Comparison of Calving Rates with Two Oestrus Synchronization Protocols in Doro Ncanga Buffalo Cows Raised Extensively In Tambora Savannah

Abstract

This study was undertaken to compare two estrus synchronization protocols in Doro Ncanga buffaloes. Twenty four cows were divided into two groups of 12 cows. Animals in Group 1 were treated with two injections of PGF_2α (Estron; Dinoprost thromithamine) 25 mg each intramuscularly at 11 days apart. Animals in Group 2 received 100 μg GnRH (Fertagyl; Gonadorelin acetate) on Day 0 and PGF_2α on Day 7. Each animal in the two gropus received one timed artificial insemination 72 h after the last PGF_2α administration. In Group 1 and Group 2, calving rates to the first service were 50% and 33%, respectively. Though the percentages of calving rate per synchronization were numerically higher in Group 1 than Group2, the difference was not significant (p>0.05). The findings indicated that synchronization of estrus with PGF_2α alone resulted in a higher calving rate compared with synchronization of estrus using a combination of PGF_2α and GnRh.