Ovarian cysts in dairy cattle--some aspects of diagnosis, treatment with GnRH and HCG and subsequent milk progesterone values.

Ovarian cysts in 87 cows were treated with an intramuscular dose of 50 micrograms GnRH analog or 2500 IU HCG. Milk progesterone values were determined on day 0, 7 and 10 post-treatment. The cows were divided into three progesterone profile categories: I: low--rising progesterone, II: continually low progesterone, III: initially high progesterone. Fertility was restored about equally in groups I and III. Cows in group II came into heat quickly but conceived poorly. HCG and GnRH were equally effective in restoring the fertility. It was difficult to evaluate the progesterone status of the cow with rectal examination. Vaginoscopy seemed to be a somewhat more reliable method.