Incorporation of estradiol benzoate to CIDR protocol improves the reproductive responses in crossbred dairy heifers.

The present study was designed to determine the effect of estradiol benzoate (EB) on reproductive response following a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) protocol in crossbred (Sahiwal × Friesian) dairy heifers. In the first trial, a total of 100 crossbred dairy heifers were treated with CIDR protocol for 7 days and injected with the PGF2α on day 6. After 24 h of CIDR removal, one group (EB = 50) was injected with estradiol benzoate whereas the other (control = 50) remained untreated. Estrus intensity and response were recorded visually and ovulation rate was recorded by ultrasonography. All heifers were artificially inseminated at 48 and 60 h following CIDR removal. Heifers were scanned for pregnancy within days 30-40 of artificial insemination (AI). In the second trial, two subgroups of heifers were included to observe the estrus and ovulatory events. The results of the first trial revealed that estrus response was achieved 100% in both the treatment groups. Estrus intensity (2.9 ± 0.1 vs. 2.0 ± 0.7) and ovulation rate (100 vs. 88%) differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the EB and control groups. However, a tendency for higher pregnancy per AI was observed (54 vs. 36%; P = 0.07) in EB than that in control groups. The results of the second trial revealed that a significantly (P < 0.05) shorter estrus and earlier ovulatory events were observed in EB-treated heifers. It is concluded that the incorporation of estradiol benzoate to the CIDR protocol is helpful to improve the estrus signs and enhance the ovulation and the pregnancy per AI in crossbred dairy heifers.