Buserelin Improves Ovulation-Embryo Synchrony Compared With hCG After eCG-Induced Superovulation in Donor Sows.
Buserelin may improve ovulation-embryo synchrony in donor sows compared to hCG without compromising embryo yield and quality.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the buserelin corpusSummary and findings
This study compared the effects of buserelin (BU) and hCG on ovulation-embryo synchrony in weaned donor sows following eCG-induced superovulation. Fifty-five multiparous sows were treated with either 750 IU hCG or 10 μg BU at the onset of estrus. The study found improved ovulation-embryo synchrony in BU-treated sows compared to hCG-treated sows.
Abstract
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.
Background
This paper addresses the effectiveness of buserelin versus hCG as ovulation-inducing agents in donor sows following eCG-induced superovulation. Previous studies have indicated various outcomes related to ovulation and embryo quality with different treatments, but the impact on synchrony has been less explored. Understanding the implications of these treatments on embryo development is crucial for improving reproductive efficiency in swine.
Methods
The study involved 55 multiparous sows that received 1000 IU eCG 24 hours post-weaning. At the onset of estrus, sows were treated with either 750 IU hCG or 10 μg buserelin. The primary outcome was the proportion of embryos at the blastocyst stage, assessed on Day 6 after estrus.
Results
The primary endpoint showed that buserelin-treated sows had a higher proportion of embryos at the blastocyst stage compared to hCG-treated sows (p=0.0051). Ovulatory response, embryo recovery, fertilization rate, and viable embryo number did not differ significantly between the two treatments.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that while buserelin improves ovulation-embryo synchrony, the overall embryo yield and quality remain unaffected compared to hCG. The statistical significance of the results indicates a potential advantage of buserelin, but the clinical relevance may be limited without further context on long-term outcomes. Confounding factors such as the field conditions and the relatively small sample size may impact the generalizability of these results.
Key findings
- Higher proportion of blastocyst stage embryos in buserelin-treated sows compared with hCG-treated sows (p=0.0051).
- No differences in ovulatory response between buserelin and hCG treatments.
- Embryo recovery rates were similar between treatments.
- Fertilization rates did not differ between buserelin and hCG groups.
- Viable embryo numbers were comparable across both treatment groups.
Limitations
- Small sample size of n=55.
- Study conducted under field conditions, which may introduce variability.
- No long-term outcome data reported.
- No assessment of potential confounding factors.