Comparative Study of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin and Follicle-Stimulating Hormones on Superovulatory Response and Embryo Recovery in Damascus Goats

A study was aimed to assess the effect of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and porcine pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on superovulation and embryo recovery in Damascus goats. Twelve does were synchronized using a controlled internal drug release device (CIDR) containing 0.3 g progesterone, which remained in place for nine days. Six goats received a single intramuscular injection of eCG (1200 IU per animal) at CIDR removal, while the remaining six goats were treated with highly purified FSH (Fostimon®) twice-daily intramuscular injections (150 IU per animal) in decreasing doses, beginning at 48 h before CIDR removal. The incidence of oestrus was higher in FSH group (100.00%) than in eCG group (83.33%). The duration of oestrus was significantly (P<0.05) lower in FSH group (22.00±0.73 h) compared to eCG group (25.67±0.24 h). Goats in FSH group showed significantly (P<0.05) higher ovarian responses and ovulation rate (2.18%) compared to eCG group (1.04%). Similarly, FSH group yielded a higher number of recovered embryos. In conclusion, the use of FSH (Fostimon®) enhanced ovarian response, ovulation rates and embryo recovery compared to eCG treatment in Damascus goats.