
Percentage of heifers that ovulated within 48 h after TAI, reported as raw mean.
8
Percentage of synchronized ovulated heifers that became pregnant, reported as raw mean.
9
Percentage of all heifers pregnant after treatment with synchronization protocol, reported as raw mean.
382 C.C. Dias et al. / Theriogenology 72 (2009) 378385
Fig. 1. Effect (P < 0.05) of serum progesterone concentrations at the Fig. 4. Effect of largest ovarian follicle diameter at TAI (P < 0.05) on
initiation of a synchronization protocol on diameter of largest ovarian the probability of synchronized ovulation in postpuberal Nelore
follicle at TAI in postpuberal Nelore heifers. The pooled SEM value heifers.
for diameter of the largest ovarian follicle at TAI was 0.22 mm.
ever, conception rate tended (P < 0.10) to be greater for Day 11 influenced (P < 0.05) rates of synchronization
the third-use treatment than those for second-use and (Fig. 4) and conception (Fig. 5).
first-use CIDR treatments. Heifers with greater pro- When heifers were divided into largest ovarian
gesterone concentrations on Day 0 had greater follicle classifications (Class 1, 2, and 3), synchronized
(P < 0.05) conception rate (Fig. 2). Pregnancy rate ovulation rate increased (P < 0.05) with each largest
was also greater (P < 0.05) for the third-use treatment ovarian follicle class. Synchronized ovulation rate was
than those for the second-use and first-use CIDR greatest for heifers with Class 3 largest ovarian follicle
treatments and in heifers with greater concentrations of (92.2%; 141 of 153), intermediate for heifers with Class
progesterone on Day 0 (Fig. 3). Neither BCS nor AI 2 largest ovarian follicle (62.5%; 70 of 112), and least
technician were a significant source of variation. In the for heifers with Class 1 largest ovarian follicle (28.2%;
secondary analyses, progesterone on Day 7 did not 20 of 71). A treatment by largest ovarian follicle class
affect ovulation, synchronization, conception, or preg- interaction was detected (P < 0.05) for conception rate
nancy rate. Diameter of the largest ovarian follicle on (Table 2). In the first-use and second-use CIDR
treatments, conception rate was greater (P < 0.05) in
heifers with Class 3 largest ovarian follicle than those
for Class 1 or 2. In the third-use CIDR treatment, largest
ovarian follicle class did not affect conception rate.
3.2. Experiment 2
3.2.1. Experiment 2a
Interactions of day of PGF2a and eCG treatment
(P < 0.05) and CIDR uses and eCG treatments
Fig. 3. Effect (P < 0.05) of serum progesterone concentration at the (P < 0.05) were detected for TAI pregnancy rate
initiation of a synchronization protocol on the probability of preg- (Table 3). The eCG treatment enhanced (P < 0.05)
nancy to TAI in postpuberal Nelore heifers. pregnancy rate in heifers that received PGF2a on Day 9
C.C. Dias et al. / Theriogenology 72 (2009) 378385 383
Table 2
Conception rate (synchronized heifers) related to the diameter of largest ovarian follicle at TAI classes within each CIDR treatment (Experiment 1).
CIDR Conception rate,4 % (n) P Value
5 6 7
Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
1 a a
First use 9.1 (1/11) 24.0 (6/25) 52.4 (22/42)b <0.05
Second use2 0 (0/4)a 21.7 (5/23)a 48.9 (23/47)b <0.05
Third use 3 40.0 (2/5)a 54.5 (12/22)a 53.8 (28/52)a >0.10
Class = classification of largest ovarian follicle at TAI.
a,b
Values with different superscripts within a row are different (P < 0.05).
1
CIDR devices with no previous use.
2
CIDR devices with 9 d of previous use.
3
CIDR devices with 18 d of previous use.
4
Percentage of heifers that ovulated within 48 h after TAI that became pregnant, reported as raw means.
5
Heifers with follicles <8.5 mm at TAI.
6
Heifers with follicles between 8.5 and 10.0 mm at TAI.
7
Heifers with follicles >10.0 mm at TAI.
but not in those that received PGF2a on Day 7. The eCG (40.1%; 81 of 202) were not affected by the CIDR,
treatment also increased pregnancy rate in heifers PGF2a, or eCG treatments.
receiving the first-use CIDR (P < 0.05); tended to
increase pregnancy rate with a second-use CIDR 4. Discussion
(P < 0.1); but had no influence on pregnancy rate in
the third-use CIDR treatment. The TAI pregnancy rate was increased when either
progesterone was decreased during the synchronization
3.2.2. Experiment 2b protocol or eCG was administered. None of the
Overall rates of estrus (61.9%; 125 of 202), manipulations negatively influenced fertility if the
conception (64.8%; 81 of 125), and pregnancy heifers were permitted to exhibit estrus and AI was
performed based on detection of this physiologic end
Table 3 point.
