Luteolytic effect of prostaglandin F2α in Boran and Boran × Friesian cross-bred heifers

Abstract

The luteolytic effect of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) during the confirmed luteal phase of the oestrous cycle was evaluated in ten Boran and ten Boran × Friesian cross-bred heifers. Following injection with 25 mg Lutalyse, animals were bled every 6 h for 96 h and plasma progesterone (P4) determined by the ELISA technique. Borans had significantly (P < 0·05) smaller corpora lutea (12·01±0·72 ν. 17·03±2·10 mm) and responded faster to PGF2α injection (65·57±1·40 ν. 78·27±2·18 h) than the cross-bred heifers. However, there was no significant difference in either the initial P4 values (6.24±0·98 ν. 8·00±1·71 ng/ml) or the rate of its decline following PGF2α injection between the two breeds. Values declined sharply to basal levels (11% of the initial pretreatment values) within 48 h in both breeds. All ten cross-breds and eight Borans showed standing oestrus within a week of treatment. However, oestrus was better synchronized (P < 0·05) in Borans than cross-breds. It was concluded that PGF2α is effective for oestrus synchronization in both breeds, but oestrus occurred earlier and was more precise in Borans than in cross-breds.