Effect of Bovine Somatotropin on Pregnancy Success in Dairy Cows
Author Information
Author(s): Bell A, Rodríguez OA, de Castro e Paula LA, Padua MB, Hernández-Cerón J, Gutiérrez CG, De Vries A, Hansen PJ
Primary Institution: University of Florida
Hypothesis
A single injection of a sustained-release preparation of bovine somatotropin (bST) during the preovulatory period would improve pregnancy success of lactating dairy cows at first service.
Conclusion
Results failed to indicate a beneficial effect of bST treatment on fertility of lactating dairy cows.
Supporting Evidence
- Pregnancy rates were not significantly different between bST-treated and control cows in both experiments.
- Numerically, the percentage of cows pregnant was lower for control cows than for bST-treated cows in the second experiment.
- Body condition score did not differ significantly between treatment groups.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether a hormone called bST could help dairy cows get pregnant better, but it didn't really work.
Methodology
Cows were given either a bST injection or a placebo at insemination, and pregnancy rates were compared between the two groups.
Limitations
The study did not find a consistent fertility-promoting effect of bST, and results varied between different experiments.
Participant Demographics
Lactating Holstein cows from two different locations: Mexico and Florida.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.10
Confidence Interval
0.69–1.32
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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