{
  "abstract": "Normalization of the deranged hormonal milieu using hormonal therapy has been recommended as a strategy to improve the fertility of heat-stressed dairy cows, yet evidence of its effectiveness remains elusive and inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effect of hormonal interventions in improving fertility in dairy cows exposed to heat stress. Ninety-eight trials reported across 32 studies were included in the meta-analysis. GnRH and progesterone, but not hCG, increased the chances of conception when administered around or post-insemination (RR = 1.26, P = 0.0001; I2 = 37%, RR 1.98, P < 0.00001; I2 = 35%, and RR = 1.06, P = 0.65; I2 = 4%, respectively). The risk of pregnancy loss was significantly reduced following post-estrus or AI treatment with GnRH or hCG (RR 0.47, P = 0.004; I2 = 53%), although with limited evidence. No evidence of the benefits of timed artificial insemination on conception rates in heat-stressed dairy cattle was found (RR = 1.04, P = 0.73). Subgroup analysis showed that conception rates following GnRH, hCG, and progesterone treatments varied with factors such as body condition score and presence of reproductive diseases at the time of treatment. Heterogeneity was generally low or moderate across the main analyses. We conclude that hormonal treatment may improve the fertility of dairy cattle in a manner that varies with the nature of the treatment and the physiological status of the animals at the time of application.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources",
    "Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources",
    "Department of Human Ecology, Faculty of Food and Human Sciences, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources",
    "Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia",
    "FoodPlus Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences and Natural Resources, LUANAR (NRC Campus)",
    "Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University"
  ],
  "article_type": null,
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 11,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "John Kothowa"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Laureen Mbewe"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Verson Nambuzi"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Hosea Katete"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        2
      ],
      "name": "Elizabeth Alinafe Mzumara"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Merning Mwenifumbo"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        3
      ],
      "name": "Muloongo C. Sitali"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Liveness Banda"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        4
      ],
      "name": "Limbikani Matumba"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        5
      ],
      "name": "Masashi Nagano"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Madalitso Chelenga"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/05n6hvzw479bw.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.1038/s41598-026-71643-7",
  "fulltext_url": "https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-71643-7",
  "id": "05n6hvzw479bw",
  "issns": [
    "2045-2322"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-71643-7",
  "language": "en",
  "licence": "CC-BY",
  "licence_label": "CC BY",
  "licence_source": "journal",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "lcc",
      "Q"
    ],
    [
      "lcc",
      "R"
    ],
    [
      "openalex",
      "1102|Reproductive Physiology in Livestock"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7213357827",
  "pdf_url": "https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-71643-7_reference.pdf",
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-09-01",
  "publisher": "Nature Portfolio",
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/05n6hvzw479bw.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-11-01T14:21:19Z",
      "native_id": "053873357d2b4f6c91fbc3a971e4de40",
      "source": "doaj",
      "url": "https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-71643-7"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "biology",
      "origin": "openalex:1102|Reproductive Physiology in Livestock",
      "subfield": "plant-biology"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Effects of hormonal interventions on fertility outcomes in dairy cattle exposed to heat stress: a meta-analysis",
  "title_text": "Effects of hormonal interventions on fertility outcomes in dairy cattle exposed to heat stress: a meta-analysis",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-11-03T14:20:46Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/05n6hvzw479bw",
  "venue": "Scientific Reports",
  "versions": []
}