The uterine diameter and ovarian activity influence the presence of estrus and pregnancy in beef heifers under a J–Synch protocol for fixed–time artificial insemination
Abstract
The study assessed how the diameter of uterine horns and cyclical activity in beef heifers influence their estrous behavior and gestation rates with fixed–time artificial insemination (FTAI). A total of 100 Bos taurus heifers (undefined crosses of Angus, Charolais, and Gelbvieh) weighing 300 ± 32 kg were evaluated for their body condition (scale 1 to 5), uterine horn diameter (1: less than 1 cm; 2: 1 to 1.5 cm; 3: greather than 1.5 cm), and cyclical activity at the start of the protocol. Cyclical activity was classified into cycling (C), superficial anestrus (AS), or deep anestrus (AP). The J–Synch protocol was used for ovulation synchronization, with estrous activity monitored through paint at the base of the tail. The results showed that 81% of the cyclin (C) heifers exhibited estrus within 72 hours of completing the protocol, significantly surpassing AS and AP heifers (P≤0.001). The presence of estrus in heifers with a larger uterine diameter was higher than in those with a smaller diameter (P≤0.001). Additionally, the intensity of estrus significantly influenced gestation rates 30 days post–FTAI (P≤0.003). Cyclical activity and the diameter of the uterine horns at the start of the treatment also affected pregnancy rates (P≤0.05). In conclusion the uterine horn diameter and initial cyclical activity in beef heifers impact their response to the J–Synch protocol and the post–FTAI pregnancy rates.
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