Factors influencing estrus response and conception rates following Artificial Insemination in a private dairy cattle farm in North East Algeria

BOUCIF, Ahmed; NOUI, Abdelmadjid; NABI, Mustapha; SALHI, Omar; KHELIFI TOUHAMI, Nadjet Amina; OUCHENE, Nassim

doi:10.22092/ari.2025.371062.3902

Factors influencing estrus response and conception rates following Artificial Insemination in a private dairy cattle farm in North East Algeria

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Institute of veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, BP 78, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria; Laboratory of farm animal reproduction, University of Tiaret, BP 78, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria

² Tiaret veterinary science

³ veterinary sciences institute blida 1 university algeria

⁴ University of Blida 1

10.22092/ari.2025.371062.3902

Abstract

Dairy cow fertility depends on precise hormonal synchronization and appropriate timing of insemination according to factors such as genetic potential, parity, and the interval between calving and insemination. Optimizing these parameters is crucial to ensure effective ovulation, estrus expression, and overall reproductive performance. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of breed, parity, and the interval from calving to first insemination (IC–AI1) on estrus response (ER) and conception rate (CR) following hormonal synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) in dairy cows under Algerian field conditions.

A total of 105 clinically healthy dairy cows and heifers, aged 2 to 5 years and with body condition scores (BCS) ≥ 2, were selected from a private dairy farm in northeastern Algeria. The study population included 66 Montbéliarde and 39 Prim’Holstein animals, all inseminated between 55 and 90 days postpartum. Animals were randomly assigned to one of three synchronization protocols: prostaglandin F₂α (PGF₂α) alone, or PGF₂α combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Artificial insemination was performed based on estrus detection following each protocol. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out by ultrasonography at 30 days and confirmed by rectal palpation at 45 days post-AI.

Overall, the estrus response rate was moderate (ER = 53%), while conception rate was satisfactory (CR = 70%), comparable to international benchmarks for well-managed dairy herds. Among the three protocols tested, the PGF₂α-only treatment yielded the best reproductive performance in terms of both estrus response and conception rate. Analysis of variance revealed that parity significantly affected ER, with multiparous cows showing higher estrus expression than heifers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a longer interval from calving to first insemination (IC–AI1) was positively associated with conception success (P < 0.05). Conversely, no significant differences were observed between breeds.

These findings indicate that simple PGF₂α-based synchronization protocols can achieve satisfactory fertility outcomes in Algerian dairy herds. However, fine-tuning reproductive management by considering parity and optimal insemination timing could further improve conception efficiency. Future research should include larger sample sizes and incorporate nutritional, health, and environmental factors to better understand their combined effects on dairy cow fertility.

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