Cooperative Extension Service/The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Estrous Synchronization For Beef Cattle

Timothy W. Wilson Extension Animal Scientist Beef Cattle
s the calving season begins, producers are reA warded for their efforts and hard work. Everyone enjoys newborn calves, especially when they are born as a result of a planned breeding season the year before. Planning a breeding season can be as simple as defining the time frame a bull has to breed a herd, or as intensive as artificial insemination (AI). With AI, producers can use one or more methods of estrous (heat) detection. Some methods of estrous detection require specially designed tools while others require as little as 30-45 minutes of visual observation twice a day. Estrous synchronization can minimize the amount of time and labor required to accurately detect estrus. A quick evaluation of estrous synchronization protocols will produce many different methods of inducing estrus in beef cattle. How do you determine which one is right for your herd? Many factors must be considered when choosing a protocol. Time, labor, cost and ease of use can play a role in making this decision. Depending on the number of estrous cyclic females in the herd, 5 percent may be in heat at any given time. As herd size increases, the potential number of females in heat after synchronization treatment increases. An understanding of how a protocol works is useful to ensure that it is performed correctly. Many reproductive hormones are used in estrous synchronization. Developing a basic understanding of several reproductive hormones is necessary when trying to determine which protocol will work best for your herd. lating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are a few of the hormones involved in the estrous cycle. Depending on the estrous synchronization protocol, these hormones can be used independently or in combination with one another. Progesterone is a hormone used to maintain pregnancy. Progesterone can be administered in the natural (progesterone) or synthetic (progestin) form. Progesterone and progestins can be used to synchronize estrus in cattle. When the female ovulates, the site of ovulation develops a structure known as a corpus hemorrhagicum, which quickly (within 4 to 7 days) develops into a corpus luteum (CL). The CL is the primary source of progesterone in the bloodstream, and as the CL matures, progesterone concentrations increase. Progesterone concentrations remain elevated throughout pregnancy or the estrous cycle until the female either calves or determines she is not pregnant. If she is not pregnant within 15 to 18 days of a normal estrous cycle, prostaglandin is synthesized and released to regress the corpus luteum. Using the knowledge that progesterone concentrations are elevated for most of the estrous cycle and how they are reduced is very useful when selecting an estrous synchronization protocol. Prostaglandin (PGF2") is released from the uterus once the female recognizes she is not pregnant. Prostaglandin causes the CL to regress or diminish and, once this occurs, progesterone concentrations decrease rapidly. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) is secreted from the hypothalamus and affects the anterior pituitary. As progesterone concentrations are elevated, GnRH concentrations are decreased.
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Hormones
Progesterone, prostaglandin (PGF2"), gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle stimu-

If the CL is regressed, progesterone concentrations will decrease in the bloodstream, causing increased GnRH concentrations. This increase of GnRH allows for elevated pulsatile secretions of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The biological site of action for Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is the ovary. This hormone assists in stimulating follicular waves and can be manipulated in embryo transfer programs to cause superovulation. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is secreted in pulses into the bloodstream and, immediately before ovulation, surges to cause ovulation of the dominant follicle on the ovary.

2-Shot Prostaglandin
Two shots of prostaglandin are injected 11 to 14 days apart, and females are observed for heat and bred for 5 days following the second injection. Research by Stevenson, et al., (2000) has reported estrous detection rates, conception rates and pregnancy rates of 71.8 percent, 70.6 percent and 50.0 percent, respectively, for cyclic cows.

2-Shot Prostaglandin

(Source: Sprott, 1999; Stevenson, et al., 2000)

Estrous Synchronization Protocols

Many estrous synchronization protocols are available to producers. Scientists from around the world perform research to analyze the effectiveness of each protocol. A few of these protocols that have been studied include the Monday Morning System (one-shot prostaglandin), twoshot prostaglandin, the MGA/Prostaglandin System, the MGA/GnRH/Prostaglandin System, SelectSynch, Co-Synch, Ov-Synch and CIDR/ Prostaglandin.

The MGA/PGF2" System and the MGA/GnRH/PGF2" System

Breeding heifers can be difficult and take a great deal of time. Two protocols that have been used successfully with heifers use melengestrol acetate (MGA) and prostaglandin. Melengestrol acetate is an orally active synthetic progestin developed to control estrus in feedlot heifers (Lauderdale, et al., 1977). This progestin can be used in estrous synchronization to mimic progesterone and can stimulate estrus in heifers. In the Southeast, MGA can sometimes be difficult to find on the market without having to transport it from the Midwest, so having a source of MGA before beginning these protocols will be important. Since small amounts of MGA are used, be careful when mixing bulk rations to ensure even distribution throughout the ration. The MGA/PGF2" system and the MGA/ GnRH/PGF2" system are very similar with the exception of a single injection of GnRH. The addition of GnRH has been reported to tighten sychrony compared to the MGA/PGF2" system (Wood, et al., 2001). Determining which protocol is right for your herd will require several factors to be evaluated: cost, number of times through the chute, and availability of labor. The MGA/PGF2" System: Feed MGA for 14 days at 0.5 mg/hd/d. A subfertile heat should occur before the shot of prostaglandin is given; do not breed at this time. On day 33, a single injec-

The Monday Morning System

Heat check and breed for 5 days. Sort cattle that have not been bred and administer a single injection of prostaglandin. Heat check and breed for 5 additional days. Since females that have been bred prior to PGF2" injection do not receive this injection, fewer doses are used, reducing overall drug cost. Results of this protocol may vary, and synchrony may be less than expected.

