Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/25.1.4116
Estrus synchronization protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) during non-breeding season in ewes
Alexandru Marius DEAC
; Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj- Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Doru POP
; USAMV Experimental Didactic Station, Hoia, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine ClujNapoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Marius Gavril AIPĂTIOAIE
; Agricultural Research and Development Station Turda, Agriculture Street No. 27, 401100 Turda, Romania
Adriana Sebastiana MUSCĂ
; Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj- Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Ștefania Dana MESEȘAN
; Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj- Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Ileana MICLEA
; Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj- Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Ioan LADOȘI
orcid.org/0000-0002-5522-893X
; Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj- Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
*
Marius ZĂHAN
; Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj- Napoca, Calea Mănăștur Street No. 3–5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This study aimed to compare three protocols used for induction and estrus synchronization followed by fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) during the non-breeding season in anestrous Cluj Merino ewes. Estrus was synchronized in 80 healthy multiparous ewes using intravaginal sponges containing 20mg of fluorogestone acetate (FGA) for 14 days. Ewes were previously divided into three groups. At the time of sponge removal, ewes in groups II and III received a dose of 500 IU eCG, while those in Group I received a half dose, respectively 250 IU eCG, followed by the administration of 50 µg of GnRH 30 hours later. Ewes from Group III were previously implanted with subcutaneous mini-implants of melatonin, 20 days before progesterone (P4) treatment. We could not find significant differences in terms of reproductive performances between Group I and Group II, with results showing that Group I had a conception rate of 47.05%, which is lower than that of Group II (56.52%). However, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) between melatoninsupplemented Group III and Group I (63.33% vs. 47.05%). Thus, the potential substitution of eCG with GnRH still needs to be optimized, while supplementation with melatonin can increase the conception rate during the non-breeding season in anestrous ewes.
Keywords
estrus synchronization; non-breeding season; melatonin; FGA; GnRH; eCG
Hrčak ID:
315462
URI
Publication date:
25.3.2024.
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