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Timed AI Protocols: Double Ovsynch

Summary

Timed artificial insemination (TAI) is a common reproductive management strategy used on U.S. dairy farms. It lessens the dependence on observation-based heat detection and provides a way to ensure that 100% of eligible cows are inseminated within a defined time window. A good TAI protocol can also help achieve excellent conception rates. Ovsynch is a foundational TAI protocol that was developed in the mid-1990s (Pursley et al., 1995) and is widely used, though oftentimes with research-based additions to the protocol for the sake of improving cow pregnancy outcome. The core protocol is designed to synchronize ovulation of ovarian follicles, but it is more effective across a group of animals when combined with a good presynchronization protocol. Double Ovsynch, one such combined protocol, will be discussed in this article.