scholarly journals Short Communication. Embryo yield in llamas synchronized with two different intravaginal progesterone-releasing devices and superovulated with eCG

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. e04SC01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan F. Aller ◽  
Marcos C. Abalos ◽  
Francisco A. Acuña ◽  
Rosana Virgili ◽  
Francisco Requena ◽  
...  

<p>The objectives of this study were to compare the effects of two intravaginal devices (ID) containing the same dose (0.5 g) of progesterone (P<sub>4</sub>) on subsequent ovarian response, embryo production and circulating P<sub>4</sub> concentration profile in llamas (<em>Lama glama</em>) treated with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) for ovarian superstimulation. Female llamas were randomly assigned (n = 10 llamas per group) to one of the following groups and treated (Day 0) with an ID containing 0.5 g of vegetal P<sub>4</sub> to synchronize the emergence of a new follicular wave: i) DIB 0.5<sup>®</sup> and ii) Cronipres M15<sup>®</sup>. On Day 3 llamas were intramuscularly treated with 1000 IU of eCG. The IDs were removed on Day 7. Llamas were naturally mated (Day 9) and treated with GnRH analogue to induce ovulation. A second mating was allowed 24 h later. Embryos were collected between 7 and 8 days after the first mating. Blood samples were taken every day from Day 0 to Day 7 to measure circulating P<sub>4 </sub>concentrations. The results indicated that DIB device maintained greater plasma P<sub>4</sub> levels as compared to Cronipres until Day 2. However, the mean (± SD) number of corpora lutea and recovered embryos was not affected (<em>p </em>&lt; 0.05) by the type of ID (5.3 ± 2.6 <em>vs</em> 4.2 ± 2.2 and 3.5 ± 2.7 <em>vs</em> 2.6 ± 3.0 for DIB and Cronipres, respectively). In conclusion, both DIB and Cronipres devices can be successfully used to synchronize the emergence of follicular wave prior to a single dose of eCG in superovulation protocol in llamas.</p>

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Ghosh ◽  
MRI Talukder ◽  
PK Jha ◽  
MGS Alam ◽  
NS Juyena ◽  
...  

The effects of PMSG on superovulation, quality of embryos, and pregnancy rate were studied following transfer of vitrified embryos into indigenous ewes. Three donor and nine recipient ewes were synchronized using two intramuscular doses of Cloprostenol (PGF2α) equivalent to 125 μg Prostaglandin F2α (Ovoprost® Bayer, New Zealand) at an interval of nine days. To ensure ovulation donor and recipient ewes were treated with 600 iu and 250 iu Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin (PMSG; Folligon®, Intervet, Boxmeer, The Netherlands) at the time of 2nd injection of Prostaglandin F2α. All donor ewes were mated by fertile rams. Embryos were collected from donor ewes on day six after mating by inguinal laparotomy. Grade 1 embryos were vitrified using standard procedure. After thawing the embryos were transferred into the exteriorized uterine horn of the recipient by inguinal laparotomy. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by trans-abdominal ultrasonography on Day 40 of transfer. Oestrus occurred 31.3 ± 8.1 hours after second injection of prostaglandin and 32.6 ± 8.7 hours in recipients. Oestrus lasted 24.7 ± 9.9 hours in donors and 32.8 ± 12.8 hours in recipients. The mean numbers of corpora lutea and embryos of donor ewes were 11.7 ± 4.0 and 8 ± 2.6, respectively. Total embryo recovery rate of donor ewes was 68.6%. The mean values of qualities of embryo yield of donor ewes were 6 ± 1.7 grade 1, 0.3 ± 0.6 grade 2, 1.3 ± 1.2 grade 3, and 0.3 ± 0.6 grade 4. Twenty embryos were vitrified, 16 embryos were transferred and four recipient ewes were found pregnant. The pregnancy rate of recipient ewes was 44.4%.Bangl. vet. 2017. Vol. 34, No. 1, 27-33


1976 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. RAJAMAHENDRAN ◽  
P. C. LAGUË ◽  
R. D. BAKER