Pregnancy rate in postpuberal Nelore heifers at TAI protocol, with In the first experiment, pregnancy rate to TAI was
PGF2a on Days 7 or 9, with or without an eCG treatment, and with greater in heifers treated with the third-use CIDR than
CIDR treatments of varying previous uses (Experiment 2a). with other CIDR treatments. In addition, concentrations
Treatments Pregnancy at TAI,6 % (n) of progesterone were different on Day 7. These
Without eCG7 With eCG8
differences were similar to those of previous findings
in our laboratory [16]. A statistical relationship between
PGF2a progesterone concentration on Day 7 and pregnancy
Day 7 1 33.3 (16/48)A 40.4 (21/52)A
Day 9 2 26.4 (14/53)A 50.0 (23/46)B
rate was not evident, suggesting that the influence of the
CIDR CIDR on progesterone at this time was not a primary
First use3 21.9 (7/32)A 50.0 (18/36)B determinant of fertility. Because progesterone concen-
Second use4 24.3 (9/37)a 42.4 (14/33)b trations after Day 7 would be largely determined by type
Third use 5 43.7 (14/32)A 41.4 (12/29)A of CIDR (due to luteal regression), it is logical to
A,B
Values for the same variable with different superscripts within a presume that the primary effect of the type of CIDR
row are different (P < 0.05). would be emphasized from Days 7 to 9. That
a,b
Values for the same variable with different superscripts within a row
gonadotropic support of the follicle may have been
tended to differ (P < 0.1).
1
PGF2a (12.5 mg, im) treatment on Day 7 of synchronization protocol. enhanced in the third-use CIDR treatment was
2
PGF2a (12.5 mg, im) treatment on Day 9 of synchronization protocol. reinforced by the increase in follicular diameter at
3
CIDR devices with no previous use. TAI that was detected in this treatment. Because the
4
CIDR devices with 9 d of previous use. interval from insertion of a CIDR and estradiol
5
CIDR devices with 18 d of previous use. treatment to follicular wave emergence was 3.1 d in
6
Percentage of all heifers that became pregnant after treatment with
synchronization protocol, reported as raw means. Bos indicus [4], and deviation occurred 1.6 d after wave
7
No eCG treatment on Day 9 of synchronization protocol. emergence, within diameter of the largest ovarian
8
eCG treatment (300 IU, im) on Day 9 of synchronization protocol. follicle of 5.9 mm at the beginning of deviation [17] or
384 C.C. Dias et al. / Theriogenology 72 (2009) 378385
6.2 mm [15], and this is when dominant follicles performance. Timing of this adjustment in progesterone
acquire LH receptors [18], the ability of increased concentrations may be important, as a recent report in
gonadotropic support (due to decreased progesterone) Nelore heifers demonstrated that treatment with PGF2a
to enhance follicular maturation may have be opti- concurrent with CIDR insertion did not improve
mized. pregnancy rate using TAI [2]. The range of ovarian
Larger follicles at the time of AI and conception and follicle diameters that resulted in acceptable fertility
pregnancy rates to TAI were associated with high appeared to be extended in heifers with the lesser
progesterone concentrations on Day 0. In the current progesterone concentrations. We speculate that LH
study, the Day 0 progesterone concentration sample was secretion in Nelore heifers is highly sensitive to
collected before the insertion of CIDR devices, and it is progesterone negative feedback and that use of low
related to the endogenous progesterone. We inferred concentrations of progesterone increases gonadotropic
that heifers with greater progesterone concentrations at support for follicular maturation. It also suggests that
the outset of the protocol were in later stages of the synchronization protocols in postpuberal Nelore heifers
estrous cycle, and thus, spontaneous luteal regression should be designed to reduce concentrations of
occurred during the protocol and contributed to this progesterone during maturation of the ovulatory
response. follicle.
Follicular diameter at TAI was related to synchro- In conclusion, postpuberal Nelore heifers need a
nization and conception rates across treatments. period of reduced progesterone concentrations, as
Heifers with larger follicles were more likely to physiologically occurs in their estrous cycle, during
ovulate at the appropriate time and conceive. Relation- the later stages of a synchronization protocol. Further-
ships between largest ovarian follicle diameter and more, gonadotropin treatment may be useful to
synchronized ovulation heifers and conception rate optimize pregnancy rate to TAI in Nelore heifers
were revealed when heifers were categorized into treated with progesterone devices that will increase
largest ovarian follicle diameter classes. Synchronized circulating progesterone to more than high physiologic
ovulation rate increased as largest ovarian follicle concentrations.
diameter increased, regardless of CIDR treatment.
