Evaluating single and double doses of prostaglandin (PGF2α) injection on estrus induction and conception rate in Boran cattle breed in Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two synchronization protocols with prostaglandins (PGF2α) on Boran cattle. This study comprised 122 cows and 56 heifers. A uniform system was employed for handling each experimental animal. All 178 animals were administered a single dose of PGF2α, and those not responding to the initial injection received a second PGF2α injection after 11 days. The calculation of the conception rate involves determining the number of animals in estrus, those that undergo insemination, and subsequently conceive. A logistic regression analysis was performed to test the effectiveness of the protocols used in estrus response and conception rate. The study’s results reveal that a total of 162 animals (91.01%) responded positively to PGF2α injection. Among these, 62.35% (comprising 62.07% for a single dose and 63.04% for a double dose) successfully conceived. Neither injection protocols nor parity demonstrated any significant impact on estrus response or conception rate (P > 0.05). In conclusion, regardless of parity or injection protocols, PGF2α injection is effective in inducing estrus. The 62.34% overall conception rate surpassed the national average, suggesting the success of PGF2α in synchronizing estrus among Boran cows and heifers.

Keywords

• Boran cows
• estrous synchronization
• parity
• conception rate
• PGF2α
• Agriculture and Food