Comparison of aspiration and hormonal therapy for the treatment of ovarian cysts in cows

Effect of Double-Ovsynch and Presynch-Ovsynch on postpartum ovarian cysts and inactive ovary in high-yielding dairy cows

Introduction

Optimizing the management of dairy cattle reproduction can reduce postpartum ovarian disease in high-yielding dairy cows and thus enhance ranch economic benefit. The hypothesis of this study was that the Double-Ovsynch (DO) protocol in high-producing dairy cows would result in a lower incidence of follicular cysts but a higher incidence of luteal cysts compared to those undergoing the Presynch-Ovsynch (PS) protocol.

Methods

In this experiment, 384 cows (204 primiparous and 180 multiparous) were allocated to the DO group, which followed the protocol: GnRH-7d-PGF2α-3d-GnRH-7d-Ovsynch-56 h (GnRH-7d-PGF2α-56 h-GnRH-16hTAI), starting on 39 ± 3 days in milk (DIM). Additionally, 359 cows (176 primiparous and 183 multiparous) were assigned to the PS group, which followed the protocol: PGF2α-14d-PGF2α-12d-Ovsynch-56 h, starting on 31 ± 3 DIM. In DO, B-mode ultrasound examinations were conducted 1 day after the GnRH-7d-PGF2α-3d-GnRH protocol to diagnose the presence of ovarian diseases followed by reexamination after 7 days of suspected cases. In PS, B-mode ultrasound examinations were conducted 1 day after the PGF2α-14d-PGF2α protocol to diagnose the presence of ovarian diseases followed by reexamination after 7 days. For all cows confirmed to having ovarian diseases, a second B-mode ultrasound examination was conducted at the time of the second GnRH and timed artificial insemination (TAI). If the ovary showed a normal developing follicle in combination with normal ovulation, the ovarian disease was considered to be cured.

Results

The current study revealed no significant difference in the overall incidence and cure rate of postpartum ovarian diseases between DO and PS (incidence rate: 3.9% vs. 6.7%, cure rate: 50% vs. 41.7%, DO vs. PS). Also, there was no significant difference in the incidence and cure rate of luteal cysts between DO and PS (incidence rate: 2.9% vs. 2.2%, cure rate: 50.0% vs. 50.0%). The incidence of follicular cysts was significantly lower in the DO group than in the PS group (0.8% vs. 2.8%, DO vs. PS, p = 0.037), but there was no significant difference in the cure rates (66.7% vs. 50%). The occurrence of inactive ovary was lower in DO compared to PS (0.2% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.047). There was no significant difference in the pregnancy rate between the DO and PS groups (48.2% vs. 41.8%), although the DO group had a higher rate. What is different from our assumption is that PS did not effectively reduce the incidence of postpartum luteal cysts.

Ovarian cysts, an anovulatory condition in dairy cattle

Ovarian cysts are one of the most common ovarian dysfunctions in dairy cattle, which can lead to a considerable economic loss through its high incidence and can reduce the reproductive performance. Anestrus is the most significant clinical sign observed in dairy cattle suffering from this condition. For diagnosis, most of the veterinarians use a combination of methods, from ultrasonography as an additional approach to trans-rectal palpation and symptomatology when assessing ovarian cysts. Although the Ovsynch treatment seems to be preferred, the pregnancy rate after this treatment is relatively low. Despite such reports on dairy cattle ovarian cysts, the data is insufficient to validate all the characteristics of this condition. This review summarizes what the literature has so far provided from definition to treatment of ovarian cysts in dairy cattle.

Reproductive responses of dairy cows with ovarian cysts to simultaneous human chorionic gonadotropin or gonadotropin-releasing hormone and cloprostenol compared to gonadotropin-releasing hormone alone treatment

Aim:

Bovine ovarian cysts are a common cause of economic loss in modern dairy herds. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reproductive responses to three protocols using hCG, GnRH and cloprostenol when the definite diagnosis of the type of ovarian cyst is/is not possible in dairy cows.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 144 lactating dairy cows with ovarian cysts were divided into three groups. At diagnosis (Day 0), cows in Group 1 (the conventional method, n=47) were injected with 0.02 mg of a GnRH analogue i.m. (Buserelin); cows in Group 2 (n=47) were intramuscularly treated with 0.02 mg Buserelin plus 500 µg cloprostenol; and cows in Group 3 (n=50) were intramuscularly treated with 1500 IU hCG plus 500 µg cloprostenol. All cows received 500 µg cloprostenol intramuscularly on Day 10.

Results:

No statistically significant differences were found in the recovery time, interval to conception, conception rate at first AI, and pregnancy rates by Days 70 and 100 after treatment among the three groups.

Conclusions:

Simultaneous treatment of ovarian cysts with hCG or GnRH and cloprostenol appeared to have no advantage over the conventional method, GnRH alone, in dairy cows. Furthermore, hCG and GnRH have an equal therapeutic effect in cows with ovarian cysts.