GnRH-analogue leads to improved breeding efficiency in cows with retained fetal membranes
Mori, J.; Ouchi, K.; Kawate, N.; Inaba, T.
Veterinary Record 123(13): 352
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 3057721 Document Number: 317210
A study of the effects of early administration of GnRH in postpartum cows with retained fetal membranes was carried out in Holstein cows. Between the 10th and 12th day post partum, 113 cows were injected intramuscularly with 20 micro g GnRH-analogue ([Des-Gly-NH210, Pro-ethylamide9]-LH-RH), and 100 control cows were given a saline solution. Examination of blood samples taken before and 10 and 30 days after treatment showed that plasma progesterone concentrations in treated cows were significantly higher at 10 days after treatment than in control cows. This difference remained, though not significantly, at 30 days after treatment. The conception rate was significantly improved in GnRH-treated cows (60%) compared with control cows (49%). In treated cows the calving to conception interval (105.0 +or- 3.5 days) and the interval to first service (68.2 +or- 3.4 days) were significantly shorter than in the control cows (120.0 +or- 6.5 and 76.1 +or- 3.0 days). The services per conception were similar in both groups and the incidence of ovarian cysts was not influenced by GnRH treatment.