The Site of Administration of PGF$_2$ $\alpha$ Affects Estrous Synchronization and the Subsequent Pregnancy Rate

Two trials were conducted in a commercial dairy farm on heifer synchronization with PGF$_2$ $\alpha$. Animals showing estrus following the first injection were bred and animals not showing estrus were given the second injection 10 days later. In the first trial, the injection sites were rump and rump. In the second trial, the injection sites were rump and shoulder. Estrous detection was peformed 24 h after injection. Animals were bred by the same technician. In the first trial, the response rate for the first injection was 51.4% and the subsequent pregnancy rate of these animals was 60.0%. The response rate in the second injection was 57.1% and the pregnancy rate was 50.0%. In the second trial, the response rate in the first injection on the rump was 48.7% and the subsequent pregnancy rate was 70.6%. The second injection was given on the shoulder and the response rate was 60.0% and the subsequent pregnancy rate was 25.0%. The data suggests that the site of PGF2 $\alpha$ administration was critical to achieve success in estrous synchronization and pregnancy rates.