Progesterone, oestradiol, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone profiles and their relationship with superovulatory response and quality of embryos in crossbred cows treated with folltropin and prostaglandin F2 α

Abstract

Crossbred cows (8) were selected and their oestrus was synchronized with double injections of PGF₂α at 12 days apart. The induced oestrus was considered as day 0. The superovulation was induced with folltropin-V on day 9 of the oestrous cycle. The characteristics of oestrus were studied. The embryos were collected non surgically on day 7 post oestrus. The mean number of ovulations, unovulatory follicles, total embryos, transferable embryos, nontransferable embryos and unfertilized oocytes were 10.88 ± 1.02, 0.63 ± 0.03,8.00 ± 0.88,5.88 ± 0.81, 1.63 ± 0.02 and 0.50 ± 0.01 respectively. The onset, duration and intensity of oestrus were positively correlated with the number of ovulations. total embryos and transferable embryos. The number of ovulations. total embryos and transferable embryos were significantly (P<0.01) positively correlated with progesterone concentration on the day of initiation of superovulation. during superovulation and on the day of embryo collection; with oestradiol concentration on the day of initiation of superovulation, during  superovulation and oestrus; and with follicle stimulating hormone on the day of initiation of superovulation and during superovulation. The onset, duration and peak of FSH and LH surges also significantly (P<0.01) positively correlated with number of ovulations, total embryos and transferable embryos. It is inferred from the study that progesterone and luteinizing hormone determined the quality of embryos, while, oestradiol and follicle stimulating hormone determined the quantity as well as quality of the embryos in PGF₂α and folltropin treated superovulated crossbred cows.