Different estrus induction protocols and fixed time artificial insemination during the anoestrous period in non-lactating Kivircik ewes

Abstract

The efficiency of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) sponges or norgestomet ear implants (half or entire) for synchronizing and inducing the estrous cycle in non-lactating Kivircik ewes was investigated during the natural non-breeding period. Ewes were treated for 11 days either with 60 mg MAP sponges (group 1, n=27) or with 1.5 mg norgestomet (group 2, n=25) or with 3 mg norgestomet (group 3, n=27) ear implants. In addition, each ewe received an intramuscular injection of 500 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and 125 µg cloprostenol (PGF2a), 48 h prior to progestagen removal. Double Cervical Artificial Insemination (AI) with diluted fresh semen was performed at a fixed time (36 and 48 h) following progestagen withdrawal. Mean values for estrous detection rates at the first 12 ± 6 h and within 72 h, the time from progestagen removal to the onset of estrous, the duration of the induced estrous and pregnancy rate were found to be 46.8%, 86.1%, 26.1 ± 7.3 h, 27.0 ± 10.7 h and 27.8%, respectively. There were significant differences between groups 2 and 3 in the time of induced estrous onset (P<0.05). These results indicate that, each of the three protocols was equally efficient in inducing and synchronizing estrus in non-lactating Kivircik ewes during the natural non-breeding period.