title: Estrus induction and fertility response following different treatment protocols in Murrah buffaloes under field conditions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three different treatment protocols for estrus induction and conception rate in postpartum anestrus buffaloes during breeding season under field conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  The 47 postpartum anestrus buffaloes of the 2ndto 6thparity were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=16): Buffaloes received cosynch treatment, that is, buserelin acetate 10 µg on day 0 and 9, cloprostenol 500 µg on day 7 followed by fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) at the time of second buserelin acetate and 24 h later. Group 2 (n=15): Buffaloes received norgestomet ear implant subcutaneously for 9 days, estradiol benzoate 2 mg on the day of implant insertion (day 0), pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) 400 IU and cloprostenol 500 µg on day 9 followed by AI at 48 and 72 h after implant removal. Group 3 (Cosynch-plus, n=16): Buffaloes received Cosynch protocol as per Group 1 except an additional injection of PMSG 400 IU (i.m.) was given 3 days before the start of protocol and FTAI done at the same time of Group 1. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed after 45 days of AI.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The estrus induction response following the treatment was 81.3%, 100%, and 93.7% in Group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The buffaloes of Group 1, 2, and 3 expressed intense (38.4%, 60% and 46.6%, respectively) and moderate estrus (46.1%, 26.6%, and 40%, respectively). The conception rates in Group 1, 2, and 3, at FTAI and overall including subsequent estrus were 37.5% and 62.5%, 53.3%, and 66.6%, 56.3%, and 75%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All the three treatment protocols can be effectively used for induction of estrus with acceptable conception rate in postpartum anestrus buffaloes during breeding season under field conditions. However, Cosynch-plus (similar to Cosynch protocol except addition of PMSG, 400 IU 3 days before the start of first buserelin acetate administration) protocol results comparatively better pregnancy rate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar - 125 004, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar - 125 004, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Phogat
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar - 125 004, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Pandey
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Physiology and Reproduction, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffalo, Hisar - 125 004, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Phulia
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar - 125 004, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar - 125 004, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dalal
keywords: Cosynch-plus; anestrus; estrus induction; norgestomet