Sustained-release deslorelin acetate implants disrupt oestrous cyclicity in the mare

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Equine Medicine

Background:

• Effective oestrus suppression in mares is needed.
• Deslorelin acetate is a GnRH agonist with potential for reproductive control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate ovarian activity and oestrus cyclicity in mares treated with deslorelin acetate implants.
• To assess the efficacy of different doses of deslorelin acetate for oestrus suppression.

Main Methods:

• Mares received one or three deslorelin acetate implants (9.4mg or 28.2mg) or a blank implant.
• Ovarian activity was monitored via weekly blood sampling for progesterone and reproductive tract ultrasonography for 12 weeks.
• Mares were synchronized before treatment and monitored for oestrous cyclicity.

Main Results:

• 87.5% of treated mares exhibited atypical oestrous cyclicity.
• Some mares showed sustained progesterone elevation, while others had erratic cycles.
• Control mares displayed normal oestrous cyclicity.

Conclusions:

• Deslorelin acetate disrupts normal oestrous cyclicity in mares.
• Further investigation is required to establish deslorelin acetate as a safe and practical method for oestrus suppression in mares.