Breeding performance of Indonesian beef cattle as recipients for embryo transfer

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the breeding performance of Indonesian beef cattle (Ongole cross) as recipients for embryo transfer using Limousin embryos. As a result, the pregnancy rate was 35% (7 out of 20 cows). There was a significant difference (P<0.01) in the serum progesterone concentration between the nonpregnant and pregnant cows at the time of the embryo transfer (day 7 after the estrus). The pregnancy rate in the Indonesian beef cows was low, which may be due to their insufficient genetic quality and/or low physical conditions caused by the poor management, like a low-nutrition diet. The low progesterone concentration in the nonpregnant cows on day 7 may be associated with the failure of embryo implantation.