Double E-Synch rivals Double-Ovsynch! New research shows 10% fertility boost in high-producing cows & 86hrs/year labor savings. Game-changer?
Executive Summary:
This landmark study of 800 lactating Holsteins compares four fertility programs, revealing Double E-Synch (DES) matches Double-Ovsynch’s effectiveness while offering unique advantages. High-producing cows (≥83.5 lb/day) saw 10% higher pregnancy rates with DES, and its estradiol-based protocol triggered 69% estrus expression vs. 42% in traditional programs. Both approaches achieved 46-53% conception rates, but DES reduced annual labor by 86 hours through fewer handlings. The research validates multiple synchronization strategies, proving producers can choose protocols based on herd productivity, labor availability, and regional hormone regulations without sacrificing reproductive efficiency.
Key Takeaways:
- Equal Efficacy: Double-Ovsynch and Double E-Synch deliver comparable pregnancy rates (46-53%), giving farmers flexible protocol options
- High-Producer Edge: DES boosts pregnancy rates by 10% in cows producing ≥83.5 lb/day – critical for elite herds
- Estrus Matters: 69% of DES cows showed heat vs 42% in traditional programs, with estrus-linked pregnancies having 39% lower loss rates
- Labor Efficiency: DES requires one fewer handling per breeding cycle, saving 86+ hours annually for 500-cow dairies
- Strategic Choice: Base protocol selection on milk production levels, workforce capacity, and local estradiol regulations
In today’s challenging dairy economy, reproductive efficiency remains among the few areas where management can significantly impact profitability. While most producers have heard of Double-Ovsynch (DO), an exciting new contender – Double E-Synch (DES), has emerged on the scene. This comprehensive research compares how these protocols stack against each other in real-world conditions, with implications that could reshape your breeding program strategy.
The Hidden Cost of Poor Reproduction: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?
Let’s face it – getting cows pregnant efficiently is the lifeblood of any profitable dairy. With milk prices constantly fluctuating and input costs climbing faster than a heifer’s growth curve, reproductive performance remains one of the few areas where management can still move the needle on profitability. Every day, a cow that stays open beyond your voluntary waiting period burns money faster than wet hay in a tight stack.
As Dr. Paul Fricke from the University of Wisconsin often says, “The most expensive cow on your dairy is the one you can’t get pregnant.” With the average cost of each day open ranging from $3-16 depending on milk price and production level, even small improvements in 21-day pregnancy rates translate directly to your milk check.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Are you using the most effective protocol for YOUR specific operation?
Four Fertility Programs Put to the Test: What the Research Shows
Recently published in the Journal of Dairy Science, Fertility programs for lactating dairy cows: A novel presynch + timed artificial insemination program (Double E-Synch) produces similar ovarian dynamics, synchronization, and fertility as Double-Ovsynch. This groundbreaking study compared four different fertility programs in a 2×2 factorial arrangement, examining both presynchronization strategies and timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocols:
- Double-Ovsynch (DO): Traditional Ovsynch presynchronization followed by Ovsynch TAI protocol
- Double E-Synch (DES): A novel approach using progesterone and estradiol for both phases
- Hybrid combinations: Using different approaches for presynchronization and TAI phases
The research team enrolled 800 lactating Holstein cows, blocking them by expected calving date, parity, and previous lactation performance – creating a real-world test environment similar to what you’d find on any well-managed commercial dairy.
The Results: Impressive Conception Rates Across All Programs
When the dust settled, the results were eye-opening. All four programs delivered impressive pregnancy per AI (P/AI) rates around 46-52% at 32 days and 34-39% at 90 days. These numbers significantly outperform the 30-35% conception rates typically seen with traditional heat detection programs on most commercial dairies.
For the skeptics among us who remember the days of chalk marks and tail paint, these numbers might seem too good to be true. However, Dr. Milo Wiltbank’s research has consistently shown that well-executed fertility programs can consistently deliver P/AI rates in the 45-55% range, even in high-producing herds.
Ovarian Synchronization Success by Protocol
| Metric | Double-Ovsynch | Double E-Synch | PreP4/E2+Ovs | PreP4/E2+OvsP4/E2 |
| CL presence at d 7 (%) | 99.0 | 98.0 | 98.5 | 98.5 |
| Ovulation post-d 0 (%) | 64.3 | 72.0 | 68.1 | 72.0 |
| Multiple ovulations (%) | 5.9 | 8.4 | 7.2 | 7.2 |
All four protocols achieve excellent synchronization rates but note the higher ovulation percentage with estradiol-based approaches.
The High-Producer Advantage That Nobody’s Talking About
Here’s where things get particularly interesting for those running high-producing herds. The estradiol-based presynchronization (PreP4/E2) showed a significant advantage in high-producing cows (≥37.9 kg/d or 83.5 lb/day), improving pregnancy rates by 10 percentage points compared to GnRH-based presynchronization.
This is like finding an extra 10 gallons in every milk truck – a substantial 25% relative improvement in reproductive performance among your highest-value animals. For a 1,000-cow dairy with half the herd producing above this threshold, we’re talking about potentially 50 more pregnancies per breeding cycle.
