Estrus Synchronization

30.09.15
Learning outcomes
• Distinguish and elaborate different estrus
synchronization programs

Estrous synchronization
• Manipulation of female reproductive process
– Bred during a short period of time
– with normal fertility
 Advantages
– Less labor in Detection
of estrus
– Scheduled breeding
– Creating a more uniform
calf crop
– Reduce calving interval
Predefined

Limitations
– Nutrition / BCS
– Male side
– Health condition
 Estrous synchronization products
• PGF2  luteolysis CL
– can’t regress CL of <6 days age

• GnRH
– Gonadotropin release (tonic)
– LH surge

• Progestins
– Down regulate E2 receptors in reproductive tract
– Suppress surge center of hypothalamus and down regulate GnRH
receptors on pituitary
– Up regulate E2 receptors on hypothalamus
Estrous synchronization
programs
One shot PG
• Cyclic animals
• Cost is less

• Limitations
No response in
– Non cyclic
– Follicular Phase
– Luteal Phase <6days
2 Shot PG
 GnRH/prostaglandin programs
1. Select Synch
• Encourages estrus in non-cyclic cows
• Short term calf removal improve response
2. Ova synch
3. Co Synch
4. Hybrid Synch
 Progestins based programs
• Melengesterole Acetate (MGA)
– 0.5mg/head/day
CIDR (Control internal drug release)

Progestin impregnated plastic device

1.38 g micronized progestin
CIDR (Control internal drug release)
Basic program
Co-Synch + CIDR
Protocol Cost
I shot PG 500
2 shot PG 1000
Ova synch 1400
Co 1400
Select 950
Hybrid 1400
CIDR basic 1300 + 500
CIDR + Co 2700
CIDR + Select 2250
Thanks
• Functions of the Progesterone
• These functions reviewed by (Niswender, Juengel et al. 2000) The principal targets of progesterone are the reproductive tract and the
hypothalamo-pituitary axis. In general, the actions of the progesterone on the reproductive tract are to prepare it for initiation and
maintenance of pregnancy. Progesterone appears to exert most of its effects by directly regulating transcription of genes through specific
nuclear receptors that act as ligand-inducible transcription factors. Upon ligand binding these receptors modulate expression of genes by
binding specific progesterone-responsive elements on the DNA. Previous exposure to estrogens, which induce the production of
receptors for progesterone, is required for progesterone to act on the reproductive tract. In contrast progesterone downregulates
receptors for estradiol and thereby blocks many of the actions that generally act as mitogenic factors. An example of the antiestrogenic
effect of progesterone is in the oviduct where progesterone blocks estradiol-inducible secretory proteins and induce deciliation and
cessation and secretory activity of the oviductal epithelium.
• In the uterus progesterone acts on the endometrium as a differentiation factor. During the follicular phase estrogens induce proliferation
of cells of the endometrium and elevated concentration of progesterone during the luteal phase of the reproductive cycle inhabit mitosis
in the endometrium. Progesterone also induces stormal differentiation, stimulate glandular secretion in association with the
accumulation of basal vacuoles in the glandular epithelium and changes the pattern of protein secreted by endometrial cells. These
uterine protein provide and environment that supports early embryonic development.
• In the uterus, progesterone induce quiescence of the myometrium. This effect appear to be manifested in an increased resting potential
and prevention of electrical coupling between myometrial cells. In addition progesterone decreased uptake of extracellular calcium that
is required for contraction of myometrium cells, by downregulating expression of genes that encode subunits of voltage-dependent
calcium channels. Progesterone also prevent uterine contractions by blocking the ability of estradiol to induce α-adrenergic receptors,
activation of which causes contractions.
• Finally the length of the reproductive cycles is also governed, in part by progesterone. Circulating concentrations of progesterone are low
during the follicular phase. During this time rising concentration of estradiol act on the hypothalamus and pituitary to stimulate low
amplitude, high frequency pulses of luteinizing hormone (LH), which result in elevated circulating concentrations of LH that drive
follicular development to the point of ovulation. After ovulation as the corpus luteum develops, high circulating concentrations of
progesterone restrict secretion of LH to low frequency, high amplitude pulses that result in reduced mean concentrations of LH. This
effect of progesterone is the result of actions on both the hypothalamus and pituitary. Progesterone blocks the surges of gonadotropin-
releasing hormone(GnRH) from the hypothalamus. In the pituitary progesterone reduces the number of receptors for GnRH by
downregulating mRNA encoding the receptors for GnRH. In addition progesterone decrease the amount of LH release in response to
GnRH in part as a result of the reduced number of receptors for GnRH in the pituitary. High levels of progesterone also result in decrease
β-subunits of both LH, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the common α-subunits of the gonadotropins. These effects of
progesterone on secretion of gonadotropins appear to be dependent on total endocrine environment because, in some instances
progesterone can facilitate surges of gonadotropins induced by estradiol.
• Exogenous Administration of Progesterone Results in Manipulation of the Estrous.
• The administration of progesterone serves as an “artificial corpus luteum”. Senger (2003)
• Exogenous progesterone suppresses estrus and ovulation. However, when the exogenous progesterone is
removed or withdrawn the animal will enter proestrus and estrus within two to three days after
progesterone removal. This approach enables estrus to be synchronized in large groups of females so that
artificial insemination can be accomplished within a few days. This application is intended to increase the
convenience of artificial insemination programs and to facilitate fertility ( higher pregnancy rates).
• One of the most widely used progestogens is melengestrol acetate (MGA) which suppresses estrus when
administered orally, and 300 to 900 times more potent than -methyl-17 acetoxy-progesterone (MAP), and
providing .5mg/(head.d), suppress estrus and ovulation in nearly all animals. The low level of MGA fed is
related to the time of estrus following MGA withdrawal; cattle receiving lower levels of MGA showed
estrus sooner than those fed higher levels of MGA.(Odde 1990) (K.G Odde, 1990)
• The effectiveness of the MGA fed for 10 to 18 d as an estrus synchronization agent. The
percentage of MGA-treated females in estrus in a 6 d period following treatment was similar to the
percentage of controls in estrus in 20d period. However, the first service conception rate was 14% lower
for MGA-treated females than for controls. This reduced conception rate was temporary and was confined
to breeding at estrus occurring about 10 d after MGA withdrawal. Fertility is also reduced after long term
of MPA, 6-chloro-6-dehydro-17-acetoxy progesterone(CAP) and Dihydroxyprogesterone
acetophenide(DHPA). (K.G Odde, 1990.)
• Intravaginal progesterone is effective at synchronizing estrus in cattle. The EAZI-BREEDTM CIDR®
Cattle Insert (CIDR Insert; an intravaginal progesterone insert) was approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for synchronization of estrus in beef cattle and dairy heifers. In addition to the
synchronization of the estrus, the product was approved for advancing first estrus in anestrus post partum
beef cows and in prepubertal beef heifers. (Senger,2003) The FDA also approved CIDR in lactating cows on
July29, 2003 NADA Number 141-200.