Effect of fluorogestone acetate and eCG on reproductive parameters in lactating Pirlak ewes

Abstract

It was aimed to determine the effect of intravaginal sponges impregnated with different doses of fluorogestone acetate (FGA) on some reproductive parameters in 360 Pirlak ewes at 30-60 days postpartum. The positive control group (n = 130) was treated with 30 mg of FGA for 12 days. On the sponge removal day, 600 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin was injected intramuscularly and rams were joined into flocks 36 h later. Halved intravaginal sponges containing FGA were applied in the experimental group (n = 100) with the same protocol as in the positive control group. The estrous behavior of ewes in the negative control group (n = 130) was followed by joining rams into the flock without any treatment protocol. There was no significant difference in estrus, conception, lambing, single and twining rates, or single and twining rates per lambing between groups. The second estrus rate was 59.5% and 78.3% in the positive control and experimental group, respectively. Total lambing rate following first and second estrus was higher in the experimental group than in the positive control. The ewes in the negative control group did not show estrous behavior during the first or second estrus of other groups. It was concluded that the insertion of halved intravaginal sponges impregnated with 30 mg of FGA could cause more economical estrus synchronization.