State of the art in Bovine Reproduction Control and Artificial Insemination

Bó, Gabriel AMacagno, AlejandroMata, Javier de laCedeño, Andres VeraTschopp, Juan CarlosHuguenine, EmilioMenchaca, Alejo

The development of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols beginning in the late 20th century has led to an exponential increase in the number of animals inseminated worldwide, especially in South America. One of the main reasons for the growth of FTAI has been the possibility of inseminating postpartum anestrus cows and prepubertal heifers at the beginning of the breeding season. Most FTAI treatments in South America are based on the use of intravaginal devices impregnated with progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) to synchronize follicular development and ovulation. However, these protocols are currently at risk due to restrictions on estradiol use by the European Union. The most apparent alternative is the application of GnRH-based protocols, which have a slightly different physiological basis than estradiol administration, but which have been used in other countries for some time. However, these protocols need to be adapted to the physiological conditions of our cows and heifers, both for Bos taurus, adapted to temperate zones, and for Bos indicus adapted to tropical environments. Therefore, the challenge is already set, and we must learn to use alternative protocols to continue increasing the use of this technology in our beef and dairy herds.(AU)

1. estradiol
2. GnRH
3. Progesterone
4. eCG
5. Timed AI