Reproductive physiology
Detailed description of follicular dynamic and oestrus cycle in bos indicus can be found in Bo et al., (2003) and Sartorelli et al. (2005). The main reproduction traits are identical in bos indicus and bos Taurus, there are however some differences that should be considered in the reproduction management.
Differences in reproduction traits between Bos Taurus and Bos indicus cattle
| Bos taurus | Bos indicus |
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Maximum diameter of the dominant follicle | 14–20mm | 10–12 mm |
Average corpus luteum diameter | 20–30 mm | 17–21 mm |
Age at puberty | Approx. 12-14 months | 16-40 months |
Oestrus duration | Approx. 18 h mainly during the day | Approx. 11 h Mainly at night |
Ovulation | 28-31 h after the onset of heat | 25-26h after the onset of heat |
Hierarchy | Can affect the oestrus behaviour | Strongly influences oestrus behaviour |
Practical implications of differences in reproductive physiology between bos indicus and bos taurus
- In bos indicus CL is more difficult to palpate during the rectal examination
- Bos indicus females are highly sensitive to the FSH dosages currently used for superstimulation of bos taurus cattle and lower doses should be used in this species.
- Due to high incidence of post partum anoestrus and poor body condition in the first months post partum the answer in many oestrus synchronisation programs is poor in pastured bos indicus cows in the first 100d pp.
- Improvement of the nutrition of bos indicus cows and temporary calf removal are important tools when an oestrus synchronisation program is to be used in bos indicus suckled cows.