Progesterone levels were estimated by radioimmunoassay in blood samples obtained by venipuncture on the day of estrus and every alternate day until the onset of the next estrus in eight cycling dairy heifers. The mean level of progesterone was < 1 ng/ml during the first 2 days of the cycle, increased rapidly over the 4th–12th day period and reached a peak level value of 5.2 ± 1.1 ng/ml on day 14. Thereafter, the level declined rapidly to 2.6 ± 0.6 ng/ml on day 16 and then more gradually to 0.4 ± 0.1 ng/ml on day 21. In the second experiment, eight cycling heifers at diestrus were treated with gonadotrophin (2,000 IU PMSG or 1,000 IU PMSG + 1,000 IU HCG) followed 48 h later by 15 mg prostaglandin (PGF2α). Mid-ventral laparotomies were performed 4 days after the onset of estrus to observe ovarian activity. Progesterone levels were considerably higher in some animals and were slightly higher on the average after gonadotrophin treatments. The number of corpora lutea (CL) in these heifers ranged from 1 to 17. Progesterone levels of three heifers with 4–9 CL did not differ (P > 0.05) from those of three heifers with single CL. Two heifers each with 17 CL had peak progesterone levels of 38.4 and 27.8 ng/ml which were still high (9.6 and 26.5 ng/ml) by day 21. The remaining six heifers had low progesterone levels (< 1 ng/ml) by days 8–14, indicating premature regression of the CL. Thus, progesterone levels were not correlated with the number of CL.


2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 243 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Masdeu ◽  
R. M. García-García ◽  
P. Millán ◽  
L. Revuelta ◽  
O. G. Sakr ◽  
...  

The presence of an ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) in the seminal plasma (SP) of several species with spontaneous and induced ovulation, included the rabbit, has been documented. The biochemical identity of OIF in SP remains unknown, but it seems that OIF is a protein (Ratto et al. 2011 Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol. 9, 24). The aim of this study was to determine if the protein present in the rabbit SP could induce ovulation in a dose manner and provoke changes in plasma hormone concentrations [LH and progesterone (P4)]. Semen was collected from 12 male rabbits using an artificial vagina, pooled, centrifugated at 3000g for 30 min twice and analysed by Bradford method to determine protein concentration that was 7 mg protein mL–1 of SP. After storage at –80°C, the SP was lyophilized for use at different concentrations. Twenty-four females were synchronized with an i.m. injection of 25 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin and randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 6). Forty-eight hours later (day 0) they were given a single i.m. dose of 1) 1 mL of saline solution (SS; negative control), 2) 20 µg of gonadorelin (GnRH; positive control), 3) 1 mL of lyophilized SP diluted in SS containing 7 mg of protein (SP7), 4) 1 mL of lyophilized SP diluted in SS containing 14 mg of protein (SP14). Blood samples for LH measurement were taken every 30 min from 30 min before injection to 2 h after treatment. Blood samples for P4 measurement were taken every 2 days from Day 0 to Day 6. Hormone determinations were made by enzyme immunoassay. Ovulation rate (OR), number of corpora lutea (CL), follicles higher than 1 mm, and total number of hemorrhagic follicles were determined after euthanasia on Day 7. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. The OR was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in GnRH than in SS, SP7, and SP14 groups (OR: 100, 0, 0, and 8.3%, respectively). Total number of CL counted in does that ovulated in GnRH and SP14 groups was not different (13.7 ± 0.8 and 9 ± 0.0 CL, respectively; P < 0.0001). No statistical differences were observed between groups on the number of follicles higher than 1 mm (GnRH: 17 ± 2.4; SS: 15 ± 1.6; SP7: 11.7 ± 2.6; SP14: 14.8 ± 0.9) and anovulatory hemorrhagic follicles (GnRH: 2.3 ± 0.9; SS: 0.2 ± 0.2; PS: 1.7 ± 0.8; PS 14: 1.7 ± 1.5). Treatment was followed by a surge in plasma LH concentration beginning 30 min after treatment to 120 min in GnRH group ranging ~75 ng mL–1, whereas in the other groups it remained at basal levels (around 20 ng mL–1; P < 0.0001). Plasma P4 concentrations were significantly increased from Day 2 to 6 (4.7 ± 0.7 to 22.3 ± 3.7 ng mL–1; P < 0.0001) only in rabbits treated with GnRH. Plasma P4 concentrations did not vary throughout the experimental period in all OIF-treated rabbits. The present study failed to demonstrate the effect of 3 different dosages of OIF of the rabbit SP on induction of ovulation. More studies are necessary to elucidate if rabbit SP could induce ovulation in rabbit females. We acknowledge CM and MEC for funding.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
C. Brochado ◽  
B. J. Duran ◽  
J. C. L. Motta ◽  
J. D. Kieffer ◽  
A. Pinczak ◽  
...  

