Diagnosis of Pregnancy in Iraqi Awassi Ewes Through Progesterone Hormone Measurement and Ultrasonography Following Induction of Fertile Estrus with Sulpiride

Abstract

HE aim of this study was to diagnose pregnancy in Iraqi Awassi ewes by assessing progesterone (P4) levels and using ultrasonography after inducing fertile estrus during the anestrus season with Sulpiride, a dopamine antagonist for improvement of reproductive efficiency. This study was conducted from December 2022 to June 2023, with ewes randomly divided into two groups, each consisting of 6 ewes. The treatment group received a dose of 0.6mg/kg of Sulpiride, while the control group received normal saline. The results showed a significant (P < 0.05) estrus response in the treated group. P4 concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the treatment group on days 14, 21, and 28. However, the results of ultrasonography for pregnancy detection were non-significant in both the treatment and control groups at 30%, 60%, and 75% on days 30, 60, and 75, respectively, due to a high rate of early embryonic mortality. In conclusion, the use of Sulpiride proved to be a successful method for inducing fertile estrus in ewes, serving as a nonhormonal intervention during the seasonally anestrus period. The Seasonal anestrus is considered one of the main causes important problems in sheep, which causes Poor reproductive efficiency. P4 hormone measurement and ultrasonography were found to be rapid, safe, and reliable methods for diagnosing early pregnancy for improvement of reproductive efficiency in Iraqi Awassi ewes.