Buserelin Improves Ovulation‐Embryo Synchrony Compared With hCG After eCG‐Induced Superovulation in Donor Sows
A. Lopez‐Jara, M. Garcia‐Canovas, H. Gonzalez‐Ramiro, M. A. Gil, C. Cuello, H. Rodriguez‐Martinez, I. Parrilla, E. A. MartinezABSTRACT
This study directly compares hCG and buserelin as ovulation‐inducing agents following eCG‐based superovulation in weaned donor sows, focusing on their practical impact on ovulation‐embryo synchrony under field conditions. Fifty‐five multiparous sows received 1000 IU eCG 24 h after weaning and were treated at onset of estrus with either 750 IU hCG or 10 μg BU. Embryos were recovered on Day 6 after estrus. Ovulatory response, embryo recovery, fertilization rate and viable embryo number did not differ between treatments. Embryo quality parameters were also similar. However, BU‐treated sows exhibited improved ovulation‐embryo synchrony, with a higher proportion of animals presenting embryos at the blastocyst stage compared with hCG‐treated sows ( p = 0.0051). In conclusion, BU maintains embryo yield and quality while improving ovulation‐embryo synchrony compared with hCG in eCG‐superovulated donor sows.