The use of CIDR-Synch-hCG can increase pregnancy rate in buffaloes, according to a research done by scientists and researchers of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC).

In a research titled “Enhancing AI Efficiency through Synchronized Ovulation and Fixed Time AI in Buffaloes” by Eufrocina P. Atabay, Edwin C. Atabay, Excel Rio S. Maylem, Ramesh C. Tilwani, Ester  B. Flores, and Anabelle S. Sarabia, the original ovulation synchronization protocol (OVsynch) has been modified and optimized by using a progesterone based protocol (CIDR-Synch-hCG) which increased pregnancy rate in buffaloes.

In this protocol, a CIDR device insertion is done simultaneously with the first gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection; and for the second injection, the hormone called human Chorionic Gonadotropin or hCG is injected to the buffaloes instead of the widely-used GnRH.

FTAI in general

Basically, the FTAI is anchored on the synchronization of ovulation followed by timed AI allowing more precise timing of insemination. This is opposed to the conventional AI where insemination is based on estrus synchronization which presents wider and variable ovulation occurrence. 

The original ovulation synchronization protocol is called “Ovsynch” method. Historically, Ovsynch uses the hormone GnRH and prostaglandin (PGF2α) hormones, which had been initially adopted in PCC’s FTAI activities in buffaloes. Essentially, the major effect of Ovsynch procedure is the tight synchrony of ovulation among animals and the conduct of AI without the need for heat detection.

However, the effectiveness of this strategy can be influenced by various factors which can limit its widespread application and its full potential for buffalo reproduction. Therefore, there is a need to optimize the current methods in order to come up with suitable and effective FTAI protocols.

Results

Two studies were carried out in the research. One compared the efficacy of the widely-used ovulation synchronization protocols (Ovsynch and CIDR-Synch) using the hormone GnRH, and the other, compared the effects of the ovulatory hormones used in FTAI (hCG and GnRH) in optimizing the CIDR-Synch protocol.

The first study revealed a conception rate of 31.63% for Ovsynch and 43.06% for CIDR-SYNCH protocol. These are significantly different.

The second study showed that the use of hCG in the CIDR-Synch program results in large diameter size of preovulatory follicles indicating that the hCG is more effective than GnRH for the final maturation and ovulation of follicles.  

In summary, the efficiency of Ovsynch protocol in terms of pregnancy (31.63%) can be improved with CIDR-Synch protocol (43.06%), and the substitution of GnRH with hCG resulted in the largest diameter of preovulatory follicle, highest ovulation, and conception rate of 58.04%. Currently, CIDR-Synch-hCG protocol is being used in the expanded FTAI activities in PCC Regional Centers and some multiplier farms in the country.

The application of FTAI technology in the study did not only demonstrate improvement in AI efficiency but it also allowed exploration and  understanding of intrinsic problems in buffalo reproduction providing direction on appropriate management intervention to maximize reproductive performance in water buffaloes.