Utilization of herbs in synchronizing estrus in cattle

Abstract

The livestock industry has hit the country groundbreaking year with numerous issues. The economy and futuristic availability for livestock are all in doubt, which has the potential to diminish market prices. Having greater insight into optimal estrus synchronization protocol is critical for animal management capabilities. The utilization of controlled internal drug release (CIDR) to maximize the number of cattle by controlling ovarian function has benefited the population in many ways. Recent research indicates that herbal supplementation is highly promising and could be a viable new practice for reproductive efficiency. Thus, the study was conducted to compare the estrus signs and pregnancy rate derived from CIDR and modified herbs groups. A total of six Charolais Brahman cross cattle were subjected to two estrus synchronization protocols. Group A (CIDR, n=3) received Eazi-Breed CIDR contained 1.38 g of progesterone inserted for seven days and preceded by a 10 ml injection of Lutalyse prior to CIDR withdrawal, whereas Group B (Modified herbs, n=3) herbal fed to the cattle for three days continuously. Estrus signs were monitored following treatment removal by visual observation for 45 minutes at 0700h, 0900h, 1100h, 1300h, 1500h, 1700h, 1900h and 2100h. Cattle were artificially inseminated after 12 hours of estrus onset and pregnancy diagnosis was performed between days 35 and 40 of gestation. The study revealed that the occurrence of estrus signs was higher in CIDR 88.89% than in modified herbs 77.79%. Plus, the estrus signs were the highest in the evening at 61.11% for CIDR and modified herbs compared to morning (38.89% vs 33.33, respectively) and night (55.55% vs 50%, respectively). Pregnancy diagnosis with PregnaDrop test kit found that both groups had a similar pregnancy rate of 100%. Lastly, the study demonstrates that the CIDR is the most efficient tool for eliciting estrus, while herbal supplement offers a novel approach for effective synchronization with high fertility.