Induction of estrus by electrical stimulation

¹ Department of Dairy Science, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois

Using the apparatus designed for the electroejaculation of bulls, the reproductive organs of anestrous cows were electrically stimulated through the rectal wall. Forty-three per cent of the cows which had been in anestrus for 50 or more days after calving came in heat within 7 days after an electrical stimulation as compared to 13% of the controls. Fifty per cent of cows which had shown anestrus for 50 or more days after a normal heat period showed estrus in 7 days after stimulation as compared to 5% of the controls. Ovulation occurred at this estrus as determined by palpation and by conception after breeding. It is suggested that gonadotrophic hormones are released due to the stimulation of the reproductive organs.