Ovulation Induction in Anestrous Hampshire Ewes Using Short-Term Progesterone Protocols
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14409/favet.2025.1.e0051Keywords:
induction, ovulation, progesterone, ovine, eweAbstract
Ovulation Induction in Anestrous Hampshire Ewes Using Short-Term Progesterone Protocols. The objective of the study was to evaluate the use of intramuscular progesterone to induce ovulation in Hampshire Down Down ewes during anestrus. Twelve multiparous ewes were used, divided into two groups and assigned to one of the treatments. Treatment 1 (T1) received 0.3 g of progesterone in an intravaginal device (ICDR) for 12 days, while treatment 2 (T2) received 25 mg of intramuscular progesterone for 3 days. At the end of both treatments, 500 IU of intramuscular eCG was administered. Serum progesterone concentration was measured by ELISA, estrus presentation and duration were determined with the presence of a ram. Fertility was assessed by ultrasound at 50 days post-mounting. There were no significant differences in progesterone concentration (P > 0.05). Estrus occurred on average at 36 hours at T1 and 72 hours at T2. The gestation rate was 83.3% in both treatments, with no difference between treatments. Under the conditions of the present study, it is concluded that short-term intramuscular administration of P4 combined with eCG represents a viable alternative for inducing ovulation in Hampshire ewes.
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