A study on superovulation using FSH and eCG in Awassi ewes.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Animal science
• Veterinary medicine

Background:

• Superovulation is crucial for efficient breeding programs in sheep.
• Hormonal treatments, including eCG and FSH, are commonly used to induce superovulation.
• Awassi ewes are a significant dairy breed, making optimized breeding protocols important.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for superovulation in Awassi ewes.
• To evaluate the impact of the breeding season on superovulatory treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Awassi ewes were treated with either eCG or FSH to induce superovulation.
• The number of ovulated follicles and other reproductive parameters were assessed.
• Treatments were administered during both breeding and non-breeding seasons.

Main Results:

• A significantly higher number of unovulated follicles were observed in ewes treated with eCG during the non-breeding season (P < 0.05).
• FSH treatment demonstrated superior superovulatory response compared to eCG in Awassi ewes.
• Seasonal effects influenced the efficacy of eCG treatment.

Conclusions:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a more effective agent for inducing superovulation in Awassi ewes than equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG).
• The findings suggest that FSH should be preferred for superovulatory treatments in Awassi ewes, particularly outside the optimal breeding season.