title: Bull effect on the reproductive performance of mature and first calf-suckled Zebu cows in the tropics.
abstract: This experiment was designed to determine if continuous bull exposure of heifers 2 wk post partum to a first calf (30 to 36 m old) or mature (42 to 72 m old) Zebú Brahman suckled cows reduces the interval to first estrus and the number of days open. Post partum first calf cows were randomly assigned to be exposed continuously to epidectomized bulls with surgical ablation of the dorsal ligament of the penis (Group 35 FBE, n = 25) or not exposed to bulls (Group FNE, n = 22). Post partum mature cows were likewise assigned to be continuously exposed (Group MBE, n = 24) or not exposed to bulls (Group MNE, n = 25). Milk samples were collected twice a week for progesterone assays to determine resumption of ovarian cyclic activity. All the cows were artificially inseminated for 120 d while in their respective treatment groups. The first postpartum estrus percentages were </=60 d, 41.9%; > 60 < 90 d, 24.4%; and > 90 d, 33.7%. The interval to first estrus f-or Groups FBE and FNE was 75.4 and 104.2 d, respectively, and differed significantly (P < 0.01). For Groups MBE and MNE the interval to first estrus was 76.3 and 95.0 d, respectively (P < 0.05). The number of open days for Groups FBE and FNE was 77.3 and 114.9, respectively (P < 0.01); while for Groups MBE and MNE it was 73.0 and 98.6 d, respectively (P < 0.01). The results of the present study indicate that introduction of bulls to first calving cows or mature Zebú Brahman cows after parturition provides a practical and economical option for reducing the extended post partum anestrus interval and days open under tropical conditions.
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad del Zulia Maracaibo, Venezuela.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Soto Belloso
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rámirez Iglesia
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guevara
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Soto Castillo