Study the Effect of HCG hormone Supplement after the Natural Mating on Some Reproductive Performance in Local Iraqi Ewe.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54174/semrcx23Keywords:
Ewe, estrus synchronization, HCG hormone, natural matingAbstract
This study was designed to investigate the effect of human gonadotropin (HCG) on enhancing some reproductive performance in Iraqi ewes after natural mating and the role of hCG in increasing the progesterone hormone. The study was done at a specific area identified as Al-Asimah Station, which is located 25 kilometers northwest of Baghdad. The local Iraqi sheep herd consisted of fourteen ewes, aged between 2 and 3 years, determined by breeding record and verified by dental formula, with 2 fertile rams used in this study. The animals kept at the semi-opened shade shelter were supplemented with drinking water ad libitum daily per ewe. The animals are subjected to careful clinical examination and ultrasonography examination to determine that they are non-pregnant/healthy and free from diseases. The experiment was extended from November of 2024 to May of 2025. These animals were divided randomly into two equal groups, each of seven ewes, according to the protocol used after estrus synchronization. G 1: 7 ewes received an i/m injection of 300 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCH) at the time of mating and repeated at day 4 after natural mating. G 2: 7 ewes were in the control group of synchronized ewes without any treatment supplement after mating. The animals had been evaluated for estrus appearance to record the animal’s response, the duration of the response after treatment, and the duration of the estrus phase. All groups had blood samples taken at the time of mating (day 0), day 5, and day 17 to have progesterone and estrogen concentrations measured. Also, in 30 days and 45 days, ultrasonography is used to detect conception rate and pregnancy rate; then, wait until the time of lambing to record the number of births, lambing rate, and litter size. The results of the current study showed a significant decrease in value (p≤0.01) in the estrous phase after HCG administration during mating. Also, there was a significant increase in the number of lambs in G1 compared to G2. Furthermore, the G1 had a higher rate of twins compared to the control group (G2). Regarding the conception rate, there was no difference between the treatment groups (G1) compared to the control group (G2). However, after the pregnancy rate record was confirmed, a significant increase in value (P ≤ 0.5) was observed, with the highest pregnancy rate in G1, followed by Group 2 (control group). This confirms the role of HCG in supporting pregnancy and reducing the rate of early embryonic death. Regarding lambing rate, a significant effect increase in value (P ≤ 0.01) was found between the groups, with a high percentage in the HCG group (G1) and then the control group (G2). While there was a significant increase in value (P≤0.5) in litter size among treatment groups compared to the control group, Concerning the role of HCG on reproductive hormones, a significant difference increase was observed between and within groups for the HCG group compared to the control group. In conclusion, the use of the estrous synchronization protocol and the injection of HCG after natural mating led to an increase in the pregnancy rate, birth rate, and litter size, as well as an increase in P4 concentration after progesterone.
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