Effect of mouse epidermal growth factor on fertility in rams

Abstract

Seminal characteristics and flock fertility were studied in Merino rams treated with mouse epidermal growth factor (EGF). Intravenous infusions of 105 8g EGF/kg body weight over 24 h in five rams had no statistically significant effect on daily sperm production measured from 6-10 weeks after dosing or on the percentages of spermatozoa that were unstained (nigrosinleosin stain) or morphologically normal. At 7-8 weeks post treatment, the percentage of spermatozoa exhibiting progressive motility was significantly reduced (P<0.05). By 9-10 weeks after treatment, the seminal characteristics were normal in all rams. In 1987, eight rams and in 1988, six ofthe same rams, were joined with ewes for 6 weeks (at a rate of 2%) 12 weeks after s.c. injection of 150 8g/kg body weight. Compared with the performance of control rams, EGF had no significant effect on ram fertility, nor did it produce any teratogenic effects in their progeny or effect their survival rate.