Comparing two different superovulation protocols on ovarian activity and fecal glucocorticoid levels in the brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

Abstract

BackgroundStress is a limiting factor in assisted reproduction in wild animals maintained in captivity. However, the knowledge of assisted reproduction techniques for wild animals is useful for future in situ and ex situ conservation programs. Thus, this study evaluated the ovulation rate, presence of functional corpora lutea and fecal glucocorticoid levels following treatments promoting superovulation in captive brown brocket deer.MethodsThe crossover design used six hinds, allocated to two groups (n = 6): eCG Treatment, CIDR for 8 days, followed by 0.25 mg of EB on day 0, 700 IU of eCG on day 4 following device insertion and 265 mug of PGF2alfa on day 8; and FSH Treatment, CIDR for 7.5 days, followed by 0.25 mg of EB on day 0, 130 mg of FSH in 8 equal doses and 265 mug of PGF2alfa on day 7.5. Induced adrenal activity and treatment efficacy were evaluated by corpora lutea (CL) counts and fecal glucocorticoid and progestin concentration (ng/g feces) analyses for five different phases: Pre, two days before treatment; Early, first four days of treatment; Late, last four days of treatment; Total, entire treatment period; and Post, five days posttreatment.ResultseCG Treatment resulted in the highest number of CL (P lower than 0.05). There was no significant difference for fecal glucocorticoid concentrations in five different time periods between the treatments; however Pre fecal glucocorticoid concentrations (90.06+/−19.64) were significantly different from Late (200.76+/−26.39) within FSH Treatment. The mean fecal progestin concentration and mean ovulation rate were higher in eCG Treatment (4293.69+/−769.47, 7.0+/−1.8) than in FSH Treatment (1571.26+/−240.28, 2.6+/−0.8) (P lower than or equal to 0.05).ConclusionsAlthough the eCG Treatment induced a good superovulatory response, with the formation of functional corpora lutea, we cannot yet affirm that we have established a suitable protocol for induction of SOV in the species M. gouazoubira because approximately 65% of the deer showed premature regression of the corpora lutea. Moreover, multiple FSH applications in FSH Treatment resulted in a low ovulation rate and induced an increase in fecal glucocorticoid levels.

Effectiveness of a recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone on the ovarian follicles, peripheral progesterone, estradiol-17β, and pregnancy rate of dairy cows

“…Since FSH has shown good superovulatory responses accompanied with better number of good quality transferable embryos compared with eCG in gilts [ 9 ], deer [ 10 ], beef cows [ 2 ], goats [ 11 ], and dairy cows [ 12 ]. Administration of descending dose of FSH has shown acceptable superovulation in dairy cows.…”

Assisted Reproductive Techniques on South American Wild Mammals

“…In an attempt to provide efficient superovulation protocols for embryo collection, different studies have been developed in various wild mammals. An interesting example corresponds to brown brocket deer [106], in which eCG induced a good response to superovulatory protocol, promoting the formation of functional corpora lutea (7.0 ± 1.8) although 66.7% (4/6) of the females showed premature luteal regression. In comparison, FSH administration resulted in a low formation of corpora lutea (2.6 ± 0.8) and lower proportion premature luteal regression (33.3%; 2/6).…”

Evidence that Increased Adrenal Glucocorticoid Release During Superovulation does not Impair Gonadal Responses in Crossbred Thai Dairy Cows

“…Superovulation has been shown to increase the efficiency of embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization techniques in ungulate species, both domestic, such as sheep, goats (Cognié et al, 2003;Rahman et al, 2008) and cattle (Bó and Mapletoft, 2014), and non-domestic, including red deer (Cervus elaphus) (Bainbridge et al, 1995) and brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) (Zanetti et al, 2014). Twice daily intramuscular injections of decreasing folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) doses over 4 days (total dose of 260-300 mg) has been a standard superovulation protocol for crossbred dairy cows in Thailand for more than 20 years (Sumretprasong et al, 2008;Bó and Mapletoft, 2014).…”

“…Problems with superovulation regimens often are related to highly variable ovarian responses, both within and across species and individuals (Cognié et al, 2003), due to factors such as cycle stage, age, weight, and genetics (Senthil Kumar et al, 2003;Zanetti et al, 2014). Cows with a low number of follicles entering the wave typically respond poorly, even when the treatments are initiated at the time of follicular emergence (Bó et al, 2008).…”