Influence of GnRH administration on timing of the LH surge and ovulation in dwarf goats

This study was conducted to determine whether or not exogenous gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) alters the timing or improves the synchrony of estrus, the LH surge, and ovulation following estrous synchronization in dwarf goats, and to assess the effects of season on these parameters. In January and June, estrus was synchronized in 12 Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf goats with a 10-day progestagen sponge, 125 mug cloprostenol i.m. 48 h before sponge removal, and 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) i.m. at sponge removal. Six of the 12 goats were given 50 mug GnRH i.m. 24 h after sponge removal. Onset of estrus was monitored using two males. Samples for plasma LH were collected at 2 h intervals beginning 22 h after sponge removal and ending at 48 h in January and at 58 h in June. Time of ovulation time was confirmed by laparoscopy at 36, 50, 60, and 74 h in January and at 50, 60, and 74 h in June. Administration of GnRH had no significant effect on the onset of estrus; however, it reduced the interval from sponge removal to the LH surge and improved the synchrony of the LH surge (P < 0.05). Treatment with GnRH also reduced the interval from sponge removal to ovulation and improved the synchrony of ovulation (P < 0.05). Season had a significant effect on the timing and the synchrony of estrus with and without GnRH treatment (P < 0.05). A seasonal shift was also observed in the timing of the LH surge in the absence of GnRH treatment (P < 0.05). Further research is required to determine the optimum time for GnRH administration and the minimum effective dose in dwarf goats. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.