Ovum pick-up technique in recently weaned ewe lambs subjected to ovarian stimulation

ABSTRACT

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and possible complications of the laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) technique and to optimize ovarian stimulation in recently weaned ewe lambs.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-six healthy lambs, aging 4-8 weeks, were used in this study and divided into six different groups of six animals. Intravaginal implants of medroxyprogesterone were used for follicular wave induction, and parenteral equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were administered for ovarian stimulation. Ewes from group GCN did not receive any treatment. In group GCI, the animals received only intravaginal implants. For other groups, ovarian stimulation was carried out as follows in Group G80U, ewes were treated with a single dose of 80 mg of FSHp; in Group G80M, ewes received 4 administrations of 20 mg FSH, in Group G160U, they were treated with a single dose of 160 mg FSH; and in Group G160M they received 4 administrations of 40 mg FSH). Quantitative and qualitative assessment of retrieved oocytes were carried out after LOPU. In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes was also quantitative and qualitatively analyzed. Surgical procedure was divided into 6 stages and overall and stage surgical times were assessed. Post-operative pain and plasma fibrinogen were also assessed. The mean overall surgical time...(AU)