Effects of the temperature-humidity index on conception rates in Holstein heifers and cows receiving in vitro-produced Japanese Black cattle embryos.

Abstract

We investigated the effect of the temperature-humidity index (THI) on the conception rate (CR) in Holstein heifers and cows receiving in vitro-produced (IVP) Japanese Black cattle fresh embryos. IVP embryos were transferred to Holstein heifers (n = 1,407) and cows (n = 3,189) on 245 commercial farms. The monthly average ambient temperature (AT) and THI ranged from 4.7 to 29°C and 41 to 81, respectively; both were the highest in August. The monthly CR ranged from 16.3% to 46.7% in cows and 23.8% to 74.1% in heifers. The CR of heifers was unaffected by THI, AT, or the month of embryo transfer. However, these parameters affected the CR of cows. The CR at THI values of 61-65 and 71-75 was greater than that at THI > 75, whereas other THI values had no effect. The CR at temperatures > 25°C was lower (P = 0.008) than that at temperatures of 15-20°C and 20-25°C. Moreover, the CR was lowest (P = 0.003) in July. THI and parity (P = 0.057 and P = 0.001, respectively) and AT and parity (P = 0.019 and P = 0.001, respectively) showed significant effects on CR; however, there was no interaction between these two factors. In conclusion, AT > 25°C and THI > 75 adversely affect the CR outcome in cows but not in heifers.