Serum Progesterone Profiles and Conception Rates Following Synchronisation Protocols in Bunaji Cattle in Kebbi State

Oestrus synchronisation and fixed-time artificial insemination have become valuable tools for improving reproductive efficiency in Nigerian cattle herds, yet their outcomes in indigenous breeds like Bunaji cattle under tropical conditions in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria, have been inconsistently documented. This study evaluated serum progesterone profiles and conception rates following Ovsynch and CIDR-based synchronisation protocols in Bunaji cows at a government farm in Birnin Kebbi. Forty cows were equally divided into Ovsynch and CIDR groups. The Ovsynch protocol involved GnRH on day zero, prostaglandin F2 alpha on day seven, GnRH on day nine, and fixed-time AI on day ten. The CIDR protocol involved a CIDR device for seven days, prostaglandin F2 alpha on day seven, and fixed-time AI 56 hours later. Serum progesterone was measured on days 0, 7, 10, 14, and 21. Conception was confirmed by rectal palpation and progesterone elevation 21 days post-AI. The CIDR group showed significantly higher progesterone concentrations on day 7 and a more synchronised progesterone decline pattern. First-service conception rate was 55 percent for the CIDR group and 45 percent for the Ovsynch group, though the difference was not statistically significant. Cows in better body condition had significantly higher conception rates in both groups. These findings indicate that both synchronisation protocols can be successfully implemented in Bunaji cattle in Kebbi State, with body condition management being a critical determinant of reproductive success. Keywords: oestrus synchronisation, Bunaji cattle, progesterone, conception rate, Kebbi State.