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of length of the FSH superstimulatory treatment on ovarian response and embryo production in sheep. Poll Dorset ewes (n=63) 3.2±0.2 years old weighing 58.5±1.5kg and with a body condition score of 2.7±0.1 (0=emaciated; 5=obese) were used during the transition from the breeding to the non-breeding season. All ewes received an ovarian superstimulatory treatment during the first follicular wave (Day 0 protocol). On Day −9 all ewes received a 0.3-g progesterone intravaginal device (CIDR, Zoetis) for 6 days. On Day −3, the CIDR was removed and all ewes were administered 125μg of cloprostenol sodium intramuscularly (IM) (PGF, estroPLAN, Parnell) and 200IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG)+100IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) IM (P.G. 600, Merck). Thirty-six hours after CIDR removal (Day −1.5) ewes were administered 100μg of gonadorelin acetate IM (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, GnRH; Gonabreed, Parnell). Superstimulatory treatments were initiated on Day 0 (84 h after CIDR removal) with a total of 240mg of NIH-FSH-P1 (12 mL, Folltropin, Vetoquinol), and a new CIDR was used from the first to the last FSH dose (6-dose=3 days; 8-dose=4 days). Ewes were randomised to receive the total dose of FSH distributed in eight decreasing doses (8-dose group, n=33) or six decreasing doses (6-dose group, n=30) twice daily 12h apart. Two doses of PGF were administered with the last two doses of FSH, and GnRH was administered 12h after the last FSH administration. Intrauterine AI with fresh semen was performed by laparoscopy 16h after GnRH administration. Ovarian response was determined by laparoscopy 6 days after AI and ova/embryos were collected surgically in ewes with &gt;2 corpora lutea (CL). Data were analysed using generalized linear mixed models (SAS 9.4; SAS Institute Inc.) and presented as mean±s.e.m. in Table 1. The percentage of responding donors (&gt;2 CL) was 93.3% (28/30) and 78.8% (26/33; P=0.5) for the 6-dose and 8-dose groups, respectively. The number of CL tended (P=0.06) to be lesser in ewes in the 6-dose than the 8-dose group. However, no differences (P&gt;0.10) were found in total ova/embryo, fertilized ova, transferable embryos, or freezable embryos. In conclusion, despite a tendency for a greater ovarian response in ewes treated with 8 doses of FSH, embryo yield did not appear to differ after either 6 or 8 doses of FSH administered during the first follicular wave in sheep. Table 1. Ovulatory response and embryo production in responding ewes (&gt;2 corpora lutea) superstimulated with either 6 or 8 doses of FSH during the first follicular wave Outcome Treatment P-value 6-dose 8-dose Number of ewes 28 26 Corpora lutea (n) 14.2±1.7 20.3±2.8 0.06 Total ova/embryos (n) 9.0±1.3 10.9±1.8 0.38 Fertilized ova (n) 8.1±1.4 10.2±1.9 0.34 Fertilized ova (% per ewe) 89.0±5.0 81.7±7.0 0.40 Degenerate embryos 1.3±0.4 2.0±0.8 0.89 Transferable embryos (Grade 1–3) 6.8±1.2 8.2±1.8 0.52 Transferable embryos (% per ewe) 85.7±4.4 75.4±8.4 0.46 Freezable embryos (Grade 1–2) 6.6±1.1 8.2±1.8 0.43 Freezable embryos (% per ewe) 80.5±5.6 75.4±8.4 0.61


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 228
Author(s):  
M. E. F. Oliveira ◽  
C. C. D'Amato ◽  
L. G. Oliveira ◽  
S. D. Bicudo ◽  
J. F. Fonseca ◽  
...  

