Supplementation with estradiol-17β before the last gonadotropin-releasing hormone injection of the ovsynch protocol in lactating dairy cows

The aim of this study was to determine whether an increase in circulating estrogen concentrations would increase percentage pregnant per artificial insemination (PP/AI) in a timed AI protocol in high-producing lactating dairy cows. We analyzed only cows having a synchronized ovulation to the last GnRH of the Ovsynch protocol (867/1,084). The control group (n = 420) received Ovsynch ( GnRH -7 d - PGF(2 alpha) - 56 h - GnRH 16 h - timed AI). The treatment group ( n = 447) had the same timed AI protocol with the addition of 1 mg of estradiol-17 beta (E2) at 8 h before the second GnRH injection. Ovarian ultrasound and blood samples were taken just before E2 treatment of both groups. In a subset of cows ( n = 563), pressure-activated estrus detection devices were used to assess expression of estrus at 48 to 72 h after PGF2a treatment. Ovulation was confirmed by ultrasound 7 d after timed AI. Treatment with E2 increased expression of estrus but overall PP/AI did not differ between E2 and control cows. There was an interaction between treatment and expression of estrus such that PP/AI was greater in E2-treated cows that showed estrus than in E2-treated or control cows that did not show estrus and tended to be greater than control cows that showed estrus. There was evidence for a treatment by ovulatory follicle size interaction on PP/AI. Supplementation with E2 improved PP/AI in cows ovulating medium ( 15 to 19 mm) but not smaller or larger follicles. The E2 treatment also tended to improve PP/AI in primiparous cows with low (= 2.5) body condition score, and in cows at first postpartum service compared with Ovsynch alone. In conclusion, any improvements in PP/AI because of E2 treatment during a timed AI protocol appear to depend on expression of estrus, parity, body condition score, and size of ovulatory follicle.