Comparison of conception rates and financial costs in FTAI protocols for Nelore heifers

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare and contrast pregnancy rate, and financial costs associated with fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols in heifers. A total of 612 16-month-old Nelore heifers from the municipality of Mojuí dos Campos, Pará, Brazil, were utilized in this study. The animals were divided into three groups of 204 individuals each, designated as Group I (control), Group II (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone - GnRH) and Group III (Human chorionic gonadotropin - hCG). The pregnancy rate was evaluated to facilitate a comparison of the results obtained from groups II and III. Furthermore, an economic analysis was conducted to ascertain the financial costs associated with groups II and III. The data were analyzed using the nonparametric Kruskal-Walli’s test, and the comparison between groups was conducted using the Wilcoxon test. The results indicated a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between groups II and III in comparison to group I about the pregnancy rate. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the financial costs associated with groups II and III revealed a notable discrepancy, with group III exhibiting a cost advantage of R$ 10,046.00. This outcome can be attributed to the fact that group II produced five additional calves compared to group III. The findings of this study substantiate the assertion that the utilization of GnRH or hCG in IATF protocols is associated with enhanced pregnancy rates. Additionally, from a financial perspective, the deployment of GnRH proved to be a more lucrative strategy for the producer.