Induction of Twinning in Noemi Ewes Using Two Protocols of a Recombinant Human Follicle Stimulating Hormone Versus Porcine Pituitary-Derived FSH and their Subsequent Impacts on Maternal Hormones

Abstract

Twinning induction of single-bearing Noemi ewes is an important avenue to maximize the economic feasibility of sheep production. Sixty Noemi ewes were used and randomly assigned to six treatment groups (n=10/group).Two sources of FSH [i.e., porcine (P) vs. human (H)] were given as a single dose or in six doses. The control 1 group was given a single dose of saline (C1), while the control 2 group was given six doses of saline (C6). Ewes in group 3 (P1) were given a single dose of p-FSH, in group 4 six doses of p-FSH (P6), in group 5 a single dose of h-FSH (H1), and in group 6 six doses of h-FSH (H6). The ewes were inserted with CIDR for 10 days with FSH given on day 8. A fertile ram was used at the onset of estrus. Blood samples were collected for hormone analyses. The time between CIDR removal and onset of estrus (63, 38 and 26 hrs. in C, P, and H, respectively) was shortened by FSH administration. FSH increased the incidence of twinning, however single dose resulted in more stillbirths and mortalities. The neonatal survival rate decreased in the P1 (40%) compared to the P6 (65%) treatments. Both sources of FSH raised progesterone and estradiol 17-β compared to the controls. Contrariwise, both h- and p-FSH reduced T4; however, h-but not p-FSH raised T3. In conclusion, using rh-FSH at six descending doses of a total 180 IU in Noemi ewes produced two viable neonates. Moreover, the exogenous FSH raised the sex hormones and T3 in the ewes.

Oral Administration of Spirulina platensis at Early Gestation Modulates Litter Size and the Expression of Inhibin, Insulin, IGF‐I, CO Q10, and BMP‐15 in Ewes Induced for Twinning

“…This function results in excess nutrients and oxygen provision to the fetuses in their first trimester [ 31 ]. Administration of L-arginine at early gestation has previously been given to ewes bearing singles or twins and exhibited better implantation, fetal growth, development, and survival [ 26 ]. Whether the embryos at their early implantation and growth would require the amino acid L-Arginine per se or need a source of protein (i.e., containing L-arginine and other essential amino acids) for the synthesis of the enzymes and growth factors for a better uterine milieu and proper implantation was the focus of the current exploration.…”

“…All animals were exposed to intravaginal CIDR insertion for ten days; recombinant human FSH (GONAL-f, Serono, Bari, Italy) was administered (i.m. ; AM and PM) in descending doses at 50, 50; 40, 40; and 30, 30 IU at days 8, 9, and 10 (a total dose of 240 IU, [ 26 ]). CIDR was removed on day 10 (AM; i.e., at the 5 th FSH dose), at which time an equivalent dose of hCG (240 IU, Pergnyl, Organon, Oss, Holland) was injected (i.m.).…”

“…To the best of our knowledge, no one has attempted to test the role of Spirulina supplementation in pregnant ewes during various stages of gestation. Our previous studies demonstrated that supplementing pregnant ewes at an early stage of pregnancy with L-arginine maintained the survival of the newborn lambs [ 26 , 27 ]. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to explore whether supplementing a rich source of protein and antioxidants like Spirulina during early pregnancy in ewes would promote the implantation and subsequent survival of twin lambs, in addition to investigating the hormonal (i.e., inhibin and insulin) peptides (i.e., IGF-I and BMP-15) and antioxidant (CO Q10) expression in the ewes induced for twinning.…”