Insulin effect during a Heatsynch protocol in dairy cows

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous insulin administration on follicular growth, estrus presentation and conception rate during a protocol of ovulation synchronization. Dairy cows were subjected to the Heatsynch protocol, with the insertion of an intravaginal device containing 1.9 g of progesterone (CIDR) and an intramuscular injection containing 2.5 mg of GnRH on day 0. On day 7, the CIDR was removed and subjects were given 12.5 mg of dinoprost. Also on day 7, Insulin Group (IG, n = 21) animals received a subcutaneous injection containing 0.25 IU/kg of recombinant human insulin and the control group (CG, n = 25) received a 0.9% NaCl injection. On day 8, an injection of 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate was administered to all cows. Animals were inseminated 12 hours after estrus presentation or at day 10 at fixed time. Follicular development was evaluated on days 7, 9, and 10 using transrectal ultrasonography, estrus presentation was observed between days 8 and 10, and conception rate was evaluated 30 days after AI. There were no differences in growth rate, follicular diameter, estrus presentation, and conception rate. Therefore, application of a single dose of insulin does not promoted an increase in follicular size, estrus presentation and conception rate in dairy cows.