Within the third-use CIDR treatment, largest ovarian References
follicle classification did not influence conception rate,
whereas with first-use and second-use CIDRs, con- [1] Pinheiro OL, Barros CM, Figueiredo RA, Valle ER, Encarnacao
RO, Padovani CR. Estrous behavior and estrous to ovulation
ception was reduced in heifers with smaller ovarian interval in Nelore cattle Bos indicus with natural estrous or
follicles at TAI. We inferred that if progesterone estrous induced with prostaglandin or norgestomet and estradiol
concentrations during the later stages of the estrous valerate. Theriogenology 1998;49:66781.
synchronization protocol are reduced, the range of [2] Marques MO, Sa Filho MF, Gimenes LU, Figueiredo TB, Soria
largest ovarian follicle diameters that results in GF, Baruselli PS. Efeito do tratamento com PGF2a na insercao e/
ou tratamento com eCG na remocao do dispositivo intravaginal
acceptable fertility is increased. We speculate that de progesterona na taxa de concepcao a` inseminacao artificial em
when progesterone concentrations are reduced, gona- tempo fixo em novilhas Nelore. Acta Sci Vet 2005;1:287
dotropic stimulus is enhanced, most likely through LH [abstract].
concentrations, improving follicle maturity and [3] Meneghetti M, Miguel JC. Addition of eCG on a fixed timed
artificial insemination protocol in the conception rate of cycling
increasing fertility.
Nelore heifers. Acta Sci Vet 2008;36:638 [abstract].
In Experiment 2a, the effect of eCG was dependent [4] Carvalho JBP, Carvalho NAT, Reis EL, Nichi M, Souza AH,
on timing of PGF2a administration (Days 7 or 9) and Baruselli PS. Effect of early luteolysis in progesterone-based
CIDR type. The reduced fertility in heifers with high timed AI protocols in Bos indicus, Bos indicus x Bos taurus and
progesterone concentrations (i.e., PGF2a on Day 9 or Bos taurus heifers. Theriogenology 2008;69:16775.
first-use and second-use CIDRs) could be overcome by [5] Kinder JE, Kojima FN, Bergfeld EG, Whermen ME, Fike KE.
Progestin and estrogen regulation of pulsatile LH release and
administration of eCG at CIDR withdrawal. development of persistent ovarian follicles in cattle. J Anim Sci
Strategies to reduce circulating progesterone con- 1996;74:142440.
centration during later stages of a TAI synchronization [6] Taponen J, Kulcsar M, Katila T, Katai L, Huzenicza G, Rodri-
protocol and/or increase gonadotropic stimulus guez-Martinez H. Short estrous cycles and estrous signs after
improved reproductive performance in postpuberal premature ovulations induced with cloprostenol and gonadotro-
pin-releasing hormone in cycling dairy cows. Theriogenology
Nelore heifers, and conversely, those that resulted in 2002;58:1291302.
greater progesterone concentrations in the later stages [7] Taponen J, Hjerppe P, Kopra E, Rodrguez-Martnez H, Katila T,
of the TAI protocol negatively affected reproductive Kindhal H. Premature prostaglandin F2a secretion causes luteal
C.C. Dias et al. / Theriogenology 72 (2009) 378385 385
regression in GnRH-induced short estrous cycles in cyclic dairy [13] Santos RM, Vasconcelos JLM. Concentrate intake and plasmatic
heifers. Theriogenology 2003;60:37993. progesterone concentration in Holstein cows. Braz J Vet Anim
[8] Vasconcelos JLM, Sartori R, Oliveira HN, Guenther JN, Wilt- Sci 2006;58:11627.
bank MC. Reduction in size of the ovulatory follicle reduces [14] SAS Institute Inc. SAS/STAT1 Users Guide (Release 8.2). SAS
subsequent luteal size and pregnancy rate. Theriogenology Institute Inc., 2007.
2001;56:30114. [15] Gimenes LU, Sa Filho MF, Carvalho NAT, Torres-Junior JRS,
[9] Peters MW, Pursley JR. Timing of final GnRH of the Ovsynch Souza AH, Madureira EH, et al. Follicle deviation and ovulatory
protocol affects ovulatory follicle size, subsequent luteal function capacity in Bos indicus heifers. Theriogenology 2008;69:8528.
and fertility in dairy cows. Theriogenology 2003;60:1197204. [16] Sa Filho OG, Vasconcelos JLM. Using a 27 days previously used
[10] Mussard ML, Burke CR, Behlke EJ, Gasser CL, Day ML. intravaginal progesterone device (CIDR) in a synchronization of
Influence of premature induction of a luteinizing hormone surge ovulation protocol in post partum Nelore cows. Acta Sci Vet
with gonadotropin-releasing hormone on ovulation, luteal func- 2008;36:615 [abstract].
tion, and fertility in cattle. J Anim Sci 2007;85:93743. [17] Sartorelli ES, Carvalho LM, Bergfelt DR, Ginther OJ, Barros
[11] Baruselli PS, Reis EL, Marques MO, Nasser LF, Bo GA. The use CM. Morphological characterization of follicle deviation in
of hormonal treatments to improve reproductive performance of Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers and cows. Theriogenology
anestrous beef cattle in tropical climates. Anim Reprod Sci 2005;63:238294.
2004;8283:47986. [18] Ginther OJ, Wiltbank MC, Fricke PM, Gibbons JR, Kot K.
[12] Lowman BG, Scott N, Somerville S. Condition scoring of cattle. Selection of the dominant follicle in cattle. Biol Reprod
Bulletin East Scotland College Agriculture 1976. No. 6. 1996;55:118794.