Why aren’t more dairies capitalizing on this advantage? Could industry inertia be costing you tens of thousands in lost pregnancy opportunities?
Fertility Outcomes by Milk Production Level
This is significant because multiple ovulations lead to twinning, which increases pregnancy losses, postpartum health problems, and calf mortality. For every twin pregnancy you prevent, you’re potentially saving $500-800 in lost production, treatment costs, and increased culling risk.
As Dr. Paul Fricke often explains, “Twinning is nature’s way of telling us we’ve pushed cows too far metabolically. These protocols help restore normal ovarian function even in our highest producers.”
Case Study: Wisconsin Dairy Sees 15% Jump in Pregnancy Rates
Tom Bergmann, who milks 650 cows near Portage, Wisconsin, implemented Double-Ovsynch three years ago and saw his 21-day pregnancy rate climb from 18% to 24%.
“The consistency is what sold me,” says Bergmann. “Before, we’d have good and terrible weeks with heat detection. Now, we know exactly what to expect, and our vet can confidently schedule herd checks.”
Bergmann notes that his highest producers (those over 100 pounds daily) show the most dramatic improvement. “Those high cows used to be our problem breeders. Now they’re settling just as well as the rest of the herd.”
Myth vs. Fact: Reproductive Protocols
MYTH: “These protocols are too complicated for my farm.” FACT: While they require attention to detail, modern protocols can be implemented with proper training and clear SOPs. Many farms use color-coded calendars or management software to simplify the process.
MYTH: “My cows won’t show heat with timed AI programs.” FACT: The estradiol-based protocols increased heat expression in nearly 70% of cows, compared to 42% with GnRH-based protocols. Many producers report stronger, more visible heats with these programs.
MYTH: “These protocols are too expensive.” FACT: When accounting for reduced days open, fewer culls for reproductive failure, and improved labor efficiency, these protocols typically pay for themselves many times over. The Wisconsin research shows an annual return of $89.60 per cow.
Ask the Vet: When Should You Avoid Double E-Synch?
Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a reproductive specialist with Dairy Health Services, cautions that while Double E-Synch shows promise, it’s not for everyone. “Farms struggling with basic compliance to their current protocols should master those fundamentals before attempting to implement more complex systems,” she advises.
“Also, herds with significant metabolic issues in early lactation may not see the full benefits of any advanced protocol until those underlying problems are addressed. Focus on transition cow management first, then optimize your breeding program.”
The Bottom Line: Are You Ready to Challenge Convention?
The comparative study of reproductive programs reveals that traditional GnRH-based protocols (like Double-Ovsynch) and newer estradiol-based approaches (like Double E-Synch) can achieve excellent results. This provides flexibility in choosing the system best fits your farm’s circumstances.
When selecting a reproductive management approach, consider the following:
- Your herd’s production level and age structure
- Available labor and management resources
- Regulatory environment regarding hormone use
- Your preferences regarding animal handling
- Economic goals for your operation
Implementing whichever protocol you choose consistently and thoroughly will be key to realizing the reproductive and economic benefits that directly impact your dairy’s profitability and sustainability.
As one successful New York dairy producer summarized, “Reproductive protocols are like milking routines – consistency is everything. Find what works for your farm and stick with it religiously.”
The dairy industry is constantly evolving. Are you evolving with it, or are you still breeding cows like your father did?
These fertility programs represent a significant advance in reproductive management technology that can help dairy farms of all sizes optimize their reproductive performance and economic outcomes. Can you afford not to consider them in today’s challenging dairy economy?
What’s Your Next Move?
Take a hard look at your current reproductive program. Are you achieving 45-50% conception rates with your first-service TAI? If not, it’s time to have a serious conversation with your veterinarian about implementing one of these advanced protocols.
For those already using Double-Ovsynch, consider whether your high producers might benefit from the PreP4/E2 presynchronization approach if it becomes available in your region. The 10-percentage point improvement in conception rates for your best cows could be a game-changer for your operation.
Share your experiences with these protocols in the comments below. What’s working on your farm? What challenges have you encountered? Let’s learn from each other and push the industry forward.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on research published in the Journal of Dairy Science. Always consult your herd veterinarian before significantly changing your reproductive management program.
Learn more:
- Fertility Programs for Lactating Dairy Cows: A Novel Presynch + Timed Artificial Insemination Program
A foundational look at the four fertility programs compared in this article, including Double-Ovsynch and Double E-Synch, with detailed protocol breakdowns and results. - Evaluating Ovarian Dynamics and Fertility Following Novel Presynchronization and Timed Artificial Insemination Strategies in Lactating Dairy Cows
An in-depth analysis of hormonal protocols, ovarian responses, and practical considerations for implementing advanced synchronization programs. - Effects of Peripartal Rumen-Derived Direct-Fed Microbial Supplementation on Lactation Performance, Metabolism, Ruminal Fermentation, and Microbial Abundance in Dairy Cows
Explore how transition cow nutrition and microbial additives can impact fertility and overall herd performance, complementing reproductive program strategies.
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