Evaluation of treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin at transfer of in vitro–produced beef embryos on reproductive outcomes in lactating multiparous Jersey cows after a synchronized ovulation

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at the time of transfer of in vitro–produced (IVP) beef embryos on pregnancy outcomes in lactating multiparous Jersey cows. Grade 1, stage 7 (expanded blastocyst), IVP beef embryos were produced from black Angus-based dams using 3 proven high-fertility Angus sires and were frozen for direct transfer. In a preliminary experiment, lactating multiparous Jersey cows were randomized to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to test the main effect of recipient synchronization protocol (Double-Ovsynch; DO; n = 169 vs. a synchronized estrus; ED; n = 180) and were randomly assigned within recipient protocol to serve as untreated controls (DO-CON, n = 78; ED-CON, n = 44) or to receive i.m. treatment with 2,500 IU of hCG (DO-hCG, n = 79; ED-hCG, n = 46) at the time of embryo transfer (ET). The recipient utilization rate was greater for DO (93%) than for ED (50%) cows, and an interaction was present between recipient synchronization protocol and hCG treatment in which DO-hCG cows had more pregnancies per ET (P/ET) at 26, 33, and 61 d than DO-CON, ED-hCG, and ED-CON cows. Based on a partial budget analysis, the cost per pregnancy for DO cows was $135.35 less than for ED cows. In experiment 2, lactating multiparous Jersey cows were submitted to a Double-Ovsynch protocol (DO, n = 386) and were randomly assigned to serve as untreated controls (CON, n = 192) or were treated with 2,500 IU hCG (hCG, n = 194) at ET. Progesterone concentrations and total luteal volume 7 d after ET were greater for hCG than for CON cows. In contrast to the preliminary experiment, treatment with hCG did not affect P/ET at 26, 33, or 61 d, and treatment with hCG did not affect pregnancy loss from 26 to 61 d. In conclusion, treatment with 2,500 IU of hCG at ET increased P4 concentrations and total luteal volume 7 d after ET but did not increase pregnancy outcomes or decrease pregnancy loss in lactating multiparous Jersey cows receiving frozen/thawed IVP beef embryos.