Alternative Follicle Stimulating Hormone Dose Rate for Embryo Production in Dairy Cattle

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer though available for the past 40 years, is seldom used in Kenya. The high cost of superovulation has been cited as a major contributory factor. The research was carried out to test the effect of four different dose rates of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) used for superovulation. Ultrasound and manual palpation were used to determine the number of follicles and corpora lutea formed. Harvesting and grading of embryos was carried out to determine the quantity and quality of embryos produced. An average of three embryos per donor was recovered, though there was a potential of more than six embryos. One third of the donors failed to ovulate, another third produced 1 to 3 embryos while a third produced over three embryos. All donor cows had several ovulatory follicles ranging from 7.7 to 13.7, but the failure for some to ovulate needs further investigation. There was no difference in embryo quantity and quality between the different FSH dose rates. The season, technique and animal factors were shown to influence embryo production. It’s recommended that super ovulation may be carried out in Kenya using 200 mgs of FSH. This will reduce the cost of embryo production by at least 25% or more depending on the number of embryos harvested per donor.