Comparison of an Ovsynch Protocol with a PGF2α Treatment Based on Rectal Palpation

Abstract

Systematic breeding programs are used to induce estrus, or may even allow timed artificial insemination (AI) in dairy cows. We conducted a trial in a commercial dairy herd to compare an Ovsynch protocol to a protocol using Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in cows with a corpus luteum (C.L.) diagnosed by rectal palpation. Further objectives of the study were to analyze the timing of ovulation in the Ovsynch group by ultrasound, and effect of the stage of estrus cycle at the start of an Ovsynch protocol on the conception rate using timed AI.