Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the role of various treatment protocols of Progesterone application in pregnant Awassi ewes. Thirty non-pregnant mature Awassi ewes were divided in 3 groups (n = 10 each), for estrus synchronization, all ewes treated with intra-vaginal sponge for 12 days. Before day of sponge withdrawal, all ewes injected with 250 IU of PMSG, after appearance of estrus sings all ewes were mating with experienced rams. At 4, 12, and 21 days of pregnancy, ewes injected (i.m) with 5 ml of normal saline (Control group; C). At 4 and 12 days of pregnancy, ewes injected (i.m) with 10mg of Progesterone (Progesterone group 1; Pro1) and at 4, 12 and 21 days of pregnancy, ewes injected(i.m) with 10 mg of Progesterone (Progesterone group 2; Pro2). Blood samples were collected, at 30, 60, 90, 120, 140 days of pregnancy, for assessment of Progesterone and Estradiol-17β concentrations. As well as, numbers of newborns after parturition calculated. The statistical analysis registered significant (p≤0.05) gradual elevation of serum Progesterone concentration in Pro1 and Pro 2 pregnant ewes when compared with control pregnant ewes (C) during the period of pregnancy (60th day, 90th day and 120th day), the results recorded significant (p≤0.05) decrease in serum Estradiol concentration in groups Pro 1 and Pro 2 at days 30th , 60th, 90th and 120th in comparing with control group. As well as, the results of total numbers of newborns in the Pro 2 group increased significantly (p≤0.05) when compared with Pro 1 and control groups. Therefore, it was concluded that the injection of Progesterone at days 4, 12 and 21 of pregnancy was efficient method for improving the luteal functions during early development embryos by augmenting some fertility hormones leading to decrease the embryonic death.
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أ.م.د. سرى صافي عبيس | Assist. Prof. Dr. Sura Safi Obayes | 1987