Vol. 9, Issue 6 (2020)

Author(s):
Anil Kumar Pandey, Utsav Sharma, Anil Kumar Kaul, Sudhir Kumar, Nishi Pande and SEH Andrabi

Abstract:
The effectiveness of FSH (Folltropin-V) in two different doses (80 mg and 100 mg) with or without use of hCG was assessed on achieving superovulation and embryo production in sheep under sub-tropical climate of India. During the breeding season, 39 crossbred ewes were synchronized using progesterone impregnated intravaginal sponges kept in situ for 12 days. Superovulation treatment was given in two groups (80 mg FSH and 100 mg FSH) in six tapering dose schedule. Each group was subdivided in two groups, without hCG treatment or with hCG treatment 24hrs after removal of progesterone implant, thus making four treatment groups. The ewes were observed for estrus every 4h, on the 5th day following estrus ovarian response was evaluated using rigid laparoscope and ewes showing superovulation response were subjected to embryo collection using retrograde flushing of uterine horns after catheterization of the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube. No differences were found among the treatment groups in incidence of estrus and percentage of ewes showing superovulatory response. Treatment with hCG improved percent ovulation and fertilization percentage in superovulating ewes at higher dose of FSH (100 mg). Although additional treatment with hCG improved total ovarian response and percent ovulations, the mean number of viable embryos and number of unfertilized ova remained statistically unaffected. It is concluded that the FSH (folltropin-V) at 80 mg in six reducing dose schedule is suitable and economical for superovulation in ewes.