Research Article | 31 May 2025

Physiological, cytological, and reproductive hormone characterization of estrus in Pasundan heifers synchronized with double injection of prostaglandin F2α

Rini Widyastuti1 , Nena Hilmia1 , Diky Ramdani1 , Rahmat Hidayat2 , Iman Hernaman2 , Andre Rivanda Daud3 , Ken Ratu Ghazirah Alhuur1 , Matni Syifa Bayani1 , Rangga Setiawan1 , Sigit Prastowo4 , Santoso Santoso5 , and Vidi Wulandari6 Show more
VETERINARY WORLD | pg no. 1357-1364 | Vol. 18, Issue 5 | DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2025.1357-1364
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Abstract

          
Background and Aim: Pasundan cattle, a native Indonesian breed with valuable reproductive traits, face population decline due to limited conservation efforts. Estrus synchronization using prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is a viable strategy to support genetic improvement and sustainable breeding. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological, cytological, and hormonal responses associated with estrus synchronization in Pasundan heifers following a double-injection protocol of PGF2α.
Materials and Methods: Eighteen healthy Pasundan heifers (2.0–2.5 years old; body condition score 3) received two intramuscular PGF2α injections 11 days apart. Estrus signs were assessed through vulva morphology, cervical mucus viscosity, and vaginal electrical resistance (VER) on days 0, 4, 5, 11–15. Vaginal cytology was conducted to classify epithelial cells, and blood samples were analyzed for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, and estradiol through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05).
Results: The peak estrus response occurred on day 14 post-initial injection, marked by maximal vulvar swelling (7.27 ± 1.15 cm), highest mucus viscosity (14.9 ± 3.00 mm), and lowest VER (198.67 ± 29.61 Ohms). Cytologically, superficial and keratinized epithelial cells dominated (64.22%), indicating estrus. Hormonal assays revealed elevated FSH (5.08 mIU/mL) and estradiol (0.214 pg/mL), alongside a nadir in progesterone (0.162 ng/mL). Estrus was observed in 88.89% of heifers on day 14.
Conclusion: Double-injection PGF2α effectively synchronized estrus in Pasundan heifers, with day 14 being optimal for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). The synchronization protocol demonstrated clear correlations between physical, cytological, and hormonal parameters. This protocol provides a reliable basis for reproductive management in Pasundan cattle, facilitating conservation and productivity. Future studies should assess conception outcomes post-FTAI to validate long-term reproductive efficiency.
          
Keywords: estrus synchronization, fixed-time artificial insemination, Pasundan cattle, prostaglandin F2α, reproductive hormones, vaginal cytology.