  |
SUPEROVULATION OF EMBRYO DONORS
Donor animals are superovulated using a series of FSH hormone injections. Not all animals respond the same. In fact, variation to superovulation is on of the largest and most frustrating problems in embryo transfer programs in all species. The typical response is 6 to10 ovulations. But this response ranges from none to over 20. Owners must understand and accept the uncertainty associated with this part of the embryo program. How you manage the program and the drugs can have a big effect on results. Donor animals are superovulated using a series of FSH hormone injections. Not all animals respond the same. In fact, variation to superovulation is on of the largest and most frustrating problems in embryo transfer programs in all species. The typical response is 6 to10 ovulations. But this response ranges from none to over 20. Owners must understand and accept the uncertainty associated with this part of the embryo program. How you manage the program and the drugs can have a big effect on results.
Normally, about 75% of the ovulations that result will produce embryos. Typically, about 75% of those are of transferable quality, that is, they can be transferred into recipients with respectable pregnancy rates resulting. In a well-managed program, these 6 embryos normally result in about 3-4 lambs/kids being born. But again, this can range from none to over 15 per embryo flush.
Embryo recovery is a surgical procedure with all of the risks that surgery and anesthesia implies. Donors must be in good health, correctly vaccinated, and, for high value animals we recommend that they be insured. Still, complications are extremely rare with today's drugs and equipment.
FACTORS AFFECTING SUCCESS (embryos recovered) OF DONOR PROGRAMS:
 | Breed - prolific breeds respond with more ovulations |
| Age – immature animals produce fewer and poorer embryos; older produce fewer embryos |
| Condition - must be in good body condition and on a rising plane of correct nutrition (energy) |
| Lactation - the closer to peak lactation the less the response to superovulation and |
| Season - results are better during the breeding season - August to late February |
| Breeding - males are expected to |
| Stress - stress prior to, during, or shortly after the program seriously decreases success. |
| Program management - correct handling and administration of drugs, timing of injections |
|
DRUGS USED IN
DRUGS |
TRADE NAME |
SOURCE |
DOSAGE |
| VAGINAL PESSARIES CIDRs |
Veramix CIDR |
Upjohn Co. Vetropharm |
|
| PROSTAGLANDINS |
Estrumate Lutalyse |
Schering Co Upjohn Co |
125 ugm 8 mg |
| SUPEROVULATION FSH | Folltropin | Vetropharm | Series of 6 injections |
| PMSG | Equinex Stimukron Folligon Novormon 500 |
Ayerst PVU Intervet Vetropharm |
200-300 iu |
| GNRH | Factrel Cystorelin |
Ayerst CEVA |
50 ugm |
ONE EXAMPLE OF A
DAY |
TIME OF DAY |
FSH INJECTION # |
ACTION |
| 1 |
|
VAGINAL PESSARY INSERTED |
|
| 10 |
|||
PM |
1 |
2.5 ml Folltropin PLUS recommended dose of PMSG (normally 300 iu) |
|
11 |
AM |
2 |
1.25 ml Folltropin
PLUS dose PROSTAGLANDIN (150 umg Estrumate or 8 mg Lutalyse) |
PM |
3 |
1.25 ml Folltropin | |
12 |
AM |
4 |
1.25 ml Folltropin |
PM |
5 |
1.25 ml Folltropin REMOVE PESSARY AT TIME RECOMMENDED |
|
13 |
AM |
6 |
1.25 ml Folltropin |
PM |
when recommended
give 50 ugm GNRH INTRODUCE MALE and BREED FOR 36 |
||
19 |
AM |
|
WITHHOLD ALL FOOD AND WATER BY NOON |
20 |
|
EMBRYO TRANSFER DAY HANDLE AND TRANSPORT WITH CARE NO FOOD OR WATER |
| Duration of the pessary use may vary according to program - typical range 9 to 14 days |
| CIDRs - when used instead of pessaries are normally in place for 9 day - get details |
| Timing and dosages of the Folltropin injections may be different than above - depending on program factors such as embryo freezing for export |
| Folltropin injections are to be given under the skin into the fat - neck often easiest location. |
| PMSG is given into the muscle - hind leg good location. |
| Handle drugs with care. Be accurate with dosages. Keep refrigerated once reconstituted. Do not make up more than needed. Do not use old drugs. |
| Do not use frozen or freshly made hormones beyond 1 day after thawing. |
| Give Folltropin 12 hours between AM and PM injections. Give at consistent time each day. |
| Remove pessary late in the PM of last day – about 8 PM - unless otherwise instructed. |
| Introduce one ram/buck to two donor animals. Be certain that breeding occurs. |
| Do not shear or stress ewes in any way during this period. Breed with care. |
| Have all vaccinations up to date |
Contact us if you have any questions.