This study was designed to investigate if the superovulatory response and embryo yield in Santa Ines ewes are influenced by the time that FSH treatments are inititiated: near the emergence of the first or last follicular wave of a progesterone-based (P4) protocol. Days of emergence of the follicular waves was defined in a previous study that evaluated follicular dynamics in oestrus synchronization treatments (Oliveira et al. 2011 Acta Sci. Vet. 40). Twenty Santa Ines cyclic ewes were submitted to 2 superovulatory protocols according to the time that FSH treatments were initiated (G-first wave, n = 10 and G-last wave, n = 10). Thus, the FSH treatment started on Day 4 and 10 of protocol for G-first and G-last, respectively (Day 0 = onset of protocol). Ewes were treated with a P4 device (CIDR®; Pfizer-New Zealand) for 6 and 12 days for G-first and G-last, respectively. Additionally, in G-last, the CIDR was replaced by a new one on Day 7. All ewes received 2 injections of 37.5 μg of D-cloprostenol (Prolise®, Arsa-Argentina) on Day 0 and at CIDR removal. The superovulatory regimen consisted of 8 IM injections of pFSH (Folltropin®; Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) administrated twice daily (40, 40, 30, 30, 20, 20, 10 and 10 mg of porcine FSH). A single IM dose of 200 IU of eCG (Novormon®, Syntex, Buenos Aires, Argentina) was given concurrently with CIDR removal. Ewes were mated by a fertile ram. Embryo collections were accomplished 7 days after CIDR removal. The superovulatory response was classified in scores: (0) 4 or fewer corpora lutea (CL); (1) between 5 and 10 CL and (2) 11 or more CL. Means (± SD) were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test and percentages using Chi-square (P < 0.05). Most donors (70%, 7/10) from G-last had a superovulatory response classified as score 2 and the remainder (30%, 3/10) as score 1, whereas half of ewes from G-first were classified as score 2 and half as score 1 (P > 0.05).There was no effect between treatments (P > 0.05) for ovulation rate (G-first: 90.7 ± 10.2% vs G-last: 93.0 ± 7.2%), number of ovulations (G-first: 13.1 ± 7.3 vs G-last: 14.0 ± 5.8), or number of luteinized unovulated follicles (G-first: 1.4 ± 1.3 vs G-last: 0.9 ± 1.0). Furthermore, there was no effect between G-first and G-last (P > 0.05) in the rate of ova/embryos recovered (55.1 ± 27.1% vs 67.0 ± 19.4%), mean number of ova/embryos recovered (7.0 ± 5.5 vs 9.1 ± 3.8), number of viable embryos (3.9 ± 6.1 vs 5.7 ± 4.4), or viability rate (49.1 ± 43.7 vs 58.5 ± 34.6). In conclusion, superovulatory response and embryo yield did not differ between FSH treatments initiated during the first or last follicular wave of a progesterone-based treatment in Santa Ines ewes. Financial support of FAPESP is acknowledged.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 366
Author(s):  
B. D. M. Silva ◽  
T. A. S. N. Silva ◽  
L. Dalcin ◽  
C. M. Lucci ◽  
J. P. Neves

