Research Article Open Access

The Effects of Short or Long Term FGA Treatment with or without eCG on Reproductive Performance of Ewes Bred Out-of-season

Mustafa Q. Husein1, Mohammed M. Ababneh1 and Dia S. Abu-Ruman1
  • 1 Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the effects of intravaginal FGA sponges inserted for 4 or 12 days with or without eCG on reproductive performance of ewes out-of-season. Forty-eight anestrous ewes were assigned in equal numbers to four treatments in a 2x2 factorial design. Ewes were administered with FGA sponges on May 17 for 12 days (12-day-FGA-eCG and 12-day-FGA groups, n= 12 each) and on May 25 for 4 days (4-day-FGA-eCG and 4-day-FGA groups, n= 12 each). All treatments were timed to end together on May 29 (day 0, 0 h) at which time sponges were withdrawn and eCG or saline was injected. Five fertile rams which had been isolated from ewes were joined at 0 h for breeding and estrus detection. Blood samples were collected to compare progesterone (P4) concentrations and for pregnancy diagnosis. Overall estrus expression occurred in 40/48 ewes which differed only between 12-day-FGA-eCG and 4-day-FGA (p<0.05) groups. Intervals from 0 h to onset of estrus were shorter (p<0.05) in 12-day-FGA-eCG than those in 12-day-FGA and 4-day-FGA groups with no differences between 12-day-FGA-eCG and 4-day-FGA-eCG or between 12-day-FGA and 4-day-FGA groups. Progesterone levels were basal from day -12 through day 4 (p>0.1) and increased gradually thereafter until day 15. Progesterone remained elevated through day 19 in 11/12, 8/12, 9/12 and 6/12 ewes, respectively, which were diagnosed pregnant on day 30 by ultrasonography. Of the 34 ewes that became pregnant, 31 lambed 150 days following day 0. Pregnancy loss occurred only in 3 ewes from the two groups that did not have eCG treatment No differences in pregnancy and lambing rates and the number of lambs born were found between 12-day-FGA-eCG and 4-day-FGA eCG. The overall pregnancy and lambing rates obtained from mating at first service were 70.8 and 64.6%, respectively. In conclusion, the 4-day-FGA and eCG regimen could adequately replace the 12-day-FGA out-of-season. Application of such a 4-day-FGA protocol must be accompanied by eCG treatment upon sponge removal.

American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Volume 2 No. 1, 2007, 23-28

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajavsp.2007.23.28

Submitted On: 11 April 2007 Published On: 31 March 2007

How to Cite: Husein, M. Q., Ababneh, M. M. & Abu-Ruman, D. S. (2007). The Effects of Short or Long Term FGA Treatment with or without eCG on Reproductive Performance of Ewes Bred Out-of-season. American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 2(1), 23-28. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajavsp.2007.23.28

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Keywords

  • Awassi ewes
  • FGA sponges
  • eCG
  • Out-of-season