Comparison of the efficacy of altrenogest versus transdermal progestin patches on estrus synchronization and ovulation in mares

Research (Published online: 19-08-2023)

12. Comparison of the efficacy of altrenogest versus transdermal progestin patches on estrus synchronization and ovulation in mares

Jatuporn Kajaysri and Supphathat Wutthiwitthayaphong

Veterinary World, 16(8): 1667-1672

Jatuporn Kajaysri: Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand.

Supphathat Wutthiwitthayaphong: Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology Andrology and Artificial Insemination of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology, Bangkok, 10530, Thailand.

doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1667-1672

Article history: Received: 21-04-2023, Accepted: 18-07-2023, Published online: 19-08-2023

Corresponding author: Jatuporn Kajaysri

E-mail: jatuporn.kaj@cra.ac.th

Citation: Kajaysri J and Wutthiwitthayaphong S (2023) Comparison of the efficacy of altrenogest versus transdermal progestin patches on estrus synchronization and ovulation in mares, Veterinary World, 16(8): 1667-1672.

Abstract

Background and Aim: The adhesive progestin patch was investigated for estrus synchronization in mares because this method is convenient and safe in other species. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of a transdermal progestin patch versus oral altrenogest on estrus synchronization, preovulatory follicle development, and ovulation.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four broodmares were randomly divided into two groups. In Group 1, mares (n = 12) were fed 0.044 mg/kg altrenogest daily for 14 days. Group 2 (n = 12) mares were treated with adhesive transdermal progestin patches for 14 days. Mares were observed for estrus daily, from day 3 until day 7, after hormone withdrawal. Follicular development was determined by ultrasonography. The preovulatory follicle size and ovulation time after hormone treatments and ovulation rate were determined for both groups. Plasma progesterone levels were measured during the experimental periods and 2 days after hormone termination in both groups.

Results: The results revealed that the transdermal progestin patch efficiently controlled follicular growth and estrus synchronization in mares. The percentage of mares exhibiting estrus was similar in the altrenogest (100.00%) and transdermal patch (91.67%) groups. Ovulation rates were equivalent with either altrenogest or progestin patch protocols (91.67% [11/12] vs. 83.33% [10/12]). In addition, the preovulatory follicle size was similar in mares treated with altrenogest and progestin patches.

Conclusion: This study revealed that the transdermal progestin patch provides effective estrus synchronization and ovulation, similar to altrenogest treatment. However, the transdermal patch was more convenient with a shorter predictable ovulation time after estrus synchronization and should be considered as an alternative method for mares.

Keywords: altrenogest, estrus synchronization, mare, progestin, transdermal patch.