Application of the progesterone (CIDR) insert in artificial insemination programs of dairy cattle

Abstract

Use of progesterone inserts (controlled interval drug release, CIDR) offers another option for synchronizing estrus and ovulation in replacement heifers and lactating dairy cows. Results indicate that heifers may be inseminated after detected estrus, at a fixed time (timed AI), or a combination of both. Conception rates exceed 50% in both scenarios. Practical applications of the CIDR in lactating cows have been used to resynchronize the return estrus of previously inseminated cows and as part of first-service AI-breeding protocols. Use for resynchronization has no drawbacks in previously inseminated cows, but may increase embryo survival during the first 30- to 60-days of pregnancy. No increase in the heat-detection rates of open cows is generally achieved, and no differences in return conception rates are observed between treated and control cows. First-service applications of the progesterone insert have resulted in some positive and some negative effects on timed AI (TAI) conception rates. More research is warranted to determine if an identifiable subpopulation of cows can benefit from exposure of the progesterone insert before first AI.