A study on the efficiency of natural and synthetic prostaglandins for estrus synchronization in jennies

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the efficiency of natural and synthetic prostaglandins in estrus synchronization of jennies. In the experiment, jennies were randomly assigned to Lutalyse (n=5) and Estrumate treatment (n= 7) groups. Ovarian follicular activity was determined ultrasonically. Serum was collected for progesterone assay. The days to estrus, days to ovulation, estrus length, size and number distribution of follicles, and size of the preovulatory follicle were recorded to compare ovarian function. The mean (±SD) number of total follicles was 12.9±3.8 for lutalyse and 13.0±0.5 follicles for estrumate treatments. The mean (±SD) days to estrus, days to ovulation, diameter of the preovulatory follicle and the rate of ovulation for lutalyse groups were 2.3±0.5days, 11.0 ±1.2days, 37.4±2.4mm and 80%, respectively. The same parameters for estrumate treatment were 3.9±0.7 days, 39.5±2.7mm, and 100%, respectively. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean size of the dominant follicles between the two groups; estrumate treatment resulted in the largest dominant follicles. Estrumate also produced shorter days to estrus and days to ovulation (p<0.05). In conclusion, both lutalyse and estrumate can be used for estrus synchronization; however, estrumate gives a relatively better response compared with lutalyse for estrus synchronization in jennies.

Key words: estrus synchronization, estrumate, jennies, lutalyse.