IMPACT OF PROGESTERONE DEVICE LOSSES ON THE SUCCESS OF TAI PROTOCOLS IN BUFFALOES: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Abstract

A study was conducted in Oliveira/MG, Brazil, during the unfavorable reproductive period, with the objective of evaluating the loss of intravaginal progesterone devices in FTAI protocols in buffalo species. A total of 150 females (age 3.6 to 14.6 years, mean weight of 720 kg and body score of 4.5) were randomly distributed into three groups (G1 = 35, G2 = 55, G3 = 60). All groups followed the same FTAI protocol, which included the application of 2 mg of BE (Estrogin®) on D0, removal of the implant and application of 400 IU of eCG (Novormon®) + 2 mg of PGF2α (Lutalyse®) on D9, 1 mg of BE (Estrogin®) on D10, and AI on D11. However, high rates of device loss were observed in D2 (p<0.05): G1 = 51.4%, G2 = 31.7%, and G3 = 20%. Females showed signs of discomfort, such as restlessness and increased contractions, resulting in vaginal prolapses (G1 = 5, G2 = 7, G3 = 2). Approximately 85% of the females responded to synchronization, manifesting heat until the day of the AI. The pregnancy diagnosis, performed 50 days after TAI, indicated 11% of gestation (15/136). Device losses in buffaloes were higher than those observed in other species of production animals, as possible causes attributed to greater sensitivity of the reproductive system, increased contractions due to and the use of oxytocin pre-milking.