**OBJECTIVE:**

The objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of Flunixin
Meglumine administration around the time of maternal recognition of
pregnancy on the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy during early
gestation.

**APPROACH:**

Approximately 1,000 beef heifers from four locations will have their
estrous cycles synchronized and receive artificial insemination (AI).
Synchronization protocols utilized will include the 33-day MGA/PGF
(melengestrol acetate / prostaglandin) protocol or the 7-day CIDR
protocol. Heifers receiving the MGA/PGF protocol will receive MGA (0.5
mg/hd) daily for 14 days and an injection of PGF 19 days after the last
feeding of MGA. Heifers receiving the CIDR protocol will receive a
CIDR-B intravaginal insert with administration of gonadotropin releasing
hormone (GnRH) at CIDR insertion and PGF at CIDR withdrawal 7 days
later. All heifers within each location will receive the same
synchronization protocol and each protocol will be used at two
locations. At each location, heifers will receive AI approximately 12
hours after the onset of estrus with GnRH + AI administered to
non-responders 72 to 84 hours after PGF. Inseminations will be performed
by no more than three technicians using semen from no more than four AI
sires. Heifers within location will be blocked by interval from PGF to
estrus, AI technician and sire, and divided into two groups. The first
group will serve as the non-treated controls and receive no further
treatment or handling. The second group will be pastured adjacent to
controls and receive Flunixin Meglumine (1.1 mg/kg body weight; i.m.)
approximately 14 days after AI. Flunixin meglumine treated heifers will
be reunited with control heifers in a single clean-up breeding pasture
and bulls will be turned in with all heifers immediately following
treatment. Pregnancy will be diagnosed among all heifers approximately
35 days after AI and again 30 days after the end of a 50-day breeding
season.

Effects of treatment on pregnancy rate and maintenance will be
determined using Chi Square. The effects of interval from AI to
treatment on pregnancy rate within Flunixin Meglumine treated heifers
will be determined using analyses of variance.

**STATEMENT OF MUTUAL INTEREST**:

Both parties are actively engaged in independent projects which could
greatly benefit from identifying methods to increase fertility in beef
cattle. The parties agree that meeting the objectives of this project
will strengthen and enhance ongoing work within the scope of this
agreement. The ***(Name of Sponsoring Organization/Institute)*** will
benefit through identification of management systems that improve the
fertility of beef and dairy cattle receiving artificial insemination.
USDA-ARS and beef producers nationwide will benefit from this research
because it improves our ability to design studies and evaluate
mechanisms affecting fertility in beef females. Producers may also
benefit from higher pregnancy rates to AI than currently possible, which
allows them to make faster genetic improvements within their herds.

**A. THE SPONSOR AGREES TO:**

60500. Work closely with ARS in planning, conducting and evaluating the
       work outlined below.

2\. Share in the cost of this work effort by contributing \$xx,000.00
payable to ARS upon execution of this Agreement for work described
herein.

3\. Cite Cooperative Agreement No. 58-54xx-5-xxx on all checks payable
to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.
Payment should be remitted to the Budget and Fiscal Office whose name
and address can be found on Form REE-451.

**B. ARS AGREES TO:**

1.  Work closely with the Sponsor in planning, conducting and evaluating
    the work outlined in this cooperative agreement.

2.  Conduct work directed toward accomplishing the cooperative efforts
    of this agreement. Such activities include:

> a\. Data collection and analysis.
>
> b\. Delivering an oral presentation of results at a mutually agreed
> upon time and date between the parties.

3.  Assign personnel, equipment, supplies, transportation, and
    facilities as needed to this cooperative effort. Such equipment and
    facilities will remain the property of ARS subject to its
    disposition.