HORMONAL PRE-INDUCTION WITH INJECTABLE PROGESTERONE IN HEIFERS

Abstract

Precocious puberty in cows, assessed by puberty or age at first calving, is one of the most reliable parameters when it is necessary to measure and improve the reproductive efficiency of a herd and, as is generally expressed, optimal fertility index. This research aims to answer the following problem: What are the benefits of hormonal pre-induction with progesterone in heifers? The general objective of this study was to highlight the benefits of hormonal pre-induction with injectable progesterone in heifers. The research consisted of a qualitative and quantitative document analysis, in which articles that address the theme were first selected, such articles will be taken from the aforementioned databases: Lilacs, Scielo and Capes Periodicals. The articles were those published in the last 10 years, covering the period from 2013 to 2022. In the first stage of the research, after obtaining the authorization for research on that farm, it was necessary to select the two performance sheets of the ovulation induction rate of 55 heifers and also from 55 other heifers that did not receive injectable progesterone pre-induction. To perform the statistical analysis, the Excel program was used so that it was possible to establish the table and later the analysis in the form of a graph to better understand the results and compile with the idea of ​​other authors. It is concluded that puberty induction with injectable progesterone is an efficient strategy for anticipating cyclicity and reducing age at first calving (IPP), as 56% of heifers became pregnant compared to another 41% of heifers of equal size and number. The treatment provided a high pregnancy rate at the end of the breeding season and influenced reproductive efficiency. Therefore, the results of the aforementioned case study showed that puberty induction in prepubertal heifers is effective and, therefore, can contribute to lower costs and greater efficiency.