Use of IATF as an alternative to improve the reproductive efficiency of dairy cows

Abstract

The period of service is the time between calving and conception, the desired average interval is 85 to 115 days, when prolonged results in losses such as decreased production and decreased number of calves in the productive life of the female bovine. The aim of this study was to demonstrate to family farmers that through Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (IATF) it is possible to reduce the period of service and consequently the interval between births, thus improving the reproductive efficiency of the herd. Ten family farms were selected in the municipality of Conceição do Araguaia, southeastern Pará, 991 km from the state capital. One hundred crossbred/multiparous cows of low production were palpated to confirm voids and at least 45 days of calving. On Day 0 (intravaginal progesterone implant and 2ml intramuscular estradiol benzoate), Day 8 (implant withdrawal plus 2.5ml prostaglandin, 1.5ml Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin and 0.5ml estradiol cipionate, intramuscular), Day 10 the insemination. The pregnancy diagnosis was made 60 days after ultrasound insemination, the empty diagnosed cows were sent to bulls with their respective farms. The conception rate was based on 94 cows, since 03 cows died and 03 were slaughtered before the pregnancy diagnosis. A conception rate of 53% (50/94) was obtained, of which 60% (30/50) were calved between 45 to 60 days, while 40% (20/50) were calved for more than 120 days. It can be concluded that the TAI reduces the period of service and consequently the interval between births, also demonstrating utility in family farming herds, which may result in a greater possibility of milk / calf production / year.