The effect of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) on pregnancy rates of white-tailed deer following fixed-timed artificial insemination

Assisted Reproductive Technology in Neotropical Deer: A Model Approach to Preserving Genetic Diversity

“…Finally, the use of CIDR for 8 days was tested in conjunction with the application of cloprostenol upon removal of the device, resulting in 100% of hinds (n = 6) expressing behavioral estrus. The period between the end of treatment and the onset of estrus varied from 52 to 88 h, the duration of estrus varied from 24 to 52 h, and the diameters of corpus luteum were 4.85 ± 0.74 mm [92]. This protocol was later used to manipulate the estrous cycle in other species, such as M. nana [93].…”

Reproductive management in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann)

“…In sheep and goats, it is common to administer equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) to females before or at the time of removal of the intravaginal device or progestogen, to increase the ovulation rate, as well as the synchrony of the onset of estrus after the device is removed. However, the application of 200 IU of eCG in white-tail deer females has not yielded satisfactory results (Gentry et al, 2012;Haslag et al, 2016), suggesting the need for studies to evaluate the optimal dose of this hormone. Using the progesterone implant (Norgestomet) is carried out by placing only half of the implant in the animal's ear for 14 days (Willard et al, 2002).…”

“…Fawn weight appears to be the main factor that triggers birth; however, the timing of birth slightly varies from year to year, depending on the conception timing and maternal nutrition (Heffelfinger, 2006). The number of offspring as well as their sex depends on the age and nutrition of the mother; usually one-year-old females have only one fawn per parturition, two-year-old females average 1.3 to 1.6 fawns, and females over three years of age have 1.5 to 1.8 fawns per parturition (full reproductive age; Jacobson, 2007;Gentry et al, 2012; Figure 3).…”