LACTATION INDUCTION PROTOCOLS AND COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS IN REPEAT BREEDING COWS

The present study was designed with an objective to induce lactation by various lactation induction
protocols and to compare the cost benefit analysis of the protocols employed. Forty crossbred, nonlactating
cattle with a history of repeat breeding for 15 to 20 months were selected for the present
study. They were randomly divided into four equal groups with 10 animals in each group. Four
different treatment protocols were used to induce lactation in these animals. Group 1 animals received
twice daily 17β-estradiol (0.1mg/kg) and progesterone (0.25mg/kg) from day 1 to 7 daily by
subcutaneous route. Reserpine (5mg/animal) and dexamethasone (20 mg /animal) were administered
for 4 days (day 14 to 17) by intramuscular route. Group 2 animals received 17β-estradiol (0.1mg/kg)
and progesterone (0.25mg/kg) from day 1 to 7 twice daily 12 h apart by subcutaneous route.
Metoclopramide (0.1 mg /kg) and dexamethasone (20 mg /animal) were administered for 4 days (d
14 to 17) by intramuscular route. Animals in Group 3 and 4 initially received 2 doses of PGF2a at 10
days apart followed by hormonal therapy similar to Group 1 and 2 respectively. Significant increase
(P005) in the 90 day milk yield and higher conception rate (%) was observed for those animals
that were synchronized with 2 doses of PGF2á (Group 3 and 4). Though the cost of treatment for the
induction protocols used for group 3 and 4 were high, the margin of profit earned was higher for
group III and IV compared to other groups.