Effect of Different Gonadotropin Preparation on Ovulatory Response and Embryo Yield in Karayaka Ewes

Abstract

In this study, the main goal was to investigate the effect of stimulation with either oFSH (Ovagen (R)) or pFSH (Folltropin (R)) on the superovulatory response and embryo quality in Karayaka ewes. Thirty-five ewes were used in this study. The ewes were randomly allocated to two groups. Estrous cycles in ewes were synchronized with the controlled integral drug release dispensers (CIDR (R)) for 14 days. Starting on day 12 and during 4 consecutive days ewes were treated with oFSH in Group I (GI, n=16) and pFSH in Group II (GII, n=19). Ovarian examination and embryo recoveries were carried out with the aid of laparotomy on day 6 following CIDR withdrawal. There was no significant differences in the number of corpora lutea (CL), unfertilized oocytes (UFOs), total number of embryos (EMBTot), total number of freezable embryos (FEMBTot), ovulation rate (OR), fertilization rate (FR), recovery rate (RR) and embryo recovery rate (ERR) between the groups. On the other hand, embryo quality was better in GI compared to GII (P<0.05). In conclusion, it has been thought that application of oFSH for superovulatory treatment in Karayaka ewes was more effective than pFSH for the quality of embryos.