[Indications for prostaglandins in the field of reproduction in farm animals (author's transl)]

Abstract

Parenteral administration of 2.5-5 mg. of prostaglandin F2alpha to horses, 15 mg. to heifers or 25-30 mg to lactating cows and 15 mg. to sheep will induce regression of the corpus luteum (luteolysis) and a fertile oestrus within 48-72 hours. Because of their luteolytic effect prostaglandins may be used in various indications in the field of reproduction. An exception is the pig in which administration of prostaglandins does not induce luteolysis before D12 and therefore fails to induce oestrus. In horses, cattle and sheep, administration of prostaglandins during the first four days of the cycle is ineffective. In the present paper, a few indications for the use of prostaglandins are described, including induction of oestrus (in cases of suboestrus), synchronisation of oestrus, termination of unwanted gestation, elimination of a persistent corpus luteum (purulent endometritis, pyometra, mummified foetus), induction of parturition. In addition, some other indications are listed, such as reduction of the interval between parturition and conception, chronic endometritis, hydroallantois, luteinized cysts and suboestrus post weaning. In the opinion of the present authors, the most important field for the use of prostaglandins will be that of induction and synchronisation of oestrus. As regards the fertility of synchronized oestrus induced by prostaglandins, it is stated that, in cattle and horses, this is superior to that following treatment with progestagen. Extensive field trials will be required to determine whether the fertility of oestrus induced by prostaglandins is equivalent to that following spontaneous oestrus.