Induction of oestrus and ovulation by means of prostaglandin and gonadoliberin (GnRH) treatment in an old mare barren for two breeding seasons.

The research article discusses a successful method of inducing oestrus (a phase in the reproductive cycle of female mammals) and ovulation in a seventeen-year-old Nooitgedacht mare that had been barren for two breeding seasons, using prostaglandin and synthetic gonadoliberin (GnRH) treatment.

Overview of the Research

• The research article narrates a case study of a seventeen-year-old Nooitgedacht Mare that had not conceived during the previous two breeding seasons.
• The researchers attempted to induce oestrus and ovulation using prostaglandin (PG) and synthetic GnRH. Oestrus is the period in the reproductive cycle of mammals during which the female is sexually receptive and ready for conception, while ovulation is the release of eggs from the female’s ovary.

Methodology

• The authors used prostaglandin, a hormone-like lipid compound in the female’s body that can cause uterine muscles to contract and support the shedding of an unfertilized egg. This was employed to induce oestrus in the mare.
• Additionally, the researchers used synthetic GnRH, a hormone responsible for the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary. FSH and LH are key hormones that control the reproductive system in females. Synthetic GnRH was administered to prompt ovulation in the mare.

Results and Conclusion

• Following the application of these treatments, the mare went into the oestrus phase and ovulated.
• Crucially, the mare was able to conceive during this PG-induced oestrus cycle. This indicates that the treatment was successful in stimulating the mare’s reproductive system.
• The successful conception of the mare after two failed breeding seasons provides significant evidence that treatments involving prostaglandins and synthetic GnRH can be effective in inducing oestrus and ovulation, especially in older mares that have experienced prolonged barren periods.

This successful application of prostaglandin and synthetic GnRH could therefore be beneficial to the field of veterinary science, particularly in the domain of equine reproduction, providing an alternative method to stimulate conception in older, non-conceiving mares.