Efficacy of the progesterone impregnated intra -vaginal sponge on fertility in repeat breeding cows

Abstract

Supplementing exogenous Progesterone (P4) during the early luteal phase shall increase the conception rate among the repeat-breeding cows. The present study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of the P4 impregnated intra-vaginal sponge (PIVS) which were used fresh and after storage, on fertility in repeat breeding cows. A total of 40 repeat breeding cows were selected and divided in to four groups randomly. Group I (n=10): Freshly purchased PIVSs were used; Group II (n=10): PIVS were stored for 6 months after purchase and utilized; Group III (n=10): PIVS were stored for 12 months after purchase and utilized; Group IV (n=10): No P4 supplementation(Control). The sponges were kept intravaginaly from Day 6-16 post insemination. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 28-35 days after insemination. Blood samples were collected on Day 6 and Day 10 post insertion of the vaginal sponge for P4 hormone estimation. There was a significant decrease (P