Seasonal variations in post-partum plasma progesterone levels and conception in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows

Abstract

Summary. Progesterone concentrations in peripheral plasma of 18 primiparous and 34 multiparous dairy cows were determined by radioimmunoassay every 4 days, from 10 days post partum until the next conception. The interval from parturition to the first progesterone peak (> 4 ng/ml plasma) was significantly longer (P < 0·01) in primiparous than in multiparous cows. The progesterone concentrations on Days 4–15 of the oestrous cycle were significantly lower (P < 0·025) during the summer than in cycles occurring in winter. The conception rate during the summer was lower than in winter. In cows inseminated in summer, conception was related to the shape of the progesterone curve in the cycle preceding insemination.