Induction of estrus using human menopausal gonadotrophin in Iraqi Awassi ewes

Abstract EN

This study aimed to induce estrus by using Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin (HMG) in Iraqi Awassi Ewes and comparison its action with Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin (PMSG).

The study was carried out between first of June 2018(non or earlier-breeding season) until all ewes lambing in the middle of November 2018.

Sixty Iraqi Awassi ewes aged 2-4 years old and weight 35-45 kg were used in this study.

Ewes were divided randomly into three groups, (20 ewes per each).

All ewes comprised of intra-vaginal sponge impregnated by progesterone for 12 days.

Control ewes (C) were injected intramuscularly with 2ml of sterile saline solution, HMG treatment group (HMG) were injected intramuscularly with 300 IU of HMG hormone while PMSG treatment Group (PMSG) were injected intramuscularly with 500 IU of PMSG at the same day of sponge removal.

Estrus response percentages were 40% (8/20), 85% (17/20), 90% (18/20) in control (which significantly change P<0.05), HMG and PMSG groups, respectively.

Estrus onset time was 71±1.9, 72±1.9, and 71±1.0 hours, respectively, also the data records no significant changes in estrus duration means which were 31±0.5, 31±0.7 and 31.0±0.5 hours, respectively in all groups.

The pregnancy rate was 30% (6/20), 85% (17/20), 90% (18/20), respectively (control group significantly change P<0.05).

The gestational period was 155± 1.4, 155±.1.3 and 155± 1.6 days respectively in all the groups and the twining rate were 1.1±0.3, 1.1±0.1 in both HMG and PMSG groups respectively without significant changes (P<0.05) while control group record no twining data.

The result of this study recorded rise of dystocia and pregnancy toxemia which were higher in the PMSG group when compare with other groups.

We can conclude that using HMG and PMSG hormones show a high rate of successful when they used in estrus synchronization programs but the birth problems need more investigation.