No abstract

The study was investigated to compare the effectiveness of Folltropin and two products (Fostimon and Menogon) of a recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (rhFSH) on ovarian super-stimulation and embryo production in dairy Holstein cows. Two different doses for each super-ovulatory product were investigated. The relationship between the levels of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) in the blood serum before super-stimulation initiation and ovarian response and embryos production were also evaluated. At random stage of the estrus cycle, the donor cows were received intra-vaginal controlled internal drug release device (CIDR) and injected with 100µg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). On fourth day of CIDR insertion, cows were divided according to the product types of superovulatory hormones into three equal main groups. According to hormonal dose, each main group was re-divided into two equally subgroups ; low and high dose. Superovulatory hormones was injected IM as decreasing doses; 40%, 30%, 20% and 10% of the total dose twice daily for 4 days. On day 7, CIDRs were removed and each cow received 2 doses of PGF 2 α with 12hr interval. Based upon heat detection, donor's cows were inseminated with frozen semen three times 8-10hrs interval and concurrent with 100µg GnRH injection at first insemination. Non-surgical embryos recovery was performed on day's 7-8 post insemination and ovarian super-stimulation was checked using sonography to estimate ovarian response. Recovered embryos were morphologically evaluated as grades. Twelve embryos collected from Menogon donors group were transferred to six recipient's cows. The mean numbers of CL, recovered embryo/ova, fertilized ova and transferable embryos are significantly (P<0.01) higher in Folltropin and Menogon treated cows than Fostimon group. Donor cows treated with high doses of Folltropin and Menogon showed higher means for transferable and freezable embryos. Three recipients (50%) who received embryos appeared pregnant and one of them born calf. Significant positive correlations were reported between AMH on one side and CL, total ovarian response, transferable and freezable embryos on the other side, and cows having AMH≥230ng/L exhibited significant higher means. In conclusion: Menogon can be used as rhFSH for embryos production with transferable quality. AMH can be used as indicator to helpful select cow's candidates as donors. More studies are needed using Fostimon accompanied with different levels of LH.