Impact of short-term protein supplementation on estrus, ovarian activity, and blood metabolites in Ossimi ewes synchronized with PGF2 α analogue (Cloprostenol) in subtropics

ABSTRACT

The aim was to elucidate the effects of short-term, high protein diet on ovarian activity and metabolic status in synchronized Ossimi ewes. Fourteen Ossimi ewes divided into a high protein (HPG; n = 7) and a control group (CG; n = 7). Estrous synchronized using two doses of Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) that were administered 10 days apart. For the five days before the second dose of PGF2-α, a high protein diet consisting of 20% crude protein was fed to the HPG and the CG was provided a maintenance diet. The estrus period was significantly longer and the ovulation rate was significantly higher in the HPG as compared to the CG (P < 0.05). A significantly longer ovulation time and larger diameter ovulatory follicles were observed in the HPG (P < 0.05). A high protein diet had a significant effect on the number of recruited follicles and the diameter of the ovulatory follicle (P < 0.05). Significantly higher levels of estradiaol-17β, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, blood urea, and glucose detected in the HPG as compared to CG ewes (P < 0.05). It is concluded that short-term, high protein flushing may improve estrus expression, ovarian activity, and metabolic status in PGF2α analog synchronized Ossimi ewes.

KEYWORDS:

• Blood metabolites
• Follicular dynamic
• Protein
• Ossimi ewes
• Sex hormone

Statement of animal rights

All Institutional and National Guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed according to the Egyptian Medical Research Ethics Committee (no. 14 – 126).

Acknowledgments

The authors thank all workers at the research farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University for their help with this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.