Effect of progesterone administration on the ovarian response to superovulatory treatments in cattle

To evaluate ovarian response in Angus cows previously treated with progesterone (P4), animals were randomly assigned to two groups: T600 group (n = 14), 600 mg of P4/day. P4 was injected from days 3 to 7 of the estrous cycle. On day 7, superovulatory treatments began. The control group (n = 12) was given vehicle only. The superovulatory treatments in the control group began on days 7–9 of the estrous cycle. The superovulatory total treatment dose of 400 mg NIH FSH P1 was given twice a day over a 4-day period. Ultrasonography of the ovaries was conducted 3 days preceding the initiation of superovulatory treatment, every 24 h. In both groups, an additional ultrasonographic evaluation was made at 24 h after the end of superovulatory treatment. Blood samples were collected 4 days preceding the initiation of superovulatory treatment, every 24 h. Additional samples were taken from the P600 group for 12 day after of initiation of superovulatory treatment every 24 h, except on the fifth day after the initiation of superovulatory treatment. In the P600 group, P4 concentrations were greater than in the control group (P < 0.01) and remained over 1 ng/ml up to day 11 after beginning of superovulatory treatment. The diameter of the dominant follicle was larger in the animals of the control group (P < 0.01). Cows of the P600 group had a greater number of Class I (3–4 mm) follicles (P < 0.01). A significant day and treatment effect (P < 0.01) were observed in Class II (5–9 mm) follicles. Effects due to treatment on the number of Class III follicles (P < 0.05) were observed. In the P600 group, no estrous post-superovulatory was observed and there were no ovulations that occurred. Conversely, 100% of the cows of the control group showed estrous. In the P600 group, there were a greater number of Class III follicles (P < 0.01) and a lesser number of Class II follicles (P < 0.05) at 24 h after the end of superovulatory. In the control group, 66.7% of the cows responded to superovulatory treatments. In conclusion, the daily administration of 600 mg of P4, from days 3 to 7 of the estrous cycle, produces an increase of plasma concentrations of this hormone from day 4, resulting in changes in follicular dynamics (absence of follicles greater than 10 mm of diameter and an increase of the population of Class I follicles). As to the ovarian stimulation using Folltropin V® in animals receiving a daily injection of 600 mg of P4 from days 3 to 7 of the estrous cycle, a greater population of follicles ≥ 10 mm developed by 24 h after superovulatory treatments were completed.