Superovulation in ewes has been a source of many studies aimed at obtaining high superovulatory response and number of viable embryos recovered. In a protocol called Day 0, superovulatory treatment was initiated at the time of wave emergence in the absence of a dominant follicle (Menchaca A et al. 2002 Theriogenology 58, 1713-1721). The aim of this study was to compare ovarian response and number of embryos recovered after treatment between ewes treated with a Day 0 protocol and those treated with a traditional protocol. Santa InÊs ewes (n= 18) between 2 and 5 years old were randomly distributed into 2 superovulation treatment groups: traditional protocol and Day 0 protocol. Each treatment was repeated twice in a crossover model. The traditional protocol consisted of the intravaginal insertion of a sponge containing 60 mg of medroxiprogesterone acetate (MAP; Progespon®, Tecnopec, São Paulo, Brazil) for 14 days, which was replaced on Day 7, followed by 150 μg of cloprostenol (Prolise®, Tecnopec) i.m. On Day 12, FSH (Folltropin®-V, Bioniche, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) treatment was initiated using a total dose of 200 mg, given in twice-daily i.m. injections that decreased in dose over 4 days. A dose of 200 IU of eCG (Novormon®, Syntex, Buenos Aires, Argentina) i.m. was given at the time of sponge withdrawal. The AI was done by laparoscopy at 48 and 55 h after sponge withdrawal using fresh semen. The Day 0 protocol consisted of a previous 9-day synchronization treatment with a sponge containing 60 mg of MAP, followed by 150 μ of cloprostenol i.m. and 200 IU of eCG i.m. given on Day 7. A dose of 0.05 mg of GnRH (lecirelin; Gestran Plus®, Tecnopec) i.m. was given 16 h after sponge withdrawal. In a preliminary study, 38 ewes ovulated 42 ± 52 h after sponge withdrawal. Therefore, 48 h after sponge removal was considered as Day 0 and FSH treatment was initiated at that time, with a total dose of 200 mg of Folltropin®-V, given in 6 twice-daily decreasing doses. Two doses of cloprostenol (150 μg) were given i.m. concurrent with the fifth and sixth FSH treatments. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (0.05 mg of lecirelin i.m.) was given 12 h after the last FSH treatment. Artificial insemination with fresh semen was done by laparoscopy 16 and 26 h after GnRH treatment. Five days after AI, embryos were recovered surgically. Results were evaluated by the parametric t-test. The number of corpora lutea and ova/embryos recovered did not differ (P > 0.05) between the traditional (9.8 ± 5.3; 4.5 ± 4.6) and Day 0 (10.0 ± 6.0; 3.5 ± 4.3) protocols. Similarly, no difference in the number of viable embryos was observed between treatments (1.6 ± 2.0 and 1.7 ± 2.4 for the traditional and Day 0 treatments, respectively). Within viable embryos, the traditional protocol (0.4 ± 1.0) resulted in ahigher (P < 0.05) number of morulae than that of the Day 0 protocol (0.1 ± 0.3). The ewes that had no superovulatory response did not differ (P > 0.05) between the traditional (11.11%) and Day 0 (5.56%) protocols. In summary, there was no difference in the parameters evaluated between both protocols. Financial support: FAPDF, CNPq, Tecnopec.


1991 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 551 ◽  
Author(s):  
JP Ryan ◽  
JR Hunton ◽  
WM Maxwell

In a factorially designed experiment (N = 321), 0, 800 or 1600 I.U. pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) were administered in combination with 0, 12 or 18 mg follicle stimulating hormone (FSH-P) to superovulate Merino ewes in autumn and spring. A moderate dose of PMSG (800 I.U.) in conjunction with 12 or 18 mg FSH-P increased the ovulation rate above that observed when FSH-P was used alone. This was accomplished by (i) increasing the proportion of ewes that exhibited a superovulatory response (greater than 3 corpora lutea (CL) or persistent large follicles (LF): 69/70 (99%) v. 55/74 (74%), P less than 0.001), and (ii) in those ewes that exhibited a superovulatory response, by an additive effect of exogenous gonadotrophin (14.8 +/- 0.9 CL (69) v. 11.3 +/- 0.9 CL (55), P less than 0.01) without increasing the incidence of LF. The use of 1600 I.U. PMSG in conjunction with 12 or 18 mg FSH-P was characterized by an increase in the number of LF and, in comparison with 800 I.U. PMSG, a reduction in ovulation rate. Season had no effect on the numbers of CL, but total ovarian response (CL + LF) was higher in autumn than in spring (P less than 0.01), because of a greater incidence of LF (P less than 0.001). The proportion of ewes with regressed CL was higher in autumn than in spring (53/143 (37%) v. 32/156 (21%), P less than 0.01), and increased with increased dose of gonadotrophin. Furthermore, a nutritional component to the incidence of ewes with regressed CL was suggested by the observation that the mean concentration of plasma glucose was higher for ewes with normal CL than for ewes with regressed CL (P less than 0.05). Rates of ova or embryo recovery, fertilization and embryo development generally declined with an increase in the incidence of LF as a result of increases in the dose of gonadotrophin and season of administration.


2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 306
Author(s):  
M. E. F. Oliveira ◽  
C. C. D'Amato ◽  
C. S. Oliveira ◽  
F. F. P. C. Barros ◽  
A. P. Perini ◽  
...  

