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Effect of Gonadotropin Hormones on Bovine in Vivo Embryo Production and Subsequent Conception Rates Following Embryo Transfer

Habsah, B.¹*, Ahmad, J.³, Muhammad, K. A. M.², Md Rizan, S.², Hairul, A. A. M.³, and Azrikin, S. A.²

^{1, 2}Advanced & Reproductive Technology Programme,
¹MARDI Serdang, 43300, Selangor, Malaysia.
²MARDI Kluang, 89000, Johor, Malaysia.
³Breed Development Programme, Livestock Science Research Centre, 89000, MARDI Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2024 27(2): 39-52

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Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) has been established to mass produce in vivo embryos from high quality donor cows. Inducing superovulation using either follicle- stimulating hormone (FSH) or equine chorionic gonadotrophins (eCG) influences the number and quality of in vivo embryos that may be recovered from a single donor cow, making it an essential stage in the MOET process. Therefore, the objective of this study included (1) comparing the superovulatory responses of donor cows, the embryos production rate and quality of embryos collected from Charoke cows treated with either FSH or eCG hormones, and (2) evaluating conception and calving rates following embryo transfer. All donor cows (n=33) with at least one parity were hormonally treated either with FSH or eCG. All of the parameters in the FSH- and eCG-treated groups did not differ significantly (p >0.05) in the current investigation. However, cows treated with FSH had a larger percentage of donors with positive superovulatory response (56%) than the eCG group (44%). An average of three transferable embryos was collected per animal receiving either FSH or eCG hormones. The production of one life calf in the embryo transfer demonstrated that adequate progesterone levels during embryo development. Additionally, performing embryo transfer on day 6 following artificial insemination, with more than one embryo per recipient, could enhanced the conception rates. In conclusion, this study indicated that both FSH and eCG can be utilized to superovulate donor cows under local conditions, resulting in the birth of live calves.