Vol. 10, Special Issue 7 (2021)

Author(s):
K Ravikumar, M Selvaraju, R Ezakial Napolean and S Prakash

Abstract:
High reproductive efficiency is a prerequisite for high life-time production in dairy animals. Synchronization of ovulation is a recent reproductive tool to augment fertility in bovines. However, the success rate is highly variable in postpartum buffaloes during peak (October-March) and low (April-September) breeding seasons. Hence, the present study was designed to investigate the impact ovsynch protocol on reproductive performance of buffaloes during peak and low breeding seasons. A total number of 40 graded Murrah buffaloes were randomly and equally divided into two experimental groups (10 buffaloes each) viz. Groups I (Treatment group) and Group II (Control group) during peak breeding season (PBS; between October and March) and low breeding season (LBS; between April and September). Experimental buffaloes were treated with Ovsynch protocol (10 µg of GnRH on day 0, 500 µg of PGF₂a on day 7 and another 10 µg of GnRH 48 hours after (day 9) the PGF₂a) and timed artificial insemination at 16 to 18 hours after (day 10) the second GnRH injection. Control group buffaloes were observed for the signs of estrus for 30 days from the time of selection and artificial insemination was done during the observed estrus during PBS and LBS, respectively. All the buffaloes during PBS and LBS exhibited estrus (100 per cent) following the synchronization of ovulation protocols. The percentages of ovulatory response following synchronization of ovulation on day 10 post AI in buffaloes were 80.00 and 40.00 per cent, in groups I and II, respectively during PBS and the values in LBS were 60.00 and 30.00 per cent, respectively. During PBS, the conception rates observed were 50.00 and 30.00 per cent in group I and II, respectively and the values in LBS were 30.00 and 20.00 per cent, respectively. It is concluded that, Ovsynch protocol is found to be effective in both PBS and LBS.