Evaluation of estrus detection by cervical monitoring and pregnancy rates in ovsynch and co-synch treated Anatolian buffalo heifers

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the occurrence and intensity of estrous expression and the success of artificial insemination in Ovsynch and Co-synch treated Anatolian buffalo heifers, employing a novel approach utilizing smartphone-based endoscopic inspection of the cervix uteri. Twenty-seven Anatolian buffalo heifers (n=27) were utilized for the study. In the Ovsynch synchronization protocol (n=15), GnRH (buserelin acetate, 12 μg) was administered on day 0, PGF2α (cloprostenol, 500 μg) on day 7, and GnRH (buserelin acetate, 12 μg) on day 9, with artificial insemination conducted 16-20 hours after the second GnRH application. For the Co-synch protocol (n=12), GnRH (buserelin acetate, 12 μg) was administered on day 0, PGF2α (cloprostenol, 500 μg) on day 7, and GnRH (buserelin acetate, 12 μg) along with artificial insemination on day 10. At the time of artificial insemination, estrous expression was categorized as intense, moderate, weak, or negative. Pregnancies were confirmed between 40 to 70 days after artificial insemination using either pregnancy-related glycoprotein or ultrasonography examinations.Intense, moderate, weak, and negative estrus intensities were observed at rates of 20%, 20%, 26.7%, and 33.3%, respectively, in the Ovsynch group and 41.7%, 58.3%, 0%, and 0%, respectively, in the Co-synch group (P