Abstract

The effects of two modified superovulation protocols on ovarian response in red deer were compared to a standard protocol. Twenty mixed-age red deer hinds were allocated to one of three treatment groups during the breeding season: Group S (n=7) received our standard superovulation protocol of 12-days treatment with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (CIDR‘, InterAg, NZ), eight injections of 0.45 mg ovine FSH (Ovagen, Immuno-Chemical Products Ltd., NZ) 12 h apart, beginning 72 h before CIDR removal with 200 iu eCG (Folligon, Intervet, Australia) added with the last injection. Group M1 (n=7) hinds received the same CIDR and eCG treatment, but Ovagen was delivered as four daily injections of 0.9 mg Ovagen dissolved in 30% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-40; Sigma Chemical Co, USA). Group M2 (n=6) hinds were pre-synchronised using a 12-day CIDR‘ treatment and then received seven daily injections of 0.9 mg Ovagen dissolved in 30% PVP beginning four days after CIDR removal. A prostaglandin analogue (2 ml Estrumate, Pitman-Moore NZ Ltd, NZ) was administered concurrent with the sixth Ovagen injection. Ovarian response was highest in M2 hinds. Mean ovulation rates (±S.E.M.) were 4.9 ± 0.83, 3.4 ± 0.70 and 8.7 ± 1.20 for S, M1 and M2 respectively (P>0.05). Two S and three M1 hinds were anovulatory following superovulation treatment, but all M2 hinds ovulated (P>0.05). Pre-synchrony of red deer hinds before daily injection of Ovagen is an effective superovulation protocol. However, further work is required to ascertain if viable embryos are produced following the extended period of FSH exposure.

IC, Scott, GW Asher, KT O'Neill, and RP Littlejohn

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 60, Hamilton, 65-67, 2000