IMPACT OF CIDR-PMSG AND MAP SPONGES- PMSG TREATMENT OF REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF EWES WITH ASSESSMENT OF PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATION DURING TREATMENT AND PREGNANCY

Abstract

Abstract

            The aims of present study to estimate the effect of CIDR-PMSG  and MAP sponges- PMSG on reproductive performance of adult ewes and to  evaluate blood progesterone profile during pregnancy as a biomarker for pregnancy detection and litter size determination. Eighteen  multiparous  local cross Iraqi ewes aged between 3-4 years were randomly  divided into three groups (n= 6/ group). In CIDIR treated group (G1), the animals were insertion with the devices impregnated with 300mg of progesterone for 12 days then i/m injection with 400 IU PMSG at devices withdrawal. The MAP sponges group (G2), the animals were insertion with sponges impregnated with 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) for 12 days then i/m injection with 400 IU PMSG at sponges withdrawal, while in third group (G3) control group. The estrus  response was significantly (P˂0.05) higher in the treated groups (G1 and G2), compared to control group (G3) (  100±0.00%, 100±0.00% and 17±0.52%respectively). The duration of response and estrus phase length were significantly (P˂0.05) longer in G3 compared to G1 and G2 (duration of response was 39.17 ±2.74, 43.50 ±3.19, 48.00 ±0.75 respectively and estrus phase length was 31.67 ±1.97, 26.33 ±2.85, 38.00 ±0.52 respectively). Also pregnancy rate, lambing rate and fecundity rate were significantly (P˂0.01) higher in G1 and G2 compared to G3 (pregnancy rate was 83%, 100%, 17%   lambing rate was 117%, 117%,17% and fecundity rate was 140%, 117% and 100% respectively. The progesterone values no significant difference between three groups before treatment and at estrus phase while significantly (P˂0.05) higher in G1 and G2 compared to G3 after 12 days of treatment and at day 30 and 60 of pregnancy. Also progesterone level depending on litter size significantly (P˂0.05) in twin pregnancy compared to single pregnancy at day 30 and 60 of pregnancy. In conclude the current study illustrated that application of CIDR-PMSG and vaginal sponges-PMSG regimes was effective in estrus synchronization and achievement of high pregnancy rate in ewes with approximately  similar results. The serum progesterone level  via sheep progesterone ELISA kit on day 30 after insemination can be successfully used for diagnosis of pregnant and non pregnant sheep and the number of fetus with high accuracy.