Physiological, Pharmacological and Endocrine Basis of Treatments Aiming Synchronization and Ovulation of Follicles in Cattle

Modern protocols for timed artificial insemination and embryo transfer have been developed after a deep understanding of the endocrine control of the bovine estrous cycle. With such understanding, it became possible to control the specific phases of follicular development, namely, recruitment, selection and ovulation, with the strategic use of specific pharmaceuticals. Pharmacological control of the estrous cycle eases reproductive management and improves efficiency of cattle operations. Objective of this paper is to provide the theoretical basis for understanding the endocrine control of ovarian function so that pharmacological manipulations may be conducted rationally.