Investigation of the effect of a progesterone free superovulation protocol on embryo yield and quality in goats

The main objective of the present study is to determine the effects of progesterone and progesterone-free superovulation protocols on embryo count and quality in goats. The animal material of the study is consisted of 1-3-year-old 22 goats and 3 bucks. During the breeding season, the goats were divided into two groups of 11, and superovulation was applied. In the control group, goats were synchronized with intravaginal sponges containing 20 mg of fluorogestone acetate for 12 days. Four days after oestrus in the experimental group and on the 9th day after sponge application in control group decreasing doses of FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) (50; 30; 20 mg) were injected intramuscularly at 12 hour intervals. The sponge was removed on the 12th day in the control group. In both groups, oestrus was observed 24 hours after the fifth dose of FSH and the uterus flushing was performed on the 7th day after mating. In the study, superovulation response was obtained 100% in control group and 25% in experimental group. The recovery rate and transferable embryos were determined 61.5; 82.81 and 23.3%; 71.43% respectively and there was no difference between the groups (P > 0.05). In the non-progesterone-applied group of animals, it was observed that the cycle cannot be fully dominated, sufficient progesterone level could not be reached and gonadotropin application was, therefore, insufficient. Although progesterone administration is thought to have a negative effect on embryo quality, applying a superovulation by using progesterone has been shown to be more successful on superovulation and embryo collection rates.