The effect of treatment with a slow-releasing oxytocin preparation at the onset of oestrus on the ovulation rate of Merino ewes
Date
1997
Authors
King P.R.
Coetzer W.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The effect of a slow-releasing oxytocin preparation on the ovulation rate of Merino ewes was investigated. Synchronised Merino ewes were subcutaneously injected with a slow-releasing preparation containing 10 IU oxytocin, 48 hours after sponge withdrawal. Laparoscopic examination of the ovaries of all ewes was performed 10 d after the oxytocin treatment in order to determine the number of corpora lutea per ewe. The ovulation rate of the adult ewes of the treated and control groups was 179.1% and 159.1% respectively (p < 0.05) while that of the 2-tooth ewes was 108.3% and 112.8% respectively (p > 0.05). It would appear that a higher ovulation rate can be obtained by a single injection of a slow-releasing oxytocin preparation at the onset of oestrus. The lack of response in the 2-tooth ewes was probably due to their relatively low body weight.
Description
Keywords
oxytocin, animal experiment, article, body weight, controlled study, drug effect, estrus, female, nonhuman, ovulation, sheep, subcutaneous drug administration, sustained release preparation, Animals, Delayed-Action Preparations, Estrus, Female, Ovulation, Ovulation Induction, Oxytocin, Sheep
Citation
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
68
1
68
1