Use of Progesterone as a Strategy to Improve Reproductive Efficiency in Cattle

Abstract

Progesterone (P4) is a key hormone in the reproductive physiology of cattle, playing a crucial role in regulating the estrous cycle and establishing and maintaining the pregnancy. In the context of reproductive efficiency, the use of P4 has been a strategy increasingly used on rural properties to anticipate puberty, increase pregnancy rates and reduce gestational loss. A common application is the administration of P4, often in the form of intravaginal devices or, more recently, with long-acting injectable progesterone. These methods help synchronize ovulation, allowing more precise management of reproductive programs, facilitating the use of artificial insemination, and contributing to genetic improvement. The synchronization of ovulation in beef and dairy cattle allows insemination at a pre-determined time without the need for estrus detection. These treatments increase the number of inseminated animals and, consequently, the number of pregnant animals. Overall, the strategic use of P4 in livestock management serves as a valuable tool for increasing reproductive efficiency, facilitating better control of reproductive cycles, and contributing to increased pregnancy rates and better overall reproductive performance in cattle herds.