Superovulation and embryo transfer in the dairy goat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Animal Reproduction

Background:

• Superovulation is crucial for efficient embryo production in livestock.
• Hormonal treatments are used to stimulate multiple ovulations in dairy goats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) for superovulation in dairy goats.
• To assess embryo yield and subsequent pregnancy rates following embryo transfer.

Main Methods:

• Estrus regulation in 18 dairy goats using progesterone-impregnated vaginal pessaries.
• Superovulation induction with FSH (n=12) or PMSG (n=6) on days 16-18.
• Estrus induction via progesterone withdrawal, mating, and embryo recovery on day 4 post-mating.
• Embryo transfer of FSH-derived embryos to synchronized recipients.

Main Results:

• FSH superovulation yielded significantly more embryos (17 ± 2) than PMSG (2 ± 2) (P < 0.001).
• Thirty-six embryos from FSH donors were transferred to 14 recipients.
• Pregnancy rate was 78% (11/14 recipients), resulting in 21 kids from 40 transferred embryos (70% overall efficiency).

Conclusions:

• FSH is a superior gonadotropin for superovulation in dairy goats compared to PMSG.
• This protocol demonstrates high efficiency for embryo production and transfer in dairy goats, enhancing reproductive potential.