Fertility following synchronization of oestrus in the sheep with intravaginal sponges. II. Effect of dose of progestagen and rate of absorption

Abstract

The effect on fertility of the amount of Cronolone (Searle) absorbed from intravaginal sponges and the method of artificial insemination was studied. A significant linear relationship exists between fertility and the amount absorbed in 16 days, over the range 1-10 mg. No such relationship can be demonstrated above this amount, and great variability and sensitivity to failure of fertility is shown at all dose levels. Insemination on a fixed time basis is superior to that on teasing. Of ewes inseminated on a time basis on the second or third day after withdrawal of sponges, 117 lambed of 237 treated (49.4%). Of ewes inseminated on detection of oestrus, 97 lambed of 196 in oestrus (49.5 %) of 249 treated (39 .O %).