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Finding the Estrus Synchronization Protocol that Best Fits Your Herd

Finding the Estrus Synchronization Protocol that Best Fits Your Herd Source: A. Edwards, PhD – LSU AgCenter Producers and researchers agree that the benefits of utilizing a synchronization protocol to induce estrus (heat) in a herd can often outweigh protocol costs. Plus, these benefits occur when breeding by artificial insemination and by natural service. Yet, looking through dozens of protocol options to decide on the best-fit for your herd can be a bit frustrating. So, what steps do you need to take when making this decision? Are you synchronizing mature cows or heifers? This will determine which hormones are needed in the protocol. Communication between a heifer’s brain and her reproductive tract is still being fully established, even after she has reached puberty. Therefore, the protocols used on mature cows may not be a good fit for your heifers. What are your goals with synchronization? If you can AI as they come into heat, there are a variety of protocols that could fit your operation. When you are breeding by AI on a single day, you need a slightly more intensive timed-AI protocol. In contrast, if natural service is being used, a one-shot protocol could be ideal. What does your labor force look like? Some protocols are more labor intensive than others. Knowing how many times you can, or are willing, to run animals through the chute can narrow your protocol options. Does your budget have room for the upfront costs? It can be difficult to understand how much profit will be gained until calves are sold for the first time. This is where you can benefit from having so many protocols to choose from. Let us circle back to the first question for a moment and discuss the hormones used in synchronization protocols. Progesterone and prostaglandin may sound similar, but they function in opposition of each other. Oftentimes protocol diagrams use abbreviations and use a mixture of brand name products with hormones. Thankfully, sources such as the Beef Reproduction Task Force have worked to group protocols separately for cows and heifers. There is a list of available products for each hormone needed, along with cost and labor comparisons between protocols. Their information can be found under the “Resources” section at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s “Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle” page (https://beefrepro.unl.edu/resources.html). Most synchronization products require a veterinarian’s prescription and can take weeks to arrive. The decision to implement estrus synchronization should not be made last-minute. Work with your veterinarian to establish the best protocol for your operation and order supplies ahead of time. Proper planning and the proper protocol can lead to increased profits. For more information, please feel free to contact me at akedwards@agcenter.lsu.edu or 512-818-5476.