Introduction

To help farmers, veterinarians, and industry professionals make informed decisions, the Beef Cattle Reproduction Task Force reviews and publishes research-based synchronization protocol recommendations. Separate protocols are published for cows and heifers, as well as for the use of sexed semen. When selecting protocols, farmers should consider their performance goals, labor, and handling facilities. Annually updated protocols are available at https://beefrepro.org/resources/ ↗️. 

Estrus Synchronization Planner

An additional resource from the Beef Reproduction Task Force is the Estrus Synchronization Planner ↗️ (available as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or a smartphone app) to assist farmers in establishing a daily program calendar for each task associated with using synchronization programs. The Estrus Synchronization Planner aims to: 

• Assist with planning and implementing synchronization systems 
• Minimize errors in the timing of injections, CIDR (controlled internal drug release) insertion, and removal, etc. 
• Plan labor needs 
• Provide analysis and comparison of the input costs of several synchronization systems 

Synchronization Compliance

Farmers need to ensure protocols are followed to achieve success. When the wrong hormone is administered or the timing is incorrect, it can result in poorer ovulation responses or failed conceptions. If you discover a mistake, do not ignore it. Instead, work with your veterinarian and Artificial Insemination (AI) technician to determine if an alternative protocol could be used, or if it is best to restart the process.  

Synchronization protocol compliance means following through on each step from the first injection to the cow receiving AI: 

• Identifying the correct cow and administering each injection on the correct day at the correct time 
• Administering the correct reproductive hormone, at the correct dose, with the correct needle and route of administration so that the animal receives the entire dose 
• Perform AI at the correct day and time 

Visible animal identification, employee training, safe animal handling equipment, using and updating your record-keeping system, reading and following product labels, and providing animal handlers with the right tools for the job (stockmanship training, needles, syringes, gloves, etc.) are all pieces of the puzzle in achieving protocol compliance. The Beef Reproduction Task Force recommends working with a licensed veterinarian for the proper use and application of all reproductive hormones. As with all animal health products, follow label instructions.  In response to BQA guidelines for injections, high-concentration products and SQ routes of administration have been added to certain products, underlying the importance of verifying the correct dose and route of administration for the product you are using.  

When is good, good enough? Most of us would argue that a grade of 95% or even 90% is “still an A.” But what if we only gave each dose correctly in a synch protocol 95% or 90% of the time? 

Figure 1. illustrates how missing five or ten percent of injections at any given time affects overall compliance.  

Figure 1. Compliance in a 3 or 5-injection protocol

Compliance rates at each dose	3-injection protocol	5-injection protocol
100%	100%	100%
95%	86%	77%
90%	73%	59%

Remember to achieve accuracy with your reproductive program, it’s all about being correct: selecting the correct cow, administering the correct hormone dose and placement, administering the injection on the correct day and time, and breeding on the correct day and time.  

A Final Note on Safety

Take steps to prevent needlestick injuries. Studies have shown that up to 80% of farm workers have experienced an accidental needlestick injury. Three steps farm workers can take to prevent injury include:  

1. Take time and carefully handle needles and reproductive hormones; 
2. Properly restrain animals before attempting to administer injections, and  
3. Use proper equipment and techniques. This includes using caution while removing needle caps, recapping used needles, and properly disposing of needles.

Dinoprost and cloprostenal (i.e. prostaglandin) labels typically contain a warning statement for women of child-bearing age, asthmatics, and persons with bronchial and other respiratory problems about using these products. They are readily absorbed through the skin and may cause abortion and/or bronchospasms. Accidental skin contact must be washed off immediately with soap and water. Handlers need to have access to and be aware of where wash areas are located. Wear protective gloves when handling non-injectable reproductive hormone products, such as CIDR devices containing progesterone.  

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