The effects of ovarian function on estrus synchronization with PGF in dairy cows

Milk progesterone concentration (P4), milk yield, milk composition, ovarian structures and pregnancy status were studied in 108 cows treated with two doses of PGF 14 days apart and inseminated at fixed time (TAI) 80–82 h later. The synchronization protocol was started at 70 ± 1.4 days after parturition. Milk P4 profiles revealed that anestrus, failure of luteolysis following treatment with PGF and failure to ovulate following luteolysis were the main reasons for low pregnancy rate with TAI. Anestrous cows had a higher percentage of milk fat (P < 0.05) and higher fat to protein ratio (P < 0.01), and cows that did not undergo luteolysis had higher milk yield (P < 0.05) and lower percentage of milk protein (P < 0.05) than cows that responded to PGF treatment. Cows that did not undergo luteolysis and cows that did not ovulate following luteolysis had lower milk P4 during the luteal phase preceding the second PGF injection (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Pregnancy rates 24 and 47 days after TAI in cows that responded as expected to the synchronization treatment were 62% and 54%, respectively. Pregnancy was precluded in non-responsive cows. The largest follicle at the time of TAI in cows experiencing late embryonic mortality was smaller (P = 0.02) than in cows that successfully maintained pregnancy. Results suggest that a primary reason for low pregnancy rate in dairy cows after administration of PGF and TAI is inappropriate ovarian function prior to, or following treatment.