New perspectives and evolution of ovulation synchronization protocols in bovine females

Abstract

The productivity in livestock systems is related to the reproductive efficiency of herds. Over the years, strategies have been developed to improve the reproductive rates of female cattle. Initially, estrus synchronization protocols were developed, however, difficulties related to prolonged postpartum anestrus and estrus observation resulted in low conception rates in these programs. Subsequently, hormonal associations were used to synchronize ovulation and inseminate female cattle at a predetermined time, eliminating the need for estrus observation and improving the fertility rates of cows in postpartum anestrus. Several adjustments were made to improve the response to a timed-artificial insemination (TAI) protocol in different production systems and animal categories. Finally, the development of recombinant drugs and nanotechnology may optimize production systems. Thus, the objective of this review is to detail the research carried out over the years related to the evolution of TAI protocols.