Question 30
30.1 Describe the synchronisation of oestrus.
30.2 Give three techniques that are used by farmers to synchronise oestrus.
30.3 State three advantages of synchronisation of oestrus.
30.4 State three advantages of artificial insemination for dairy cows.
30.5 Indicate five processes followed during embryo transfer in the correct sequence.

Question 31
The statements below indicate the main stages of a reproductive technique conducted on cows:
A - Flushing the embryo from the donor cow.
B - Artificial insemination of the donor cow.
C - Superovulation of the donor cow.
D - Placement of the embryo in the recipient cow.
E - Synchronisation of both donor and recipient cows.
31.1 Identify the reproductive technique above.
31.2 Re-arrange the statements (A - E) in the correct order.
31.3 Define the term superovulation.
31.4 State two benefits of this reproductive technique.

Question 32
The following are different techniques used to achieve the goals above:
* artificial insemination (AI)
* embryo transplantation (ET)
* cloning

Oestrus synchronisation is a reproductive management technique used in livestock farming to control or manipulate the oestrus cycle of female animals so that they come into heat simultaneously or within a short time frame. This process is essential for improving breeding efficiency and planning.

Question 30.2: Techniques for Synchronising Oestrus

Progestogen Implants or Inserts: Devices like CIDRs (Controlled Internal Drug Release) are used to release hormones like progesterone into the animal's body, tricking it into thinking it's in the luteal phase of its cycle until the device is removed.
Prostaglandins: This involves administering prostaglandins to induce luteolysis, leading to a new cycle initiation. It's effective when cows are already cycling.
GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone) Protocols: Administering GnRH to control the timing of ovulation in conjunction with other hormonal protocols.

Question 30.3: Advantages of Oestrus Synchronisation

Improved Breeding Efficiency: Allows for planned breeding and uniformity in calving.
Better Use of Resources: Farmers can schedule insemination, births, and weaning more effectively.
Facilitates Artificial Insemination: Synchronisation makes it easier to use AI at the optimal time for conception.

Question 30.4: Advantages of Artificial Insemination (AI) for Dairy Cows

Genetic Improvement: Access to superior genetics and trait selection without needing to own bulls.
Disease Control: Reduces the risk of transmitting venereal diseases within the herd.
Reduced Breeding Costs: Eliminates the need to keep and manage bulls on the farm.

Question 30.5: Processes in Embryo Transfer (ET)

Superovulation: Inducing the donor cow to produce multiple eggs.
Artificial Insemination of the Donor Cow: Using selected sperm for fertilization.
Flushing the Embryo from the Donor Cow: Collecting the embryos non-surgically.
Synchronisation of Both Donor and Recipient Cows: Ensuring the recipient cows are at a similar reproductive stage.
Placement of the Embryo in the Recipient Cow: Transferring the embryos to synchronized recipient cows.

Question 31:

31.1: Reproductive Technique Identified

The technique described is Embryo Transfer (ET).

31.2: Correct Sequence of Statements

E - Synchronisation of both donor and recipient cows.
C - Superovulation of the donor cow.
B - Artificial insemination of the donor cow.
A - Flushing the embryo from the donor cow.
D - Placement of the embryo in the recipient cow.

31.3: Defining Superovulation

Superovulation is the process of hormonal treatment of a female animal to stimulate the release of multiple eggs during a single cycle, increasing the number of available embryos for collection.

31.4: Benefits of Embryo Transfer

Rapid Genetic Improvement: Multiple offspring from high-value females can be produced within a short time period.
Conservation of Rare Breeds: Allows for the preservation and expansion of endangered livestock gene pools.