Stage of the estrous cycle, time of insemination, and season of the year were
examined for their influence on estrus and fertility of 223 Holstein heifers after
prostaglandin F2α(PGF). Heifers given PGF early in the estrous cycle (days 5 to 8
where estrus = day 0) had shorter intervals (by 11 hr) to heat than heifers given
PGF later in the cycle (days 14 to 16). Heats also were more closely synchronized
for heifers treated early in the cycle. Season of the year had no effects on the
interval to estrus or on proportion of heifers observed in heat. Conception rates
were highest when heifers were bred after estrous detection. Inseminations by
appointment at 80 hr after PGF reduced conception for heifers treated early in
their estrous cycles. Variability of intervals to estrus can reduce fertility, if
heifers are only bred at 80 hr after PGF without regard to when estrus occurred.
