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Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

DOI

10.55730/1300-0128.4339

Abstract

Artificial insemination is a biotechnological method widely practiced in cattle, first introduced in 1912. The present study investigated the effect of pierceable plastic sheaths used during artificial insemination of Holstein heifers on conception rates. A total of 110 heifers aged 15–18 months, detected to be in estrus based on observation, were included in the study. These heifers were randomly divided into two equal groups. The experimental group (n = 55) underwent insemination using an insemination catheter covered with a disposable, pierceable plastic sheath on day 0. Conversely, the control group (n = 55) underwent insemination using the standard conventional technique. Pregnancy was diagnosed on day 30 via ultrasonography. The conception rates were 56.4% and 50.9% in the experimental and control groups, respectively (p > 0.05). In conclusion, while the use of pierceable plastic sheaths to cover catheters during insemination made a positive contribution, it did not result in a statistically significant difference in conception rates. Therefore, the study suggests that the use of protective sheaths in inseminations using sexed semen or semen with outstanding genetic characteristics may positively impact conception rates in field conditions. However, this practice should be supported by microbiological and endocrinological examinations.

Keywords

Heifer, catheter sheath, artificial insemination, conception rate

First Page

82

Last Page

87

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