Effect of some hormonal treatments on twinning rate and hormone pattern in ewes

Abstract

1- Ewes’ body weights were non significantly influenced by the treatments, since the schedule of single injections reduced body weight than giving 6 injections. Also, human FSH reduced maternal body weight, but porcine FSH increased ewe’s body weight by similar percentage (5%). 2- Apart from FSH source, when FSH was given in a single dose it caused higher percentages of estrous display, however when FSH was given in a series of 6 injections it reduced this percentage. Overall, giving gonadotropin (FSH) increased percentage of ewes exhibited estrous than control. 3- As far as the CIDR-estrus interval (hr.), there found positive effect due to human and porcine FSH on the shortening of this interval. Due the high specificity and potency of the recombinant human FSH, its effect to shorten this interval was obvious. However, the less purity of the pituitary extract of porcine FSH did not show similar reduction in this interval when it was given in a single dose; rather it resembles its human FSH when they were administered in six injections. 4- As it has been expected there was a significant increase in number of ovarian follicles by treatment (either h or p FSH). The largest follicle diameter was found when human FSH was given in 6 injections.