Santosh Sahu

Doctor of Philosophy, (Veterinary science)
Study Completed: 2014
College of Sciences

Citation

Thesis Title
Improving the Response to Synchronisation Programmes of Dairy Cattle

Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon

Every year a significant proportion of dairy cows in New Zealand are treated with a combination of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, prostaglandin and progesterone (as part of a synchronisation programme) in order to treat reproductive problems and to optimise fertility. However, such programmes are expensive, and it may be possible to develop cheaper alternatives. Mr Sahu studied the physiological role of progesterone and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone in such programmes, and evaluated the impact of negative energy balance on the response to synchronisation. The treatment response was similar in cows with or without a progesterone device although it was moderated by the degree of negative energy balance. In contrast, in heifers, neither the initial gonadotrophin nor the progesterone treatment affected the final response. These results suggest that the cost of synchronisation treatments of dairy cattle can be significantly reduced by removing extra components of the treatment, although in lactating dairy cows the optimum response may vary due to negative energy balance.

Supervisors
Professor Richard Laven
Professor John Cockrem
Professor Tim Parkinson