Effect of Doublesynch and Estradoublesynch protocols on estrus induction, conception rate, plasma progesterone, protein, and cholesterol profile in anestrus Gir heifers

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Doublesynch and Estradoublesynch protocols on estrus induction, conception rates, plasma progesterone, protein, and cholesterol profile in anestrus Gir heifers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 50 pubertal anestrus Gir heifers were selected from the field and farm conditions. The heifers were dewormed (injection ivermectin, 100 mg, s/c) and supplemented with minerals and vitamins (injection organic phosphorus 800 mg and injection Vitamin AD(3)E and Biotin 10 ml i/m) and multi-mineral bolus at 1 bolus daily for 7 days. The heifers were randomly divided into three groups: Doublesynch (n=20), Estradoublesynch (n=20), and control (n=10). The animals were monitored for estrus response, estrus interval, behavioral signs, and conception rates after induced/first, second, and third cycle post-treatment. Blood samples were obtained on day 0, day 9, day 12, and on day 12 post-artificial insemination (AI) for determination of plasma progesterone, protein, and cholesterol profile. RESULTS: The estrus response rate between Doublesynch and Estradoublesynch protocols was similar between treated heifers (85% and 95%). The interval from the second prostaglandin F2α (PGF(2)α) injection to estrus induction did not differ between the groups (63.87±4.19 vs. 58.27±3.83 h). The conception rates following induced estrus (20% vs. 30%), at the second cycle (23.07% vs. 16.66%), at the third cycle (22.22% vs. 30.00%), and the overall conception rate (45% and 55%) within 27.89±5.75 and 26.45±5.48 days were the same across the treatment groups. The mean plasma progesterone concentrations were significantly (p<0.01) higher on day 9 (second PGF(2)α injection) and day 12 post-AI compared to day 0 (first PGF(2)α injection) and the day of fixed-timed artificial insemination. The concentrations were also significantly (p<0.05) higher in conceived than non-conceived heifers on day 9 of treatment and day 12 post-AI in both the protocols. The mean plasma cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher during peak follicular and luteal phases compared to the initial anestrus phase in both the protocols. The values were also higher in non-conceived than conceived animals in both the protocols. The plasma protein profile was not influenced by the sampling days or conceived and non-conceived status. CONCLUSION: The results showed that both Doublesynch and Estradoublesynch protocols resulted in similar estrus induction and conception rates with modulation of plasma progesterone and cholesterol profile in anestrus Gir heifers.