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Fertilization and Embryonic Survival in Ewes Synchronized with Exogenous Hormones during the Anestrous and Estrous Seasons¹

US Department of Agriculture^2,3,, Clay Center, NE 68933

Abstract

Causes of reproductive loss in ewes synchronized and mated during the anestrous season and during the normal breeding season were compared with those for natural cyclic ewes mated in season. Synchronization of ewes in season and out of season with progestogen: pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) increased ovulation rate, but the percentage of ewes ovulating did not differ from that noted for untreated ewes mated in season. However, synchronized ewes exhibited markedly higher total reproductive losses, both in season (49%) and out of season (58%), than did untreated ewes mated in season (25%). The two primary sources of the increased reproductive loss in synchronized ewes were increased fertilization failure and increased embryonic mortality, regardless of season. The increased fertilization failure was accompanied by a decrease in the number of accessory sperm per ovum and decreased tubal sperm numbers. The increased embryonic mortality among treated ewes was associated with increased variation in stage of embryo development within ewe and advanced stage of embryo development, which indicated that asynchronies of timing of onset of estrus, ovulation and fertilization may have occurred in synchronized ewes. The high reproductive losses for ewes treated out of season was characterized by a marked increase in fertilization failure, compared with that observed for ewes treated in season, in addition to the relatively high embryonic mortality associated with the synchronization treatment. Semen quality of rams was lower out of season than in season. It was concluded that the reduced and more variable lambing response often obtained for ewes treated with progestogen: PMSG during anestrus may be due to decreased semen quality of rams and increased asynchrony of events in the ewe reproductive tract.

¹ The authors gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance of Ms. Barbara DeChairo and Ms. Sharon Ellis with collection of animal data. Cooperation of the Nebraska Agr. Exp. Sta., Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln, is acknowledged.

² Roman L. Hruska US Meat Animal Research Center, AR, SEA.

³ Mention of a trade name, proprietory product or specific equipment does not constitute a guarantee or warranty by the USDA and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may also be suitable.