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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Treatments for the synchronisation of bovine recipients for fixed-time embryo transfer and improvement of pregnancy rates

Gabriel A. Bó A B E , Lucas Coelho Peres A , Lucas E. Cutaia A , Danilo Pincinato A , Pietro S. Baruselli C and R. J. Mapletoft D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba (IRAC), Zona Rural General Paz, 5145, Córdoba, Argentina.

B Instituto de Ciencias Básicas, Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina.

C Departamento de Reprodução Animal, FMVZ-USP, CEP 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil.

D Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

E Corresponding author. Email: gabrielbo@iracbiogen.com.ar

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 24(1) 272-277 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD11918
Published: 6 November 2011

Abstract

Although embryo transfer technology has been used commercially in cattle for many years, the inefficiency of oestrus detection, especially in recipients, has limited the widespread application of this technology. The most useful alternative to increase the number of recipients utilised in an embryo transfer program is the use of protocols that allow for embryo transfer without the need for oestrus detection, usually called fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET). Most current FTET protocols are based on progestin-releasing devices combined with oestradiol or GnRH, which control and synchronise follicular wave dynamics and ovulation. Conception rates to a single FTET have been reported to be similar to those after detection of oestrus, but pregnancy rates are higher because these treatments have increased the proportion of recipients that receive an embryo. Recent changes to treatments for FTET, such as the administration of eCG, have resulted in increased pregnancy rates and provide opportunities to make these treatments easier to perform on farm.

Additional keywords: eCG, estradiol, fixed-time embryo transfer, progesterone, GnRH.


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