Vol. 12, Issue 2 (2023)

Author(s):
Pujara Surappa, Narasimhamurthy, Annayappa Sahadev, Renukaradhya Gudedpalya Jayanna, Shankarappa Bajanthri, Veena Malavalli Puttaiah, Rashmi Rajashekar, Guelal Sudha and Rashmi Srinivas

Abstract:
The study was conducted to compare the efficacy of non-steroidal (Letrozole) and steroidal (Avikesil- S®) drugs in estrus synchronization combined with PGF2α in local ewes. A total of 24 apparently healthy non pregnant ewes were randomly allotted into two groups with 12 each. Ewes in Group I and Group II were inserted with intravaginal Letrozole sponges and Avikesil-S sponges, respectively for seven days and were injected (i.m) with 125 μg of PGF2ɑ at the time of sponge removal. Two proven ram were used for estrus detection and also for mating. The bred ewes were subjected for pregnancy diagnosis on day 30 post mating by ultrasonagraphy. Sponge retention rate was 100% in both the study groups with estrus response rate of 83.33%. The interval to estrus in Group I (89.4±2.24 h) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than in Group II (45.59±1.57 h). The duration of estrus between Group I (34.85±1.83 h) and Group II (34.7±1.31 h) did not differ significantly. The conception rate recorded was higher (70.00%) in Group I compared to Group II (50.00%). It was concluded that the Letrozole sponges are as effective as Avikesil-S sponges in estrus synchronization with better conception rate in local sheep.