The Monday Morning System

(Source: Sprott, 1999)

tion of prostaglandin is administered intramuscularly (IM). Check heat and breed from day 33 to day 38.

report pregnancy rates of 61 percent for cattle bred based on standing heat.

Select Synch
(Source: Geary and Whittier, 1999)

The MGA/PDF2" System (Source: Wood, et al., 2001)

Co-Synch: GnRH is injected IM on day 0, followed by prostaglandin IM on day 7. GnRH is injected again on day 9; then time breed.

The MGA/GnRH/PGF2" System: Feed MGA for 14 days at 0.5 mg/hd/d. On day 26, inject shot of GnRH IM; follow this 7 days later (day 33) by a shot of prostaglandin IM. Heat check and breed from day 33 to day 38.

Co-Synch
(Source: Geary and Whittier, 1999)

Ov-Synch: Inject GnRH IM on day 0, followed by prostaglandin IM on day 7. Inject GnRH again at day 9, and time breed on day 10.
The MGA/GnRH/PGF2" System (Source: Wood, et al., 2001)

Select Synch, Co-Synch, Ov-Synch

Several protocols have been developed using GnRH and prostaglandin. Each protocol described is similar in that they involve an injection of GnRH on day 0 and an injection of prostaglandin on day 7. Pregnancy rates vary based on heat detection capabilities. Some estrous synchronization protocols allow all females to be bred at a predetermined time. This is referred to as time breeding. Time breeding can reduce labor, but pregnancy rates could be reduced compared to females bred on standing heats. Time breed protocols have been reported to have pregnancy rates of 55 percent (Co-Synch) and 52 percent (OvSynch) [Geary and Whittier, 1999]. Conception rates for these protocols can be increased if a 48hour calf removal is used after prostaglandin injection (Geary and Whittier, 2001). Select Synch: Inject GnRH IM on day 0, followed by prostaglandin IM on day 7. Breed cattle that show heat before day 7 and do not inject prostaglandin in those cattle (this will reduce drug costs). Research by Geary and Whittier
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Ov-Synch
(Source: Geary and Whittier, 1999)

CIDR
A controlled internal drug releasing device (CIDR) has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in beef cows and heifers and dairy heifers in the United States. Current research by Lucy, et al., (2001) reported that 65 percent of beef heifers and 59 percent of beef cows were in estrus by day 3 after CIDR removal. These researchers also reported that CIDRs could help stimulate estrous activity in prepubertal heifers. CIDR/Prostaglandin: Insert the CIDR intravaginally on day 0. Give a shot of prostaglandin

CIDR/Prostaglandin
(Source: Pharmacia Animal Health)

on day 6 and remove the CIDR on day 7. Heat check and breed from day 7 to day 12.

Summary
Developing an understanding of the reproductive hormones used in estrous synchronization protocols can be very useful when trying to determine which protocol will work best for your operation. Although the estrous synchronization protocols mentioned in this publication have been used in many breeding programs, there may be others that can also be used successfully. If you have questions regarding estrous synchronization, contact your local county extension office, veterinarian or extension beef specialist for further information.

Literature Cited
Geary, T.W., J.C. Whittier, D.M. Hallford, and M.D. MacNeil. 2001. Calf removal improves conception rates to the Ovsynch and Co-Synch protocols. J. Anim. Sci. 79:1-4. Geary, T.W., and J.C. Whittier. 1999. Various protocols for synchronization of estrus or ovulation using GnRH and prostaglandin. 1999 Beef Program Report. Department of Anim. Sci., Colorado State University. Lauderdale, J.W., L.W. Goyings, L.F. Krzeminski, and

R.G. Zimbelman. 1977. Studies of a progestogen (MGA) as related to residues and human consumption. J. Tox. and Enviro. Hlth. 3:5-33. Lucy, M.C., H.J. Billings, W.R. Butler, L.R. Ehnis, M.J. Fields, D.J. Kesler, J.E. Kinder, R.D. Mattos, R.E. Short, W.W. Thatcher, R.P. Wettemann, J.V. Yelich, and H.D. Hafs. 2001. Efficacy of an intravaginal progesterone insert and an injection of PGF2" for synchronizing estrus and shortening the interval to pregnancy in postpartum beef cows, peripubertal beef heifers, and dairy heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 79:982-995. Pharmacia Animal Health, EAZI-BREED CIDR, United State Food and Drug Administration approved product label. 2002. Sprott, L.R. 1999. Management and financial considerations affecting the decision to synchronize estrous in beef females. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci., 1999. At: http://www.asas.org/jas/symposia/proceedings/0025.pdf. Accessed December, 2002. Stevenson, J.S., K.E. Thompson, W.L. Forbes, G.C. Lamb, D.M. Grieger, and L.R. Corah. 2000. Synchronizing estrus and(or) ovulation in beef cows after combinations of GnRH, norgestomet, and prostaglandin F2" with or without timed insemination. J. Anim. Sci. 78: 1747-1758. Wood, S.L., M.C. Lucy, M.F. Smith, and D.J. Patterson. 2001. Improved synchrony of estrus and ovulation with the addition of GnRH to a melengestrol acetate-prostaglandin F2" synchronization treatment in beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 79: 2210-2216.

DISCLAIMER: The author of this publication does not advocate any products listed in this publication. Products mentioned have been described due to specifics of particular estrous synchronization protocols.

The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. The Cooperative Extension Service, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Organization Committed to a Diverse Work Force Bulletin 1232 June, 2003 Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Gale A. Buchanan, Dean and Director