Estrous synchronization in ewes: The use of progestogens and prostaglandins

ABSTRACT

This review summarizes the first principles, hormone types, and applied research related to the synchronization of estrus in ewes. The hormones used to induce synchronization include progestogens, such as medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP), fluorogestone acetate (FGA), a controlled internal drug-releasing (CIDR) device, progesterone (P₄), norgestomet, and prostaglandins. These are usually combined with gonadotropins. Research on these hormones indicates that CIDR, MAP, and FGA can be regarded as equally effective for induction of estrus in ewes. Prostaglandins are a suitable alternative for estrous synchronization especially considering that progestogens may have negative effects on the functionality of ovulatory follicles. Artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and the acceleration of herd genetic trait improvement are among the potential practical applications of synchronous estrus in ewes.

KEYWORDS:

• Ewe
• estrous synchronization
• progestogen
• prostaglandin
• gonadotropins

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Editage [www.editage.cn] for English language editing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

X. J. Yu http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7568-1029

J. Wang http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4833-6024

Y. Y. Bai http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8306-3722

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported financially by the [Key Research and Development Plan Program of Hebei Province, China. #1] under [grant number 18236609D]; [Funding for scientific research projects from the training fund of the Talent Project of Hebei Province, China. #2] under [grant number A2017002061]; and [Science and Technology Research and Development Plan Program of Zhangjiakou City, Hebei, China. #3] under [grant number 1711056I].