This study was designed to investigate if the time of onset of FSH treatment [near the emergence of first or last follicular wave on progesterone (P4) protocol] influenced the superovulatory response and embryo yield in Santa Ines ewes during breeding season. Days of emergence of the follicular waves were defined in a previous study that evaluated the follicular dynamic in oestrus synchronization treatments (Oliveira et al. 2011 Acta Sci. Vet. 40). We observed emergence of the first and last follicular wave on 5.69 ± 0.42 and 11.25 ± 0.39 days of protocol, respectively. Twenty Santa Ines ewes were submitted to 2 superovulatory protocols according to the time that FSH treatments were initiated (G-first wave, n = 10; G-last wave, n = 10). On Day 0, all ewes received a P4 device (CIDR®; Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY, USA) and injection of 37.5 µg of d-cloprostenol, IM. The FSH treatments started on Day 6 and Day 11 of protocol for G-first and G-last, respectively. The superovulatory regimen consisted of 8 IM injections of pFSH administrated twice daily (40, 40, 30, 30, 20, 20, 10, and 10 mg of pFSH). The P4 device was removed on Day 8 and Day 13 for G-first and G-last, respectively. At these times, all ewes received another injection of 37.5 µg of d-cloprostenol and a dose of 200 IU of eCG. During 4 days after the P4 device removal, ewes were mated by a fertile ram. Embryo collections were accomplished 7 days after CIDR withdrawal. The ovaries were evaluated by ultrasonography (3 times daily, during the mating period) and laparotomy (concomitantly with embryo collection). The superovulatory response was observed by classified by score: 0 = 4 or fewer corpora lutea (CL); 1 = between 5 and 10 CL; and 2 = 11 or more CL. Data were analysed by GLIMMIX using SAS software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). All donors from G-first had superovulatory response classified as score 2, whereas 60% of ewes from G-last were classified as score 2, 20% as score 1, and 20% as score 0 (P < 0.05). There were effects between treatments (P < 0.05) for ovulation rate (G-first: 97.9 ± 1.4% v. G-last: 88.5 ± 4.4%) and number of ovulations (G-first: 17.0 ± 2.3 v. G-last: 12.5 ± 2.6). The numbers of luteinized unovulated follicles were 0.7 ± 0.5 for G-first and 1.2 ± 0.4 for G-last (P > 0.05). There was no difference between G-first and G-last (P > 0.05) in the rate of ova/embryos recovered (54.9 ± 5.7% v. 49.3 ± 8.5%), mean number of ova/embryos recovered (9.0 ± 1.4 v. 6.3 ± 1.1), number of viable embryos (3.8 ± 1.5 v. 3.4 ± 0.8), or viability rate (40.3 ± 10.8 v. 53.4 ± 12.1). In conclusion, the FSH treatment started near the emergence of the first follicular wave of progesterone protocol in Santa Ines ewes during the breeding season resulted in a higher superovulatory response than that started near the last follicular wave; however, no improvements in embryo yield were observed. Financial support: FAPESP.


2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
O. I. Azawi, and M. K. M. A. Al-Mola

The present study was undertaken to investigate the contribution of laparoscopic insemination to the improvement of fertilization and embryo recovery. The experiment was conducted in the breeding season. Twelve nonpregnant and cycling Awassi ewes of 3-4 years of age were randomly allocated in equal number (n = 6) to two groups. Each ewe was treated with progesterone impregnated intravaginal sponge for 12 days. All ewes were superovulated with eCG (equine chorionic gonadotropin) 1200 IU once by intramuscular injection 48 h prior to sponge removal. Ewes of group 1 were mated naturally at least two times with Awassi rams of proven fertility. Ewes of group 2 had intrauterine insemination and were conducted 44-46 h after sponge removal, under laparoscopic visualization of uterine horns, depositing 1 ml of semen in the distal portion of each uterine horn. Ovarian response was assessed by determining the number of corpora lutea by laparoscopy on day 6 after mating. Embryo recovery was performed by semi-laparoscopic and by flushing of both uterine horns. Results of the present study revealed a high number of unfertilized ova (P<0.05) was observed in ewes when naturally inseminated than ewes inseminated intrauterine using the laparoscopic technique. The higher rate of embryo recovery (P<0.05) was achieved when ewes inseminated via intrauterine (4.66 ± 0.66) than ewes naturally mated (2.16 ± 0.74). The fertilization rate in ewes inseminated intrauterine using laparoscopic techniques and naturally mated were 79.93% and 40.07%, respectively. Fertilization failure in ewes inseminated intrauterine using laparoscopic techniques and naturally mated were 7.37% and 49.35%, respectively. It could be concluded that the use of eCG to induce superovulation in Awassi ewes combined with laparoscopic intrauterine insemination can increase the fertilization rate.


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