Prostaglandin Treatment on Cows

Prostaglandins help to more effectively synchronize the cycle of the cow.

Prostaglandins help to synchronize estrus in a cow. By timing out the estrus using prostaglandins, a rancher or dairy farm owner can time breeding to correspond with all the cows in the herd. Prostaglandin is effective at causing the regression of the corpus luteum. By manipulating the cycle of the cow, the breeder is better able to ensure insemination takes place and infertility rates drop, according to the International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Practice.

Dairy Cows

The dairy cow is notorious for suffering from low fertility. The determination of exactly when estrus occurs is exceptionally difficult. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of dairy farmers rely on artificial insemination to achieve pregnancy in dairy cows, according to the Journal of Dairy Science. By utilizing a prostaglandin injection between day 6 to day 16 of the dairy cow's cycle, the correct timing of ovulation can be determined so that artificial insemination is successful.

Effectiveness

In order for prostaglandin to successfully work, the cow must be cycling. Prostaglandin works by killing the corpus luteum so the cow comes into heat. The killing of the corpus luteum allows a follicle on the ovary to successfully grow and release an egg. In order to successfully achieve this process, prostaglandin is administered.

Process

Once administered the prostaglandin binds with the corpus luteum, killing it in the process. As the progesterone falls, the cow's heat cycle begins and she can be bred.

Beef Cows

The use of prostaglandin helps to regulate all the cows in the herd so breeding and calving will occur at approximately the same time. After the administration of prostaglandin, most beef cows will have a dominant follicle forming. Unfortunately, a few cows in the herd will lack the dominate follicle which will delay the cycle, so all cows will not completely synchronize despite the administration of prostaglandin.

Factors

Several factors must be taken into consideration to assure the drug's effectiveness. The cow will require adequate nutrition to support a complete cycle so breeding can take place. Heat detection must be good to ensure that the cows attain pregnancy. Despite the use of prostaglandin, an experienced person in artificial insemination must be utilized to help the success rate. Semen handling must also be adequate to ensure viable sperm for insemination.

References

• Dairy Science Journal: Reproductive Management of Lactating Dairy Cows
• LSU School of Veterinary Medicine: Estrus Cycle Control in the Cow
• The International Journal of Applied Research in Veterninary Medicine: Prostaglandin Based Estrus Synchronization in Postpartum Dairy Cows
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Synchronizing Estrus In Beef Cattle

Resources

• Partners in Reproduction: Prostaglandins in Estrus Management