Responses of Abyssinian Jennies to Treatments with Prostaglandin F₂ alpha

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess the heat induction and side effects of PGF₂ in Abyssinian type jennies. Twenty jennies were used in the study. PGF₂ was administered twice at doses of 44.μg/Kg and 22 μg/Kg body weight, 10 to 20 days apart. Observations on clinical and behavioral abnormalities were done before and after drug administration. Heat detection was assisted by a jackass. All jennies were ataxic and depressed after administration of PGF₂. No apparent differences were observed in the magnitude of the side effects at both dose levels and jennies were in heat (18/20) post drug administration. PGF₂ at 22 μg / Kg body weight could safely be used to induce heat and synchronize estrus in Abyssinian jennies.

Key words: Heat induction, Jennies, Prostaglandin, Side effects