Comparison of two protocols of estrus synchronization in summer and winter seasons on fertility and blood parameters of Holstein dairy cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was the comparison of two protocols of estrus synchronization in two natural climates and heat stress condition on reproductive performance and concentration of plasma estrogen and progesterone hormones in Holstein dairy cows. 110 multiparous Holstein dairy cows (28 kg average daily milk yield and parity one to four calved) were randomly assigned to two protocol groups: 1) Double-Ovsynch (DO; n=60), the cows received GnRH-7d-PGF2α-2d-GnRH and Ovsynch (GnRH-7d- PGF2α-56h-GnRH-16h-AI) was initiated 7 d later; 2) Presynch-Ovsynch (PO; n = 50), the cows received PGF2α-14d-PGF2α and Ovsynch was initiated 12 d later. The both of the protocols were done in two seasons of summer and winter. The calving rate in cows that were synchronized at winter season was greater than cows synchronized in summer (36.4 vs 18.2%; P= 0.04). Mean of the number of insemination to conception was lower in cows that synchronized in winter compared to cows synchronized in summer (1.46 vs 1.74; P= 0.02). Mean of measured estrogen and progesterone hormones concentration was higher in cows that synchronized in winter compared to summer (P < 0.05). Overall, mean of reproductive traits and hormones concentration is higher in cows that synchronized in winter than in summer and the protocol of estrus synchronization had no effect on reproductive performance.