Comparación de dos tipos de esponjas intravaginales en la sincronización de la ovulación de ovejas de pelo.

Abstract

The objective of the research was to compare two types of intravaginal sponges for ovulation synchronization in hair sheep, using 8 female sheep per treatment. Handmade sponges of 3 cm in diameter and 3 cm thick, rigorously disinfected and treated with 50 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate plus 96% potable alcohol, were compared with commercial sponges of 50 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate. Student's T-statistic was applied for the parameters of body condition and bacterial load in the vaginal mucosa, and the body condition was analyzed subjectively and quantitatively for the presence of vaginal mucus, estrus, and gestation by ultrasound 30 days after laparoscopic insemination. Results showed significant differences in body condition, with increases from 2.25 to 3.0625 points at T1 and from 2.375 to 3.3125 points at T2. All females were in estrus; the presence of vaginal mucus was 88% in T1 and 75% in T2. Gestation rates were 75% at T1 and 88% at T2. Bacterial colony size decreased significantly, from 3.375 mm to 1.1875 mm. The handmade sponge treatment was more economical compared to the commercial sponge, saving $3.40 per animal. Both treatments were effective in synchronizing ovulation. It is recommended to replicate the study with different induction times and doses of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG).