Effect of type of intravaginal progestagen on the outcome of fixed-time artificial insemination

Abstract

It is now possible to synchronize the cycle of ewes at all times of the year (Gordon, 1975). Conception rates approaching those obtained following natural service have been reported following double (Colas & Brice, 1970; Colas et al. 1973; Barlow, Pryce-Jones & Reed, 1974; Gordon, 1975) or single (Smith, Boland & Gordon, 1978) set-time inseminations. In France, synchronization of ewes' oestrous cycle is based on the use of a Cronolone pessary (Colas, 1975), while field trials conducted in Britain have used the 60 mg Medroxy progesterone acetate (MAP) sponge (Barlow et al. 1974). Robinson et al. (1967) in an evaluation of different progestagen treatments found MAP to be less predictable than Cronolone. The purpose of the present experiment therefore was to evaluate the use of a 30 mg Cronolone or a 60 mg MAP intravaginal treatment when used in conjunction with fixed-time inseminations. In addition, two dose levels of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) were compared.