Effect of Using Intravaginal Sponges of Domestic and Commercial Development on the Percentage of Synchronization of Estrus, Fertility and Prolificacy in Anestrous Ewes

The timing of seasonal anestric sheep is a very useful method in sheep production units, produces offspring in non-breeding season however, it is sometimes unaffordable for ovinocultor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using sponges domestic and commercial development on the percentage of estrus, fertility and prolificacy in anestrous ewes. A total of 60 sheep were used suffolk/hampshire seasonal anestrus, divided into three groups. Treatment 1 (T1), 25 sheep, each was fitted with an intravaginal sponge with 40 mg domestic production of progesterone, Treatment 2 (T2) with 25 sheep, they trade Intravaginal sponges with 20 mg of cronolone. In both treatments, the sponges were kept in the sheep for 12 days and they received 400 IU eCG intramuscularly 24 h before removing the sponges Witness Group (WO) with 10 sheep. The percentage of onset of estrus was different be tween groups (T1 = 72%, T2 = 92%, GT = 50%). As the fertility rate were observed but not very significant differences (T1 = 64%, T2 = 76% and GT = 50%1. No differences in the percentage of litter in all treatments were single births. In conclusion, anestrous ewes treated with intravaginal sponges of domestic production are induced to estrus efficiently and showed an acceptable pregnancy rate compared with sponges commercial development, plus the cost of production is relatively low compared to existing products market, the use of intravaginal sponges domestic production is an economically viable for ovinocultor however, requires a higher dose of eCG to increase the lambing percentage.